Report Last Updated - 2/03
Birthdate - n/a
6'1" 220 lbs. - Eindhoven, Holland
Team - n/a
Style - Kickboxing/Submission

Career Highlights
- Defeats Minoru Suzuki to become the King of Pancrase
- Beats Provisional KOP Frank Shamrock to become the undisputed King
- Knocks Out Masa Funaki at the Tokyo Tough show to remain the KOP
- Defeats Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at UFC XVIII to fight for the vacant Heavyweight title
- Gets a decision victory over Kevin Randleman at UFC XX to become the Heavyweight champ

Striking - Bas Rutten stepped into Pancrase with a solid kickboxing background and his strikes became a major part of his game. He is lightning quick with his kicks and loves to use open hand palm strikes and knees. Rutten's flurries dazed opponents, if not knocking them out. He is probably the best striker from his back that there is, which helped him win the UFC Heavyweight title.

Wrestling - Rutten is strong guy, who can fend off grapplers pretty well and take them down if he wants. This is probably his weakest area because we've seen his greatest damage done while in the hands of wrestling/judo fighters. Bas is a lot like Vanderlei Silva in this area, in that his sprawl is good, but not flawless.

Hooking - Though maybe not the top notch grappler he's often toated as, Rutten was as good as anyone at just grabbing a limb and forcing a submission. He prefers leg locks and usually goes for those if anything, but if the opportunity arises he'll hook a choke in a heartbeat. Bas has a solid know-how like many of the best strikers who can submit, but whether or not he's world class is a judgement call.

Strengthes - Rutten has competed at the highest levels of stand-up and ground fighting, so he is the complete fighter. As great of a fighter as he is, Rutten is also a charismatic character, which has given him appeal to promoters as both a fighter and a color commentator. In the ring, Rutten was tough, seasoned, and conditioned, which made him a near perfect fighter.

Weaknesses - Probably the biggest flaw of Bas Rutten is that he is not 100% fighting. He has left companies for various reasons, which adds to his greatness in a way. Unfortunately for fans of the thirty-something Rutten, he is content to watch and call fights. The injuries and age are creeping up and Bas probably only has a select few more fights left in him.

Outlook - Bas Rutten is perhaps the best fighter to ever compete in Pancrase. He turned that into a short, but successful UFC career and is now reaping the benefits. "El Guapo" has taken his name and become one of the most successful fighters in post-competition. He has held the Bas Rutten Invitationals, which draw good, young talents like Eugene Jackson, Jens Pulver, and Heath Herring. Rutten has also done an exceptional at color commentary for UFC some and Pride plenty. Most recently Bas has graduated into the workout video realm and pro wrestling, which shows he is a name in the world. While a return to MMA might be ill-adviced, Bas certainly talks like he wants to do it badly despite a worn down body.