Since he retired in 2011, he has been in and out of hospitals. The Predator, often regarded as one of the grittiest fighters in MMA history, acknowledged he hadnt watched his fight with Yoshihiro Takayama in years. Youre not a man anymore. Then the That year, he also assembled and coached the Arizona-based Tucson Scorpions in the International Fight League, but on November 9, 2007 announced on TAGG radio that he and the IFL had parted ways. That MMA fight 20 years ago was deemed so great, so fierce, that the Then we just started He participated in 31 MMA fights and won twenty of them via knockout. Both fighters exchanged The ex-wife, shed be loving and came around at that time and I was like 28, 29, and then I got into it. 76.6k Followers, 179 Following, 188 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Don Frye (@donthepredatorfrye) donthepredatorfrye. [18], On October 2, 2005, Frye took part in AJPW's Wrestle-1 Grand Prix where he lost to Jamal.[18]. Were friends. And he couldnt believe it because everybody else that always hung around him always wanted something. Much to everyones knowledge, Don went through difficult challenges both in his health and family life. According to TMZ Sports, a fan at this past weekend's UFC 270 event tempted fate by bumping into the legendary UFC Hall of Famer's 10 . him, Spencer said. Just ten days later, in his first appearance in the United States since 1996, Don Frye took on Ruben Villarreal in King of the Cage: Predator in Globe, Arizona. It was Fryes career and charisma that turned him into an legend Dont they talk to each other over there?, Then they showed another picture of me, and then another, and then I went, Holy (expletive), I think thats me!'. Frye had mentioned in an interview prior to the fight that (besides knee strikes) he had never thrown a kick in his life and his disadvantage was obvious as he couldn't use his wrestling skills and was repeatedly thrown when he tried to tie up with Le Banner. making it to the UFC. Get the latest authentically local news from TucsonSentinel.com. The setback left his record at 20-9-1. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/06/with-horse-gone-and-wife-leaving-don-frye-says-ufc-hall-of-fame-came-at-the-right-time, Twitter reacts to Mike Perry's TKO of Luke Rockhold, faceoff with Conor McGregor at BKFC 41, Eddie Alvarez def. Lwowski works as a reporter and photographer for Wrangler News and interned for Phoenix Magazine Visuals in spring 2022. Fryes impending Hall of Fame induction as an MMA pioneer was announced on June 4, during the UFC 199 pay-per-view broadcast. only four cage fighters with over 100-career wins, and of those four, Frye was molested three times as child, he said. He 175 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the, Ranked No. appearances, doing acting stuff, and he came down and stayed with me for There, Frye took part in what is known as one of the most iconic MMA fights of all time. Because John McCain was pulling his nonsense, so everybody was trying to crawl up McCains ass. it was the wild wild West. MMA fighting pioneer won the UFC 8 tournament and UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996 Tournament. It will either Frye, 56, clicked play on his TV. It indicates that He is on life path 1. Don Frye was born on 1965-11-23. As. Check out the main event preview now. Were friends. (Photo by Andrew Lwowski/Cronkite News). A slight smirk appeared through his thick, burly mustache as his former self and Takayama the 6-foot-7, 285-pound Japanese wrestler moved to the corner of the ring and exchanged right hands akin to Rock Em Sock Em Robots. Took a big chunk out of my spirit that fighting spirit that the Japanese always talk about. I didnt have the money (when I didnt fight), Frye said. Once a year, Frye performs this search and looks for openings or gaps that could be signs of pest activity, evidence of rodents (like droppings or gnaw marks) and termite mud tubes. Oh, and hes got a special request, as well. Don Frye. What started out as an easy way to make a couple of bucks or rather, a lot of extra bucks ended up becoming a career when, at a time when then-U.S. Don was in a medically induced coma in 2016. Readmore, California and Arizona are currently fighting each other over water from the Colorado River, but this isnt new - its actually been going on for over 100 years; at one point, the states literally went to war about it - and the problem comes down to some really bad math from 1922. Don being Don, he would take a lot of time with them and Im sure thats what made him big over there., His popularity also led to his featured role in Godzilla: Final Wars.. When the UFC was started in 1993 and even up until the early 2000s, it was the wild, wild West. And, speaking with his characteristic candor, The Predator not only confirmed his presence but also admitted it will come as much-needed relief during particularly trying times. Severn has victories over the other what it was.. His two daughters, who he admires for staying with him through the divorces, help with care of the animals and property. Below we countdown to Don Frye upcoming birthday. Readmore, After a tough winter for roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation has pledged more than $85 million to patch potholes and to resurface, repair and improve highways in the state. Frye finished his UFC career with a 9-1 record with no fights going the distance. Find a staff list and description of our beats here. [23] Frye also portrayed mayor and former wrestler Mike Haggar in the Final Fight fan film "The Broken Gear". in years. [3] During this time, he also took up judo and earned the rank of second dan black belt. Frye capitalized on a failed neck crank attempt to get standing and try to outmatch Coleman there, but he was taken down again, and a late takedown attempt of his own also failed, with Coleman reversing and threatening with an overhead throw before returning to his routine. I was molested a few times when I was a kid, so that will f make (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images), Don Fryes career took a toll on his body, but he still makes sure to care for his horses and property. His long career has sculpted Fryes perceptions on divorces, injuries and making a living; he acknowledges hes a lot darker now.. When Don came back from California after his surgery and stroke, he [4], In 1995, Don Frye helped train Dan Severn for the Ultimate Ultimate 1995, accompanying Severn's entourage to Denver. I had more than just wrestling or boxing, Frye said. A successful celebrity in Japan due to his pro wrestling career, Don Frye made his comeback to mixed martial arts when he signed a multi-fight contract with the Pride Fighting Championships in 2001. Im going to miss you all.'. about five or seven on this (left shoulder), about five on this (right 2023 Cronkite News. The Predator, often regarded as one of the grittiest fighters in mixed martial arts history, admitted he hadnt watched his fight with Yoshihiro Takayama But, youd get off the plane and it was just crazy, the on the matching ottoman with a sigh. A former pro boxer and a licensed firefighter, Don Frye made an impressive professional fight debut by knocking out 6'1", 410 pound Thomas Ramirez in 8 seconds. He is credited on IMDb for the role as "Wrestling Opponent". Half a dozen horse saddles are stacked Soleil Moon Frye's daughters Jagger, 10, and Poet, 12, might follow in her footsteps when it comes to pursuing a career in show business. His daughters help care for them and the property when he cant. Joined: And it was Spencer who got Fryes pit bull, Quinn. Don stopped doing professional fights in 2011 and has since been active in mixed martial arts. As Don Frye watches his famous bout with Yoshihiro Takayama, his emotions at the time flood back. If you can not make it to the visitation and service on Monday, you can send condolences and gifts of appreciation to Lee Ann Frye at 1001 Sherwood Avenue, Marysville, OH 43040-1340. around for two, two and a half years. 2004 account For a fair sport/true mma fan, ain't no shill. [12], Following his tenure with the IFL and a one-off fight with Texas-based promotion NoLimit Fighting, Don Frye competed in his inaugural fight with the DEEP organization, fighting Japanese fan favorite Ikuhisa Minowa. Family: He has two daughters with his wife Mollie Frye. The one regret Frye had over his career was not listening to his body. Although he fought for 11 different Senator John McCain was actively campaigning against the sport he referred to as human cockfighting, Frye was forced to choose between his two occupations. debuted in 1996, winning UFC 8, finishing all three fights in under "authentically local news & community views", 2009-2023TucsonSentinel.com, Tucson, Arizona. Her birthplace is Update Soon. Don Frye has two daughters with his ex-wife Mollie Frye. Use our convenient PayPal/credit card donation form below or contact us at donate@tucsonsentinel.com today. Frye stormed into the fighting scene early, appearing as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC at the time, Severn said. the pain tolerance you used to have. At Frye sat in silence and watched the video of what Takayamas life Tucson Sentinel's independent nonprofit newsroom learns from & informs Southern Arizonans about the community challenges & unique culture of our Borderlands. He has two daughters with his wife Mollie Frye. This would happen three times in the fight, until the referee stopped the bout after Frye mounted Takayama, who was visibly much worse for the wear. But at the end of the day, he doesnt wish he had it any other way. perception from when he started, from divorces to injuries to making a They were one of four new teams established at the beginning of the 2007 season. promotions, the UFC, PRIDE FC and New Japan Pro-Wrestling were among the Overall, its a blur, but when you watch it, you think, Oh yeah, I [16] He lost out to Keiji Mutoh in his first title shot in April 1999 and was defeated by Kensuke Sasaki in his second in February 2000. MMA world at all. [24], Frye is divorced and has two daughters. Don Frye father's name is under review and mother unknown at this time. He asked, because they called me up for UFC 9, and I asked Jack for the time off and he went to the city manager and the city manager said no. [15] He debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in August 1997, defeating Kazuyuki Fujita in his first match. However, Frye had to choose between his day job and his love for boxing. The fight between Don Frye and Yoshihiro Takayama in Japans PRIDE 21 was so intense that the referee had tears in his eyes. Like I said, the back is a mess., Many fans remember Frye and love to interact with him, like at this UFC International Fight Week Legends Panel in Las Vegas. Over Don experienced a brain hemorrhage while in surgery. That was Dan Severns and mine advantage. The MMA legend that helped pave the way in the early days of mixed martial arts has suffered in recent years, going through a divorce and having several surgeries done which caused a brain hemorrhage which forced him to be put into a medically induced coma. The year 2005 turned out to be a busy year for Frye as he made several appearances. But we rely on your support to bring you independent news without the spin. Don Frye vs. Sonny Westbrook The Samoa-born Westbrook, who was significantly older, provides security for the reality television series Dog The Bounty Hunter, and is a respected, even beloved trainer at Kona Boxing Club in Kailua, Oahu, Hawai'i. UFC on ESPN 44 results: Vintage Max Holloway outpoints gritty Arnold Allen MMA Underground staff First at 6 by a family friend, then at 8 by an adopted family Spencer met Frye while Frye worked as a reserve firefighter before Both men paid a price for that.. Four months after defeating Ken Shamrock, Frye returned to MMA to face Japanese professional wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21 on June 23, 2002. Hell yeah. From there, he signed with Shark Fights stateside the following year. was in a bad place, said Spencer. Somewhere halfway between Japan and L.A., hed turn into Don The Predator Frye rock star, Spencer said. I was in the toilet Learn more about what we do and how to find our content on our broadcast, digital and social media platforms. Fryes main motivation to keep doing the face-punching gig was pretty clear from the start. [25], For the professional wrestler who also used the ring name "The Predator", see, Later career and sporadic comebacks (2007present), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (19972002, 2004). Then we just started punching.. Both men paid a The match more closely resembled a hockey fight than a Upcoming Birthday. He also appeared in No Rules and starred in Nagurimono. However, in a recent interview, Don said that he plans to go back to professional fighting and have a match with Francis Ngannou. He stole my soul. The director of the film, Ryuhei Kitamura, mentioned that he wrote the role with Frye in mind since he was a fan of Frye's matches. Or even with the brutal Ken Shamrock bout at PRIDE 19 that left both men dealing with the damages for years to come. If you enjoyed the . That rage followed him throughout his career and has led to a major role in an upcoming movie with actor Michael Par about tracking down and killing pedophiles, he said. And it was Spencer who got Fryes pit bull, Quinn. I shouldve retired after the Takayama fight, said Frye, who had a [16] In September 2001, Frye won the G1 World Climax tournament. Readmore, From the top editor on down, the Arizona Daily Star staff was cut by nearly one-quarter on Monday, as the newspaper's corporate chain owners told local journalists they were being laid off. My wife died in 1999, Spencer said. Whenever Frye leaves the hospital, he stays with Spencer in Sierra Vista. Frye won via technical knockout on the scorecard, but it was truly the viewers who won. Andrew Lwowski expects to graduate in August of 2022 with a bachelors degree in sports journalism. [13], After a two-year absence and at forty-six years of age, Frye was scheduled to face Mike Gonzalez for the Gladiator Challenge Light Heavyweight title. Furthermore, he also acted in Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy, The Ant Bully, Noah, and Public Enemies. Frye won at the U-Japan event in November 1996, taking a submission victory by forearm choke over Mark Hall in a rematch. Looking back on it, it was just a hell of a privilege to be involved in something like that.. everybody had their hands out. around him always wanted something. possibility of a successful marriage and left him broke., I didnt have the money (when I didnt fight), Frye said. He firstly went for the second time against Gary Goodridge, who brawled on the clinch before taking Frye down and landing headbutts, but the result was the same, as Goodridge tapped out as soon as Frye got dominant position. Don Frye has two daughters with his ex-wife Mollie Frye. Your contribution is tax-deductible. I had three different skillsets, and I didnt get stage fright.. His mentality of head down, tail up and charge drove him to produce 100% Free and No Sign-Up Required. After the tournament win, Frye left NJPW and returned to MMA. [21], Frye also appeared in a new AT&T mini-movie advertisement for the Blackberry Bold 9700 entitled "Stay One Step Ahead" during the 2009 holiday season. was in the hospital, Frye, now 56, clicked play. A slight smirk Hope he gets himself turned around. Birthplace Arizona . that they will probably never, ever witness again. I thought to myself, You bunch of dumbasses, Dan Severn is already in the UFC Hall of Fame. overseas. rooms traditional wood shelves. My horse had died. anymore. Ah, OK, theres the truth., Just as it had earlier, the UFC changed Fryes life once again when The referee, Yuji Shimada, he was I didnt think it would ever happen, Frye said. I tell you, the timing couldnt be better, Frye said. He participated in Godzilla: Final Wars, Miami Vice, and No Rules. He retired from MMA in 1997 to pursue a career in professional wrestling with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and quickly became one of the company's leading heels. Creative Commons, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He But one day, he suddenly disappeared from the fighting scene. Catalina mountains. The video covers the Top 10 FINISHES of Don "The Predator" Frye. his body and masking the pain with medication shortened his career, he He finished his career in 2011 with a pro MMA record of 20 wins. moves used then are now illegal. Don Frye began acting in movies with Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), playing the role of Captain Douglas Gordon. that they didnt want anymore and so he called me and hes like, Can I got here, Don started getting better.. However, if it werent for Severn, Frye may have never graced the MMA world at all. After a successful wrestling stint at Arizona State University, the now 50-year-old Frye was working as a firefighter when he was first invited to try his luck at the UFC. dont think I fought in the UFC until I was 30.. Pro-Wrestling (DDT) in 2017. His pride and joy come from a cigar, his pit bull Quinn, and two horses, Puzzle and Funk. Before the UFC got its legs, Japans PRIDE was the top mixed admires for staying with him through the divorces, help with care of the However, he had to withdraw due to an injury and was replaced by UFC 1 entree Patrick Smith. He had died, then the divorce.. Frye won by way of technical knockout on the scorecard, but it was truly the viewers who won. Thats why we became good friends, because I knew him before he was famous and I didnt want anything from him. Dons former wife, Mollie took their daughters with her, leaving Don alone. famous and I didnt want anything from him. brawls with The Viking Raiders: SmackDown highlights, April 28, 2023 . THE HANNIBAL TV 352K subscribers Join Subscribe Share Save 39K views 1 year ago Don Frye Full Shoot Interview From his Home! The latest one is a television ad for a yakisoba product named "UFO" produced by Nissin Foods (an executive officer was a fierce fan of Frye). Took a big chunk out of my spirit that fighting spirit Gallery: Duel Fyre's gag email turned into a hand modeling gig. In his last appearance in the promotion, Frye faced Kim Min-Soo at Hero's 7 on October 9, 2006 and knocked him out with a right hook in the second round. Readmore, Cattle grazing has seriously damaged much of the 42-mile long San Pedro conservation area in Southeastern Arizona, according to a study by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity, which pointed a finger at "cow-worshipping, rancher-fearing BLM employees." The Punky Brewster star, who is mom to daughters Poet Sienna Rose Goldberg, 15, and Jagger Joseph Blue Goldberg, 13, and sons Lyric Sonny Roads Goldberg, 7, and Story Goldberg, 5, did not reveal. It was Fryes career and charisma that turned him into an icon overseas. 188 posts. Multiple sizes available for all screen sizes and devices. Through watchdog reporting, local commentary & expert analysis, the Sentinel inspires residents to be meaningfully engaged with our community, promotes transparency & understanding, seeks solutions that empower, & holds the powerful accountable. Thompson landed several more blows on a defenseless Frye before the referee called the fight at 6:25 in the first round.[11]. I shouldve retired after the Takayama fight, said Frye, who had a storied 15-year career. I was a fireman down in Bisbee, Arizona, Frye recalled. When the replay of the fight ended, Frye switched to a video of However, given his years-long squabble with UFC President Dana White, some wondered if he would ever make it to the promotions Olympus. The ex-wife, shed be loving and caring in front of everybody, but when we were alone, You just arent the man you used to be, not as tough as you used to be, you dont have the pain tolerance you used to have. I was never the same after Don Frye will celebrate 58th birthday on a Thursday 23rd of November 2023. Takayama, God bless him, man, he said. We were out at one of my friends house and there was Don Frye is 56 years old in 2022. He moved on to New Japan Pro-Wrestling and PRIDE FC, based in Japan, after his UFC career. Don Frye: his birthday, what he did before fame, his family life, fun trivia facts, popularity rankings, and more. However, Frye was a pioneer in the sport, one of the first true mixed martial artists with backgrounds in wrestling, judo and boxing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. pet him. broke the rod (in my back) the first time I didnt know it, I limped referee had tears in his eyes. Don Frye is a guy who enjoys his life, Frye said. Quinn, and two horses, Puzzle and Funk. Don Frye is an American former mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and actor. He's way too young to be having all these problems. Readmore, In 2022, while was running for U.S. Senate, then-Attorney General Brnovich suddenly agreed to execute Aaron Gunches - even though he had not carried out any executions in the first seven years of his term - but the new regime had concerns about how executions were carried out. Takayamas current condition. Don Frye won his final belt in the UFC during Ultimate Ultimate 2 in 1996 before moving on wrestling and MMA in Japan. However, Abbott lost his balance and fell, allowing Frye to secure a rear naked choke, to take the title of Ultimate Ultimate 96 Champion, his second UFC Tournament Championship. In a rather long battle, Frye lost a unanimous decision to Coleman after three rounds. Frye was molested three times as child, he said. Ultimate Ultimate 2 in 1996 while finishing as runner-up in UFC 10. Don Frye Height and Physical Info Some people are indeed interested in the weight and height of celebrities, but there is a more important question to ask. Furthermore, his surgery was intended to fix two titanium rods in his back. My friends said that horse was wild and that nobody else could even get close to it. Were all smoking cigars and drinking beer and they announce Bob Meyrowitz and (Antonio Rodrigo) Nogueira and then they said, The third guy is, and they showed a picture of Dan Severn and I walking up to the octagon. he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. And, interestingly enough, The Predator found out about it the same way as everyone else. Nobody else on the planet but him wouldve made that fight Both fighters exchanged something more than just blows to the face. [22], Frye provided the voice for the main villain Matt Ninesister in the third installment of the Stick 10: Even More Swag animated specials, The United League of Stereotypes. The fighting was so great, so fierce that the referee had tears in his eyes. Frye was molested three times over the course of his childhood, he While his close friends knew him as J.R. Frye, he had a people would like mob him. CATALINA, Ariz. Don Frye eased into his tan leather chair, loosened his back brace and rested a leg on the matching ottoman with a sigh. three minutes with Severn in his corner. My wife died in 1999, Spencer said. horses, and some good friends., Zach Yentzer, one of two independent candidates vying to challenge Regina Romero as Tucson's mayor in November, said his campaign was ending after losing a challenge over his petition signatures.

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