In the nascent, often chaotic world of early mixed martial arts, where specialized warriors clashed with diverse skill sets, few names resonated with the sheer force and charisma of Bas Rutten. The Dutch kickboxing phenom, known as “El Guapo,” carved out a legendary career, punctuated by brutal knockouts and an infectious personality. Yet, amidst a record of 28 victories, one particular win stands out, not just for its ferocity, but for the profound sense of vengeance it brought: his epic rematch against Masakatsu Funaki.
The Unfamiliar Defeat and the Spark of Transformation
Every legend has a beginning, and sometimes, that beginning includes a humbling defeat. For Rutten, that moment came in January 1994, during a Pancrase event. He faced Masakatsu Funaki, a formidable Japanese fighter, and suffered his first professional loss via a toe hold submission. To truly grasp the significance of this, one must recall the era: MMA was still in its infancy, and cross-training was far from universal. Rutten, a striking savant, readily admitted his rudimentary understanding of grappling at the time. “I didn’t even know what a toehold was. I knew it hurt, but that was it,” he later recounted, highlighting the steep learning curve he, and many early pioneers, faced.
This initial setback, however, proved to be less of a stumble and more of a catalyst. The loss ignited a relentless drive within Rutten. What followed was an astonishing period of rapid evolution. In the two years between his first encounter with Funaki and their highly anticipated rematch, Rutten engaged in 19 additional fights, securing 16 victories and claiming an openweight title. This furious pace was not merely about winning; it was about learning, adapting, and transforming. He immersed himself in the intricacies of submission grappling, determined never to be caught off guard again.
The Rematch: A Debt Repaid with Interest
The stage was set for their second confrontation at the Pancrase: 1996 Anniversary Show, with Rutten`s openweight title on the line. The air was thick with anticipation, and for Rutten, it was more than just a title defense; it was personal. Adding a theatrical flourish to the drama, Funaki made a pre-fight gesture that Rutten interpreted as a direct taunt – a throat-slitting motion. This, as Rutten vividly recalled, cemented his resolve: “I’m gonna kill this guy now.”
What unfolded over the next 17 minutes was a brutal, visceral exhibition of Rutten`s evolved skill set. Funaki, a master of submissions, attempted his grappling arsenal, but this time, Rutten`s improved defense held firm. When the fight inevitably transitioned to the stand-up exchanges, “El Guapo” unleashed a relentless barrage. Palm strikes, knees, and a sheer will to dominate became his instruments. He systematically battered Funaki, turning his rival into a “bloody mess.”
The damage inflicted was severe and undeniable. Funaki’s nose was broken, and both cheekbones were shattered. Rutten himself bore the marks of his effort, with knees “black and blue” from repeated impacts and bruised palms from the sheer force of his strikes. The fight, a true testament to early MMA`s raw intensity, saw Funaki display incredible resilience, reportedly getting back up five times despite the overwhelming assault. But Rutten`s calculated aggression eventually culminated in a final, devastating knee to the face that ended the contest. The fight was over, and the vengeance was complete.
“It was a crazy fight for him. It was the best fight they say because he got up five times. I broke both cheekbones, and his nose was broken. My knees were black and blue from hitting him, from kneeing him in the freaking head. My arms had bruises on my palms… That was it. The fight was over. I remember they raised my hand, and then right after they raised my hand, I fell backwards. I was exhausted.”
The Indelible Mark of Satisfaction
This victory, more than any other, resonated deeply with Bas Rutten. It wasn`t just another notch in a remarkable win column; it was the ultimate vindication. It symbolized his journey from a specialized striker to a more complete, albeit still famously brutal, mixed martial artist. It was the moment he avenged his first professional loss, demonstrating not only his power but also his capacity for growth and adaptation.
The image of Rutten, hand raised in triumph, only to immediately collapse from sheer exhaustion, perfectly encapsulates the profound effort and emotional investment in that fight. It was a physical and mental war, and he emerged victorious, having repaid a debt with brutal, satisfying precision. Bas Rutten`s career is a vibrant tapestry of memorable moments, but his rematch with Masakatsu Funaki remains a stark, compelling narrative of vengeance, evolution, and the unyielding spirit that defines a true combat sports legend.
