MANILA, Philippines – Don Frye’s contributions to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) will be recognized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as he is set join fellow legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the organization’s Hall of Fame class for 2016.
The world’s premier MMA promotion broke the news during the UFC 199 live broadcast on Sunday, June 5 (Manila Time) as Frye will be part of the Pioneer Era wing, which recognizes fighters who turned professional before November 17, 2000 when the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were introduced to the sport.
"Don Frye is a legend in this sport and one of the toughest guys to ever compete," UFC president Dana White said.
The 50-year-old American had a 15-year prizefighting career and competed in different organizations such as the UFC, PRIDE, K-1 and Deep.
Frye first graced the famed Octagon in February 1996, capturing the UFC 8 tournament before making a bridesmaid finish in the UFC 10 tourney 5 months later.
Later on, “The Predator” took his talents to Japan where he would participate in one of the most memorable brawls in MMA history against Yoshihiro Takayama at PRIDE 21 in June 2002.
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"He was known for putting on incredible fights like his one with Takayama in PRIDE, which is still to this day one of the craziest fights I've ever seen,” White recalled.
Frye decided to hang up the gloves for good in December 2011 after suffering a first-round knockout loss to Ruben Villareal under the Gladiator Challenger banner.
Frye left the sport with a record of 20-9-1 (1 NC) and had notable victories over Gary Goodridge, David “Tank” Abbott, Gilbert Yvel, Ken Shamrock and Takayama. – Rappler.com