Report Last Updated - 5/02
Birthdate - n/a
6'3" 240 lbs. - Barrie, Ontario
Team - n/a
Style - Kuk Sool Won
Career Highlights
- Defeats Paul Herrera and Jerry Bohlander to make it to the finals of UFC VIII
- Beats Oleg Taktarov at Pride 1 by knockout
- Crushes Yoshiaki Yatsu for the first time at Pride 11
- Beats the incoming and highly toated Valentijn Overeem with strikes at Pride 14
- Submits K-1 big man Jan Nortje at the Andy Hug Memorial show
Striking - Gary Goodridge is a powerful man and can hammer on opponents with any number of his weapons. He has boxing experience and is definately a knockout puncher, but can't always show that off. "Big Daddy" may be the hardest hitter in the MMA game, but he is lacking in other areas, so he has not the top striker.
Wrestling - Being a striker, Goodridge doesn't like to be on the ground, unless he's in a position to rain down elbows. He's learned how to be defensive and has a lot of strength to help him, but cannot work off his back.
Hooking - Goodridge has shown off some submission savvy in the past few years with some basic submissions: kneebars, chokeholds and keylocks. Though he's not used them against any top notch grapplers, the fact that Goodridge has expanded his style from being a mere striker shows he's smart fighter.
Strengthes - Looking a Goodridge anyone can tell he is a powerhouse, maybe the strongest guy to ever come down the road. His upper body power is uncanny and it helps his offense and defense alike. If he could match his strength with skill, Goodridge would be a terror. He is an example of just how far raw ability can take someone.
Weaknesses - Action and excitement are what "Big Daddy" loves to bring to every fight. This does not necessarily mean victory though and many better strikers have taken advantage of that approach. He seems pretty content in a place and with his style, so while he's very popular he probably won't be much more than a charismatic brawler.
Outlook - The "gatekeeper" of Pride has been around since the company's birth. He's fought just about anyone whose anyone with mixed results. His size and strength are largely what have made him successful, but they can only work so well. It seems that Quinton Jackson may soon take over Goodridge's position with his more exciting style and more interesting promos. Goodridge may just become an attraction for the fans, who'll certainly never forget him.