Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Dirtiest Deeds
No. 4
4. Renzo Gracie vs. Ben Spijkers
World Combat Championship 1 “First Strike”
Oct. 17, 1995 | Charlotte, N.C.
Gracie enjoyed a successful MMA career, but he also had a dark side when it came to combat. That was never more apparent than in his 1995 clash with Spijkers under the World Combat Championship banner.
Before he arrived in Pride Fighting Championships, Gracie was a well-established brawler who could blur the lines between clean and dirty. After grappling with judo black belt Spijkers in his white gi, a no-gi Gracie eventually transitioned to the back and cinched a rear-naked choke. Spijkers tapped and the referee tried to get the Brazilian to break his hold, to no avail. The 1988 Olympic bronze medalist eventually went to sleep, and once Gracie was yanked off of him, he kicked the unconscious Spijkers in the arm. Worse yet, once Gracie rose to his feet, he stepped on the Dutch judoka’s neck as he walked away; he was booed lustily and chastised by the referee. Gracie ultimately did “the right thing” and went over to check on his fallen foe, but the damage to his reputation had been done.
Gracie went on to become one of MMA’s more likeable figures and one of its most successful trainers, but his actions on Oct. 17, 1995 continue to follow him to this day. Spijkers never fought again.
Number 3 » Blinded by the Fight
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