1. Masahiko Kimura--Judo [YT]v2wO3dHUYwQ[/YT] [YT]BVE82gH-v-g[/YT] 2. Jon Bluming--Kyokushin & Judo [GV]1998764980345828602[/GV] 3. Carlson Gracie--Gracie Jiujitsu [GV]1218637889706748986[/GV] 4. Danny Hodge--Amateur Wrestling & Boxing Champion [YT]WhmjRzllHCI[/YT] 5. Gene Lebell--Judo (terrible video) [YT]IIeYcnTbiuI[/YT] 6. Benny Urquidez (P4P)--Judo, Kickboxing [YT]jsTPvsqpIgc[/YT] 7. Helio Gracie--Gracie Jiujitsu [YT]HMAu0A-vQm8[/YT] 8. Valdemar Santana--Boxing, BJJ, Capoeira [GV]1218637889706748986[/GV] 9. Ray Elder--Muay Thai This content is protected On November 5th, 1971, American Ray Elder defeated Toshiya Furuya to become the first non-Oriental to win the Japanese Middleweight Kick-Boxing crown. The bout was at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo in front of 9000 cheering spectators. Elder was from Pasco, Washington. In March 1970, Elder was sent to Thailand to train at the Sri Sothorn Camp and in May 1970 fought at Radgdamnern Stadium. Elder fought 5th ranked middleweight Mahahchai Tacharom. Elder won the bout. Returning to Japan the over confident Elder did poorly winning 5 and losing 3 until his next fight in Thailand. In November 1970 he returned to Thailand and met the no.1 ranked Thai middleweight Daenthai Ittichit who was the former Radgdamnern Stadium Middleweight Champion. Elder lost by decision. After that bout Elder had 15 straight bouts (winning them all - 12 of them by KO). On the 26th of April 1972 Elder defended his title against Abe Oka in Korakuen Hall. On the 13th of August 1972 Elder lost in his bid to win the Orient 'World Middleweight Kickboxing Title' against Thailand's Songket. Elder was KO'ed in the 4th by a series of high kicks to the back of the ear and the neck. According to newspaper sources, Elder was winning the fight up until the point of the KO. Elder blocked the strong Thai kicks for 2 rounds and then started punching dropping his hands like an international boxer and he paid the price. Elder was known for being superior at using his left jab, having a good ability to block kicks and being proficient on the inside with the use of the knees. Elder could beef up to 193 lbs. at times still looking in shape and there was talk of bringing him over to fight Joe Lewis (who had been criticized for fighting athletes who did not know how to Kickbox). Needless to say, the financial rewards that both Lewis and Elder could have seen from such a match never happened. 10. Joe Lewis--Americanized Karate [YT]gX_A-Ynx3VA[/YT] [YT]j1ozpqOUyBU[/YT]
Again a very interesting thread by cross_trainer. It is right to mention Jon Bluming here. He trained under Mas Oyama (Kyokushin) and was a world class Judoka, too. Bluming calls his style "Kyokushin Budokai". Tough workouts, contact sparring and groundfighting are typical for this style.
Fatastic thread once again. Which fighter do you think would have contendered better if they were around today?
Hmmm...Bluming is probably the best qualified (10th dan in Kyokushin, 9th in Judo, trained champions in both), and a big guy to boot. On the other hand, Kimura (despite a lack of well-rounded skills) was the greatest Judoka of all time. I could see the former beating most guys at heavyweight, and the latter beating most guys at 185. Urquidez would beat just about anyone in his division, but he may be too light for any of the modern MMA divisions.
