He didn't make a career out of kicking people in the balls. In fact, I can't recall a single fight where he did that. If anything, he was even more restricted than the current Unified Rules, which the UFC operates under. He spent most of his time in old-school Pancrase. He wasn't allowed to punch to the head with a closed fist, so he had to use an open palm. If he got someone in a submission, they could grab the ropes and he'd have to release the hold. I think the heel hook was banned in Pancrase for a period of time, and striking on the ground, while not strictly illegal, was frowned upon.
Bas Rutten's success had to do with the fact that he was in good shape, he hit hard, and he picked up submissions very quickly. Those things would make him a success today as well.
Bas Rutten has been a great fighter! His striking was devastating, he also had a very skillfull grappling and he's one of the toughest dudes I can think of.
If I had to name two men I would definitely like to avoid as an opponent in a fight, that would probably be Bas and Iron Mike, both in their prime. Meaning those two are the fighters I personally would fear most.
Kind regards from germany
No. Bas Rutten was never overrated during the years he competed in MMA, and he's not overrated now. He's still a dangerous fighter even though his past injuries forced him to retire. He can still kick high and hard and dish out vicious punches, knees, and elbows.
No. I think he is one of the all time greats. He was all around and well rounded. He could stand up kick punch ground fight and submissions. The guy was a total package. He was also a stamina machine very well conditioned and in fabulous shape.
He was highly skilled for his time but didn't compete in many real fights other then that pancreas bs
hes the most underrated
No
He did stuff in many of his fights that the UFC now considers illegal. If it weren't for him kicking his opponents in the balls, would he have still won most of his fights?
