Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley, 2007.
Born	Franklin Roberto Lashley (1976-07-16) July 16, 1976 (age 35) Junction City, Kansas, United States
Other names	The Boss[1] The Real Deal[1] The Pressure Cooker (MMA) [2] The Dominator(MMA)[3]
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight	282 lb (128 kg; 20 st 2 lb)
Division	Heavyweight
Reach	90 in (229 cm)
Style	Wrestling
Fighting out of	Denver, Colorado
Team	American Top Team, American Kickboxing Academy, American Top Team Altitude,[4] CSW[5]
Trainer	Josh Barnett[5]
Years active	2008 – present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	9
Wins	7
By knockout	2
By submission	3
By decision	2
Losses	2
By knockout	1
By decision	1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Franklin Roberto "Bobby" Lashley^[6] (born July 16, 1976)^[6] is an American mixed martial artist, actor, and former collegiate amateur wrestler as well as a former professional wrestler. During his professional wrestling career, he was best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he was a one-time United States Champion and a two-time world champion, having had two reigns as ECW World Champion.

Lashley attended Missouri Valley College, where he won three national college amateur wrestling championships between 1996 and 1998 and placed fourth in 1995. In 1997 and 1998, he was the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Wrestling Champion.^[7] Lashley later joined the United States Army, where he continued to wrestle.^[6][8] He was training for the Olympics in 2003, when he suffered a knee injury while doing business at a bank where a robbery broke out.^[9][10] The injury ended his Olympic plans, and Lashley went into pro wrestling soon after.

Professional wrestling[link]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2004-2008)[link]

Debut (2004-2005)[link]

In November 2004, Lashley began working in the professional wrestling area and signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. He was assigned to the development territory Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he was known as Blaster Lashley, and was a member of the Bolin Services stable along with Mike Mondo and Ken Doane. However during that time Bolin Services began to crumble with Lashley refusing to help Doane win matches, resulting in him turning face and going by his Bobby Lashley name.

Various feuds and United States Champion (2005–2006)[link]

In mid-2005 Lashley appeared at four live events, wrestling in dark matches for both the Raw and SmackDown! brands.^[6] On September 23, 2005, Lashley made his televised WWE debut as a face on SmackDown! using the name Bobby Lashley. Lashley was introduced as a three-time National Amateur Wrestling Champion, a four-time All-American, a two-time Armed Forces Champion, and a 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championship. In his first match, he defeated Simon Dean. In his pay-per-view debut at No Mercy, he defeated Dean once again. Lashley went on to defeat numerous superstars both on SmackDown! and Raw.^[6] On the November 11 episode of SmackDown!, Lashley defeated Orlando Jordan in a qualifying match for a place on Team SmackDown! at Survivor Series where he was the first to be eliminated. Prior to this elimination Lashley was dominating the Raw Superstars, showcasing various "power moves" and a finisher on Carlito. Yet a chokeslam from Kane, who was on the apron, caused Lashley to be eliminated.^[11][12]

On January 6, 2006, Lashley became the first announced participant from SmackDown! to be entered into that year's Royal Rumble.^[13] At the Royal Rumble, Lashley was the eighth wrestler to enter the match. He eliminated Sylvan, but he was then eliminated by the combination of Raw's then World Tag Team Champions The Big Show and Kane.^[14] Following the Royal Rumble, Lashley began a feud with John Bradshaw Layfield leading up to a match at No Way Out. The match was Lashley's first loss in singles competition due to interference from Finlay.^[15] During February and March, Lashley was involved in a feud with Finlay, where the two would brawl on many occasions, including a lumberjack match that Finlay won after using a shillelagh.^[16]

On April 2, after winning a Last Chance battle royal by last eliminating MNM,^[17] Lashley competed at his first WrestleMania (WrestleMania 22) in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The match was won by Rob Van Dam.^[18] Lashley next entered SmackDown!'s King of the Ring tournament. He lasted until the finals, defeating Mark Henry and Finlay in the process.^[6] In the final round, held at Judgment Day he was defeated by Booker T with help from Finlay. Later, as Booker was being crowned, Lashley performed a spear to Booker.^[19] These acts developed into a feud with the newly named "King Booker" and the other members of his court (Queen Sharmell, Finlay, and William Regal). During this feud, Lashley won his first professional wrestling championship by defeating JBL for the United States Championship, which he lost to Finlay a little less than two months later.^[20][21] Lashley later joined forces with Batista against the Court. Not long after losing the United States Title, Lashley was declared unable to compete according to a physician who stated that during an annual exam, Lashley was found to have elevated enzymes of the liver and therefore, would not be cleared to wrestle until further evaluation.^[22] Lashley returned a couple of weeks later to the SmackDown! roster to continue his feud with the Court and went on to earn his first match for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy against King Booker. This match later became a four way bout that also included Batista and Booker's ally, Finlay. King Booker won that match after pinning Finlay.^[23]

ECW World Champion (2006–2007)[link]

On November 14, 2006, Lashley moved to the ECW brand. He debuted on the brand by making a surprise appearance to sign a contract for the final spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the ECW World Championship at December to Dismember.^[24] At December to Dismember, Lashley was the fifth person released into the match. He eliminated both Test and The Big Show by pinfall after a spear to become the new ECW World Champion. This made Lashley the first African American to hold the ECW Title.^[25]

Lashley making his entrance during an ECW house show.

After winning the ECW World Championship, Lashley then had successful title defenses against Big Show, Rob Van Dam, Test, Hardcore Holly, Kenny Dykstra, and Mr. Kennedy.^[6] On the March 19, 2007, episode of Raw, Lashley officially became the first and only person to ever break Chris Masters' masterlock hold and thus the first and only person to ever defeat the masterlock challenge.^[26]

In early 2007, Lashley was selected by Donald Trump to represent him in a "Battle of the Billionaires" match, against Vince McMahon's representative, Umaga which also featured Vince's long time adversary Stone Cold Steve Austin as the guest referee. At WrestleMania 23 in a Hair vs. Hair match, Lashley defeated Umaga following a spear and helped Trump shave McMahon's head afterwards in accordance with the match's losing stipulation.^[27] After WrestleMania, Lashley feuded with Mr. McMahon. McMahon booked himself, his son Shane McMahon, and Umaga in a 3 on 1 handicap match against Lashley at Backlash for the ECW World Championship. After two high impact diving splashes from Umaga, Mr. McMahon tagged himself into the match and pinned Lashley to win the title.^[28] Lashley legitimately injured his shoulder during the match and after an examination days later, it was revealed he had a damaged rotator cuff but would not need surgery at the time.^[29] At Judgment Day, Lashley defeated Vince, Shane, and Umaga in a 3 on 1 handicap rematch after hitting the Dominator on Shane McMahon. Lashley did not win the ECW World Championship, however, because he did not pin Mr. McMahon. As a result, Mr. McMahon retained the title.^[30] On June 3 at One Night Stand, Lashley defeated Vince McMahon in a street fight to win the ECW World Championship for a second reign despite interference by Shane McMahon and Umaga in the match, making Lashley the first man to win the ECW World Championship twice since WWE reactivated the title.^[31]

Pursuit of the WWE Championship, injury and departure (2007–2008)[link]

On the June 11 edition of Raw, Lashley was drafted from the ECW brand to the Raw brand as part of the 2007 WWE Draft, as a result of the drafting, Lashley had the ECW World Championship taken from him. He took place in a challenge match against Mick Foley, Randy Orton, King Booker and John Cena for the WWE Championship at Vengeance: Night of Champions which Cena won to retain the WWE championship. Lashley became the number one contender for the WWE Championship by winning the "Beat the Clock" challenge on the July 2 edition of Raw. On July 22 at The Great American Bash, he was pinned and defeated by John Cena, after the match they shook hands as a sign of respect, this was Lashley's final WWE pay-per-view appearance. On July 30 episode of Raw, Lashley was defeated by Mr. Kennedy. During the match Lashley was "injured" after Kennedy kicked Lashley's shoulder into the ring steps, allowing Lashley to have time off for surgery for the legitimate injury he suffered at Backlash, this was Lashley's final appearance in WWE.^[32][33][34]

After six month injury, in January 2008 on the forum of his official website, Lashley announced that he was released by WWE. He clarified his comments by claiming that he did not want to leave WWE, but had to due to circumstances beyond his control, he also stated that he was now training for a career in MMA.^[35] WWE announced that Lashley was released from his WWE contract on February 4, 2008.^[36]

Asistencia Asesoría y Administración and Independent Circuit (2008)[link]

After departure from WWE, Lashley returned to wrestling by appearing at Asistencia Asesoría y Administración's flagship event TripleMania XVI. He, along with Kenzo Suzuki and Electroshock, defeated Chessman, Silver King, and La Parka, Jr.^[37]

Also after his departure from the WWE, Lashley would appear in many independent promotions. Such as World League Wrestling. He also appeared in the Denver based Fusion Pro Wrestling, teaming with AJ Styles, and Paul Diamond to face the "Three Egos." He also wrestled for the Inoki Genome Federation in Japan.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009–2010)[link]

Lashley made an appearance at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Lockdown pay-per-view event on April 19, 2009 and he also later appeared on that week's episode of TNA Impact!, both times pointing and smiling at The Main Event Mafia, thus appearing as a heel. On July 15, TNA announced that he had signed an official contract with the company.^[38] On July 23, Kurt Angle introduced Lashley as the newest member of the Main Event Mafia. Lashley entered the ring and hugged Angle while the rest of the Mafia held a beaten and battered Mick Foley upright. Angle then told Lashley to finish off Foley but as Lashley prepared to spear Foley, he turned on Angle and cleared the Mafia from the ring, thus making him a face.

On the July 30 edition of Impact!, Lashley made his in-ring debut for TNA in a tag team match as he and Mick Foley wrestled against World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and Legends Champion Kevin Nash, where if Angle or Nash was pinned, whoever defeated them would win their respective title. It started out as a handicap match thanks to the Main Event Mafia attacking Lashley before the match, but eventually Lashley entered the match and helped Mick Foley pin Nash to win the match for his team and become the Legends Champion.^[39] On the August 27 edition of Impact!, Jeremy Borash interviewed him and TNA President Dixie Carter in which she said their goal was to make him a World Champion in both MMA and TNA. At No Surrender, he defeated Rhino with a knockout punch.^[40]

After No Surrender, Lashley began a feud with Samoa Joe. After teaming with Team 3D in a winning effort against Rhino and The British Invasion (Doug Williams and Brutus Magnus) on the October 1 edition of Impact!, Joe assaulted Lashley and choked him out with a rear naked choke.^[41] The following week, Lashley cost Joe the X Division Championship in a match against Amazing Red.^[42] At Bound for Glory, Lashley defeated Joe in a submission match.^[43] The following month at Turning Point Lashley's winning streak came to an end, when Scott Steiner pinned him in a Falls Count Anywhere match following a shot with a steel pipe.^[44] On November 26, Lashley defeated Abyss, Desmond Wolfe, and Robert Roode to win the TNA Championship Series tournament and earn himself a future World Heavyweight Title shot.^[45] At Final Resolution, Lashley avenged his prior loss and defeated Steiner in a Last Man Standing match with a pipeshot.^[46] On the January 4, 2010, Monday night edition of Impact!, Lashley and Kristal turned heel after requesting their immediate releases from TNA in order for Lashley to fully concentrate on his MMA career.^[47] Lashley went on to attack random wrestlers until he was granted what he wanted.^[48] On the January 21 edition of Impact! Lashley suddenly apologized to new executive producer Eric Bischoff for his actions, saying he just wanted to compete,^[49] but was nevertheless fired by him the following week.^[50] On February 10, 2010, Lashley's profile was removed from the official TNA website.^[51] In an interview with Heavy Sports Lashley claimed that the release was legitimate and had been done in order for him to fully focus on his MMA career.^[52]

Inoki Genome Federation (2011)[link]

After Lashley was released from WWE he made one appearance in Antonio Inoki's promotion IGF. He defeated another WWE alumni the Predator^[53]. He returned to Japan in September 25th, 2010 for a tag-team match with Bob Sapp against Kendo Kashin and Tamon Honda^[54]. Bob and Bobby were defeated. Since then Lashey regularly performs in IGF. In 2011 he participated in IGF Title Tournament. He won the 1st round match against Keith Hanson^[55], but was defeated in semifinals by Josh Barnett^[56].

Mixed martial arts[link]

Early MMA career[link]

Lashley made his mixed martial arts debut at the Mixed Fighting Alliance (MFA) inaugural event "There Will Be Blood" on December 13, 2008 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. He won via TKO (cut) over Joshua Franklin in 41 seconds of the first round. Lashley's next fight was on March 21, 2009. He was supposed to fight Ken Shamrock, but his opponent was changed to veteran Jason Guida after Shamrock tested positive for steroids. Lashley won the fight after a unanimous decision. Lashley signed with the Maximum Fighting Championship and made his debut on May 15 against Mike Cook, who made his ring entrance wearing a Rey Mysterio mask, which Lashley took as an insult.^[57] He went on to defeat Cook with a guillotine choke just 24 seconds into the first round.^[57] On June 27, 2009, Lashley defeated Bob Sapp at the PFP: Ultimate Chaos event in Biloxi, Mississippi.^[58] He won the bout via TKO (strikes) in the first round, making Lashley's MMA record 4–0.

Strikeforce[link]

He was scheduled to make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated heavyweight Shane Del Rosario at Strikeforce: Miami, but for unknown reasons, Strikeforce decided to change his opponent.^[59] Lashley was then expected to face journeyman Jimmy Ambriz on January 30, 2010 at Strikeforce: Miami,^[60] but that matchup was also scrapped.^[61] Lashley wound up facing former UFC fighter Wes Sims at the event.^[62] Lashley defeated Sims via 1st round TKO victory to remain undefeated.

Lashley was expected to fight on April 17, 2010 at Strikeforce: Nashville, as the promotion had already submitted an opponent for Lashley and was awaiting approval from the Tennessee Athletic Commission.^[63] According to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, the bout would likely be the fourth bout on the CBS televised portion of the event.^[63] On April 5, Lashley confirmed that he will not appear on the card since Strikeforce officials could not guarantee an appearance on the televised portion of the card due to time constraints.^[64] Bobby was set to appear at Strikeforce: Los Angeles in June fighting Ron Sparks however he suffered a knee injury and did not compete.^[65]

Lashley faced Chad Griggs at Strikeforce: Houston on August 21, 2010.^[66] Lashley came out shooting the takedown, and ground and pounding. Lashley dominated at first but Griggs caught him with a series of uppercuts on one of the takedowns in the first round, opening a gash under the left corner of Lashley's left eye and Lashely had trouble keeping Griggs from striking him even though he had dominate control over him on the ground but Griggs was still finding openings on the bottom. Lashley was able to continue in the second round, continuing takedowns and ground and pound. Lashley eventually passed to mount halfway through the second round and unloaded many good punches on Griggs while maintaining control. Referee Jon Schorle then asked the fight to be stood up due to inactivity, even though Lashley was in full mount at the time, Lashley then complained to the referee about the cut under his eye. Referee Jon Schorle then asked the ringside doctor with 33 seconds left in the second round to inspect the cut with Lashley deciding to continue fighting, this created some controversy as referee Jon Schorle did not put the fight back in mount where it was originally stopped. Griggs then sprawled out of a desperate takedown by Lashley near the end of round two and hammer-fisted the eye of Lashley's that was already cut until the round ended. A ring doctor then stopped the fight, resulting in Lashley losing at the end of the second round by TKO. Backstage after the fight, Lashley was taken off on a stretcher due to dehydration.^[67][68]

Titan Fighting Championship[link]

On February 18, 2011, Titan Fighting Championship had announced the signing of Lashley. He was expected to debut against James Jack however on March 16, 2011, officials announced they had lost contact with Jack and instead John Ott stepped in to fight Lashley.^[69] The pace of the fight slowed down drastically in the second round, where Lashley began to display the same cardio problems that affected him in his previous fight. He was able to win a unanimous decision, despite suffering the effects of illness.

Lashley was scheduled to fight Eddie Sanchez at Titan Fighting Championships 19.^[70] But on July 22, 2011, it was announced that Lashley withdrew from the fight due to personal reasons.^[71]

Shark Fights[link]

Lashley has signed a three-year deal with Shark Fights^[72] and was expected to make his debut against Darrill Schoonover in November, The fight was to be for the heavyweight title.^[73] However Schoonover later pulled out of the bout due to an injury.^[74] Lashley was then set to headline Shark Fights 21 against Tim Hague.^[70] But Hague pulled out of the bout for unknown reasons and was replaced by Dave Huckaba.^[75][76] On November 7 it was confirmed that the fight with Huckaba had been scrapped for unknown reasons, Lashley was then scheduled to face Mark Martinez but Martinez was later pulled out of the bout due to expired blood work.

On November 11, 2011 Lashley became the new Shark Fights Heavyweight champion defeating Karl Knothe in the first round by submission. Knothe was the fifth different opponent scheduled to face Lashley after numerous fighters pulled out due to various reasons.^[77]

Super Fight League[link]

He next competed at India's Super Fight League's third event, SFL 3, against James Thompson. ^[78] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life[link]

Lashley graduated from Missouri Valley College in 1999 with a degree in Human Service Agency Management.^[8] Lashley has a daughter, Kyra, who was born in 2005.^[79][80]

In 2007, Lashley opened up a shop that sells health smoothie drinks.^[79]

He dated former WWE Diva Kristal Marshall.The couple had a son, named Myles in July 2008.^[81][82]

In July 2009, Lashley announced the launch of The Lashley Network. The Lashley Network of websites comprises his official gym, his official nutrition store, and his social networking website. In a press release for the launch he stated that he is keeping his name out in the television media and on the internet so he can reach his goal of being the top fighter in MMA.^[83]

In March 2010, Lashley announced the grand opening of his new gym in the Denver, Colorado area titled American Top Team Altitude. The facility will serve as a gym such as popular chain Gold's Gym and will also showcase MMA events.

Lashley was featured in the 2010 video game EA Sports MMA.

In May 2010, Lashley announced the opening of his new MMA Management company Lashley Management. Lashley, along with co-founder Judith Sussman, represent current and future MMA fighters.

Other media[link]

In March 2007, he alongside Randy Orton, John Cena, and Edge appeared on Deal or No Deal.^[84] In 2009, he made a cameo appearance in the action movie The Way of War, credited as the "Tattooed Hispanic Man".

Filmography[link]

Music videos[link]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Dominator (Inverted front powerslam or a running powerslam)^[1] – WWE/TNA
  • Right-handed knockout hook^[40] – TNA; 2009
  • Spear^[1] – WWE / TNA
  • Standing dragon sleeper^[41] – TNA
  • Thrust spinebuster^[85] – TNA

• Signature moves
  • Clothesline^[1]
  • Fallaway slam^[1]
  • Full nelson slam^[86]
  • Military press drop^[85]
  • Multiple suplex variations
    • Delayed vertical, with theatrics^[1]
    • Exploder^[87]
    • Overhead belly to belly^[1]
    • Trapping^[1]
  • Shoulder block^[1]
  • Spinebuster^[45]

• Nicknames
  • "The Dominator"^[1] (WWE)
  • "The Real Deal"^[1] (WWE)
  • "The God of Thunder"^[88] (TNA)
  • "The Boss"^[89] (TNA)

• Managers
  • Kristal Lashley^[45][90]

• Entrance themes
  • "End To End" by Aaron Willis, Brian Beshears, Scott Meath
  • "Unstoppable" by Jim Johnston
  • "Unstopable (V2)"by Jim Johnston
  • "Hell Will Be Callin Your Name" by Mercy Fall
  • "The Boss" by Dale Oliver^[91]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Lashley during his first ECW World Championship reign.

Amateur wrestling[link]

• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles
  • 2001 NYAC Christmas Tournament Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist

• International Military Sports Council
  • 2003 CISM Armed Forces Championships Senior Freestyle Gold Medalist
  • 2002 CISM Military World Championships Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist
  • 2002 CISM Armed Forces Championships Senior Freestyle Silver Medalist

• USA Wrestling
  • USA World Team Trials Senior Freestyle 3rd Place (2003)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
  • NAIA Collegiate National Championship (1996, 1997, 1998)
  • NAIA All-American (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)

• Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association
  • KWCA Collegiate Wrestler of the Year (1998)

• National High School Coaches Association
  • NHSCA Senior All-American (1994)

• Kansas State High School Activities Association
  • KSHSAA 6A High School State Championship (1994)
  • KSHSAA 6A High School State Championship Runner-up (1993)
  • KSHSAA 6A All-State (1993, 1994)

Mixed Martial Arts[link]

• Shark Fights
  • Shark Fights Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)

Professional wrestling[link]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Rookie of the Year (2005)^[92]
  • PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2006)^[93]
  • PWI ranked him #9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2007^[94]

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
  • TNA Championship Series (2009)^[45]

• World Wrestling Entertainment
  • ECW World Championship (2 times)^[95][96]
  • WWE United States Championship (1 time)^[97]

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	7–2	James Thompson	Decision (unanimous)	Super Fight League 3	02012-05-06May 6, 2012	3	5:00	New Delhi, India
Win	7–1	Karl Knothe	Submission (keylock)	Shark Fight 21: Knothe vs. Lashley	02011-11-11November 11, 2011	1	3:44	Lubbock, Texas, United States	Won Shark Fights Heavyweight Championship
Win	6–1	John Ott	Decision (unanimous)	Titan FC 17: Lashley vs. Ott	02011-03-25March 25, 2011	3	5:00	Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Loss	5–1	Chad Griggs	TKO (exhaustion)	Strikeforce: Houston	02010-08-21August 21, 2010	2	5:00	Houston, Texas, United States
Win	5–0	Wes Sims	TKO (punches)	Strikeforce: Miami	02010-01-30January 30, 2010	1	2:06	Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win	4–0	Bob Sapp	Submission (punches)	Ultimate Chaos	02009-06-27June 27, 2009	1	3:17	Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win	3–0	Mike Cook	Technical Submission (guillotine choke)	MFC 21	02009-05-15May 15, 2009	1	0:24	Enoch, Alberta, Canada
Win	2–0	Jason Guida	Decision (unanimous)	SRP: March Badness	02009-03-21March 21, 2009	3	5:00	Pensacola, Florida, United States
Winx	1–0	Joshua Franklin	TKO (doctor stoppage)	MFA: There Will Be Blood	02008-12-13December 13, 2008	1	0:41	Miami, Florida, United States

See also[link]

Professional wrestling portal

• List of current Strikeforce fighters
• List of sportspeople with martial arts records

Notes[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Bobby Lashley

• LashleyNetwork.com (Bobby Lashley's Official Network of Websites)
• Lashley Management (Bobby Lashley's MMA Management company)
• ATT Altitude (Bobby Lashley's gym – Denver, Colorado)
• LashleyNutrition.com (Bobby Lashley's Online Supplement Company)
• FightBobby.com (Bobby Lashley's official social network site)
• Bobby Lashley profile at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
• HitTheRopes.com Interview
• Bobby Lashley MMA interview
• Bobby Lashley on Twitter
• Professional MMA record for Bobby Lashley from Sherdog
• Bobby Lashley at the Internet Movie Database

Bob Sapp
Born	Robert Malcolm Sapp (1974-09-22) September 22, 1974 (age 37)[1] Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Other names	The Beast
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight	149.2 kg (329 lb; 23 st 7 lb)
Division	Super Heavyweight
Fighting out of	Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Team	Team Beast MMA
Trainer	Prince Amir
Years active	2002–present
Kickboxing record
Total	26
Wins	11
By knockout	9
Losses	15
By knockout	9
Mixed martial arts record
Total	25
Wins	11
By knockout	8
By submission	3
Losses	13
By knockout	6
By submission	7
Draws	1
Other information
University	University of Washington
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 15, 2011

Robert Malcolm "Bob" Sapp (Japanese: [Bobbu Sappu]; born September 22, 1974)^[2][3] is an American kickboxer, mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, actor, comedian and former professional American football player. Sapp currently has a combined fight record of 22–28–1, mostly fighting in Japan. He is well known in Japan, where he has appeared in countless commercials, television programs, and various other media, and has released a music CD, It's Sapp Time. He also appeared in an episode of the HBO program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. He is currently working sporadically for various MMA promotions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. In MMA, Sapp holds a win over Kiyoshi Tamura and in K-1, he holds wins over K-1 legend Ernesto Hoost (2x) and Cyril Abidi.

American football career[link]

Bob Sapp began his athletic career in high school playing football at Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, CO. He received a football scholarship to the University of Washington, where he won the Morris Award. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears 69th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft. Sapp's career took a hit after he was suspended by the NFL for alleged steroid abuse. Sapp signed with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Bears. He spent two seasons with the Vikings and only played in one game.

Professional wrestling[link]

Bob Sapp's pro-wrestling career started in NWA Wildside in 2001. He was quickly contracted by World Championship Wrestling as a developmental wrestler, before the company was bought out by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (at that time WWF).

In 2004, Sapp competed for New Japan Pro Wrestling, winning their IWGP Heavyweight Championship and becoming the first black man to accomplish this feat, though it was vacated shortly thereafter due to a mixed martial arts fight loss and film commitments.^[4]

On October 16, 2007, Bob Sapp made a surprise appearance at HUSTLE's Korakuen Hall event. Attacking Razor Ramon HG and his partner. Sapp aligned himself with Generalissimo Takada's MONSTER Army. He also announced that he would wrestle at the HUSTLE Mania 11/25 Yokohama Arena event.^[5] His opponent was later confirmed to be Razor Ramon HG ^[6] and Sapp defeated him in the resultant match. His last match was against "Big" Dan Meehan.

Since 2008, Sapp began to participate in WWA, a pro-wrestling organization in South Korea. On October 26, 2009, Bob Sapp captured the WWA Heavyweight title by defeating Lee Wang Pyo, a famous professional wrestler in Korea who was taught by legendary Korean professional wrestler Kim Il, at Olympic Fencing Gymnasium event. Sapp is scheduled to perform at Dramatic Dream Team Pro Wrestling's "2011: A RYOGOKU Peter Pan" event on July 24, 2011 using a "Beast will fight for money" gimmick.^[7]

Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career[link]

Pride Fighting Championships[link]

Sapp was subsequently recruited by the Japanese MMA organization Pride, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his size, charisma and aggression. After a number of successes in Pride, Sapp was then invited to K-1 by Kazuyoshi Ishii, the creator of the fighting sport K-1. Ishii saw the combination of great potential and great marketability in Sapp.

After arriving in Japan, Sapp fought three matches in Pride. His first match pitted him against pro wrestler and longtime RINGS Fighting Network competitor Yoshihisa Yamamoto, who he finished by TKO at 2:44 of the first round.^[8] Sapp's second Pride match was against two-time RINGS Open-Weight Champion Kiyoshi Tamura. Though Tamura was a highly respected fighter who held wins over the likes of Pat Miletich, Jeremy Horn, and Renzo Gracie, he was giving up 150 lbs to his foe and was quickly overwhelmed by the much-larger American, succumbing to strikes just 11 seconds into the bout.^[9] During this time fans were first introduced to Sapp's "bullrush" technique, whereby he would rush an opponent with punches, quickly overwhelming them. Pride and K-1 collaborated to create a show billed "Dynamite" in Japan and "Shockwave" in the United States. He faced then-champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Sapp submitted to an armbar late in the second round. Sapp would never again compete in Pride, instead focusing his attention on K-1.

K-1[link]

Despite losing his first fight by disqualification, Sapp was initially successful in K-1. He twice defeated four-time K-1 champion Ernesto Hoost by technical knockout. He became an overnight sensation in Japan afterwards, appearing on numerous television shows, advertisements, and movie cameos such as in the big screen adaptation of Devilman. K-1 heads, trying to strike while the iron was hot and hoping to duplicate the success of Sapp, made a new fighting division called "Beast" (Sapp's nickname), which featured larger fighters such as Hong Man Choi. However, the division was stopped after two events due to disappointing reviews and gate takes.

At the height of his success, there was talk and promotion of a fight between him and the former boxing Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson. The two had a face to face confrontation immediately after Sapp's victory in Las Vegas over Kimo. K-1 signed Tyson to a contract and the fight looked to be on. However, Tyson's status as a convicted felon made him unable to get a visa to fight in Japan where the fight would have been most profitable.^[10] Other locations for the proposed fight were made, but negotiations ended up dissipating to nothing and the fight never came off.

In June 2005, Sapp won the K-1 Japan Grand Prix in Hiroshima to become one of 16 fighters qualified for the 2005 K-1 World GP. In the Japan GP, Sapp showcased greatly improved stamina, as well as better technique, than in his previous fights after intensive training under Sam Greco. In the K-1 2005 World GP Eliminations he lost by decision to "The Techno Goliath" Choi Hong-man.

Sapp's initial success with his intimidating, blind chase-and-punch method (which he dubbed as "NFL Style") slowly petered out into disqualifications for bullrushing and punching after referee breaks. Additionally, experienced opponents discovered Sapp's weak points—his vulnerable mid-section and legs as well as his limited stamina.

On May 13, 2006, Sapp was to headline the K-1 show in the Netherlands. His opponent was Ernesto Hoost. Hoost stated in previous interviews and the interview on that show that this was to be his last match in Holland before his retirement. Sapp attended all the pre-fight press conferences and even attended the opening ceremonies for the show. It is unclear at the moment as to why, but Sapp pulled out of the event midway through the show.

K-1 issued a statement claiming Sapp pulled out due to new demands he brought to promoters during the show. K-1 would not agree to those demands since they felt their written contract was final and Sapp left. The full K-1 press release can be viewed on the organization's website.

Sapp has not issued a statement, but a different point of view on the events that occurred.^[11]

However, he did participate in 2007's K-1 event in the Amsterdam Arena, fighting as a replacement for Remy Bonjasky, against Peter Aerts. Sapp, however, lost the fight at KO within 20 seconds in the first round by a knee to the liver. While Sapp was being led from the ring, Aerts apologized to the fans in Dutch for the short bout as well as having berated his fallen opponent.

After his falling out with K-1, Sapp began to get offers from WWE as well as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) to work with them, but his K-1 contract prohibited him from going through with any return to the ring.

Sapp made a surprise return to the K-1 ring in Japan after a two-year absence against comedian and part time K-1 competitor Bobby Ologun. Ologun was unable to mount any effective offense as he was quickly run down and overpowered by Sapp in the 1st round.

Cage Rage[link]

Sapp wrestling in HUSTLE.

On February 10, 2007 it was announced by the United Kingdom's Cage Rage promotion that Sapp would appear on its Cage Rage 21 event on April 21, facing Gary Turner. The move is partly a retaliatory one, as the UFC had chosen to run its first British show in years that same night at the Manchester Evening News Arena, headlined by Mirko "Cro Cop", Andrei Arlovski and British star Michael Bisping. Though Cage Rage promoter Andy Geer said that the UFC show would not affect ticket sales for CR21, the signing of Sapp was a clear sign that the company knew it would need a superstar draw in order to successfully compete with the American promotion. A few days before the event Bob Sapp pulled out of the scheduled fight. On short notice, Tank Abbott stepped in for Sapp and lost to Gary Turner.

Strikeforce, FEG and other[link]

Sapp faced the South African fighter Jan "The Giant" Nortje at the Strikeforce: At The Dome event in Tacoma, Washington, at the Tacoma Dome on February 23, 2008. Sapp was defeated at the 55 second mark of the first round by TKO after receiving an unanswered torrent of punches. Sapp then returned to Japan on New Year's Eve 2008 and defeated Akihito Tanaka via first round TKO.

Sapp lost to Japanese Ikuhisa Minowa at Dream 9 on May 26, 2009,^[12] due to Achilles lock. He fought and lost to Bobby Lashley at Ultimate Chaos in Biloxi, Mississippi, on June 27, 2009, due to first round tapout from strikes. On October 6, Sapp stood in for an injured Gegard Mousasi to face Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou in the semifinals at Dream 11.^[13] He lost via TKO (punches) in the first round.

On November 27, Sapp fought against Swedish K-1 veteran Jörgen Kruth. The fight got a lot of publicity in Swedish and international press, but ended with an anticlimax when Sapp's corner threw in the towel after only 45 seconds, after Kruth hit Sapp with a knee to the liver.

Sapp was next going to face Stav Economou at BAMMA 5,^[14] but BAMMA 5 has been canceled due to extreme weather conditions.^[15]

Sapp was scheduled to fight at K1 Dynamite!! 2010. He was set to battle Shinichi Suzukawa on New Year's Eve in a Pancrase-style matchup, but pulled out at the last minute due to contract disputes.^[16] When questioned about Sapp’s refusal to fight on the day of the event, FEG President Sadaharu Tanikawa asked, “Does anyone actually care? I don’t know the reasons why, but we did our best to make him fight. He just said he didn’t want to. This is typical [of Sapp].”^[17] But Sapp claims that the promoters were contracted to pay him $30,000 for the fight, but that Tanikawa offered him $15,000 shortly after he arrived in Japan for the event. Sapp refused to fight for half of the original purse.^[18] In response, he "should not be considered as a normal person" and is "the worst, most lamentable dust man." Tanikawa went on to say via Twitter that "No one cares anymore, but the Sapp incident had NOTHING to do with the fight money … That guy is such a loser. He is one lonely man."

ONE Fighting Championship[link]

On 11 February 2012 debuted for the Asian ONE Fighting Championship promotion. He faced Rolles Gracie at ONE Fighting Championship: Battle of Heroes in Jakarta, Indonesia and lost via submission to strikes in the first round.

Super Fight League[link]

Sapp fought in the main event of the Super Fight League's inaugural event, SFL 1, against James Thompson. He lost the fight when he injured his leg as he was being taken down by Thompson, forcing him to tap out to the injury.^[19]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Kickboxing & Mixed Martial Arts[link]

Sapp (left) and Toshiaki Kawada looking at their opponents prior to a match in HUSTLE.

• K-1
  • K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima Tournament Winner

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 2002 Best Box Office Draw- K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championships
  • 2003 Best Box Office Draw- K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championships
  • 2002 Rookie of the Year- K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championships
• Black Belt Magazine
  • 2003 NHB Fighter of the Year [1]

Professional wrestling[link]

• New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• World Wrestling Association (South Korea)
  • WWA (South Korea) World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Charismatic (2003)

Kickboxing record[link]

Kickboxing record

11 wins (9 KOs), 15 losses Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes Loss 11-15 Rok Štrucl KO (punch) WFC 16 02012-04-22April 22, 2012 1 1:35 Ljubljana, Slovenia Win 11-14 Tofan Pirani TKO (leg injury) DIBC 2012 02012-02-02February 2, 2012 2 ?? Dubai, UAE Loss 10-14 Alexandru Lungu KO (left hook) SuperKombat World Grand Prix IV 02011-10-15October 15, 2011 1 0:56 Piatra Neamț, Romania Loss 10-13 Florian Pavic Decision (unanimous) Steko's Fight Night 02011-08-26August 26, 2011 3 3:00 Karlsruhe, Germany Loss 10-12 Tivadar Kunkli KO (elbow) Fight Code: Dragons Round 3 02011-05-01May 1, 2011 1 - Budapest, Hungary Loss 10-11 Masayoshi Kakutani KO (knee) Inoki Genome Federation 15 02011-04-28April 28, 2011 1 1:19 Tokyo, Japan Loss 10-10 Jörgen Kruth TKO (left knee/corner stoppage) K-1 Scandinavia Rumble of the Kings 2010 02010-11-27November 27, 2010 1 1:19 Stockholm, Sweden Loss 10-9 Patrice Quarteron KO (knee) A1 World Combat Cup 02009-11-28November 28, 2009 1 2:32 Lyon, France Loss 10-8 Alain Ngalani Decision Planet Battle IV 02009-10-07October 7, 2009 3 3:00 Wan Chai, Hong Kong Loss 10-7 Peter Aerts KO (left knee) K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Amsterdam 02007-06-23June 23, 2007 1 0:26 Amsterdam, Netherlands Loss 10-6 Musashi Decision (unanimous) K-1 PREMIUM 2005 Dynamite!! 02005-12-31December 31, 2005 3 3:00 Osaka, Japan Loss 10-5 Choi Hong-man Decision (majority) K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Osaka – Final Elimination 02005-09-25September 25, 2005 3 3:00 Osaka, Japan 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix opening round. Win 10-4 Tatsufumi Tomihira Decision (unanimous) K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima 02005-06-14June 14, 2005 3 3:00 Hiroshima, Japan 2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix final. Win 9-4 Hiraku Hori KO (strikes) K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima 02005-06-14June 14, 2005 2 1:54 Hiroshima, Japan 2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix semi-final. Win 8-4 Yoshihiro Nakao Decision (unanimous) K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima 02005-06-14June 14, 2005 3 3:00 Hiroshima, Japan 2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix quarter-final. Loss 7-4 Ray Sefo KO (body shot) K-1 Beast 2004 in Shizuoka 02004-06-26June 26, 2004 2 0:29 Shizuoka, Japan Win 7-3 Tommy Glanville KO (left hooks) K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas I 02004-04-30April 30, 2004 1 0:33 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Win 6-3 Seth Petruzelli TKO (elbow injury) K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama 02004-03-27March 27, 2004 1 0:57 Saitama, Japan Win 5-3 Akebono KO (right hook) K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!! 02003-12-31December 31, 2003 1 2:58 Nagoya, Japan Loss 4-3 Remy Bonjasky DQ (punch on the ground) K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination 02003-10-11October 11, 2003 2 1:20 Osaka, Japan 2003 K-1 World Grand Prix opening round. Win 4-2 Kimo Leopoldo KO (knees) K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II 02003-08-13August 13, 2003 2 1:11 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Loss 3-2 Mirko Filipović KO (left straight) K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Saitama 02003-03-30March 30, 2003 1 1:26 Saitama, Japan Win 3-1 Ernesto Hoost TKO (referee stoppage) K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final 02002-12-07December 7, 2002 2 2:53 Tokyo, Japan 2002 K-1 World Grand Prix quarter-final. Win 2-1 Ernesto Hoost TKO (doctor stoppage) K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final Elimination 02002-10-05October 5, 2002 1 3:00 Saitama, Japan 2002 K-1 World Grand Prix opening round. Win 1-1 Cyril Abidi TKO (referee stoppage) K-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 Final 02002-09-22September 22, 2002 1 1:17 Osaka, Japan Loss 0-1 Tsuyoshi Nakasako DQ (punch on the ground) K-1 Survival 2002 02002-06-02June 2, 2002 1 1:30 Toyama, Japan Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
		Jong Dae Kim		Road FC 8	02012-06-16June 16, 2012			Seoul, South Korea
		Tolegen Akilbekow		Bushido Vol. 51	02012-06-08June 8, 2012			Astana, Kazakhstan
Loss	11–13–1	Soa Palelei	TKO (punches)	Cage Fighting Championship 21	02012-05-18May 18, 2012	1	0:12	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Loss	11–12–1	Mariusz Pudzianowski	Submission (punches)	KSW XIX	02012-05-12May 12, 2012	1	0:40	Łódź, Poland
Loss	11–11–1	James Thompson	Submission (leg injury)	SFL 1	02012-03-11March 11, 2012	1	1:56	Mumbai, India
Loss	11–10–1	Rolles Gracie	Submission (punches)	ONE Fighting Championship: Battle of Heroes	02012-02-11February 11, 2012	1	1:18	Jakarta, Indonesia
Loss	11–9–1	Maro Perak	TKO (punches)	Noc Gladijatora 6: Perak vs Sapp	02011-12-16December 16, 2011	1	3:04	Dubrovnik, Croatia
Loss	11–8–1	Attila Uçar	Submission (achilles lock)	Premium Fight Night	02011-04-30April 30, 2011	1	0:56	Vienna, Austria
Loss	11–7–1	Stav Economou	TKO (punches)	ADFC: Round 3	02011-03-11March 11, 2011	1	1:45	Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win	11–6–1	Sascha Weinpolter	Submission (forearm choke)	K-1 ColliZion 2010 Croatia	02010-03-27March 27, 2010	1	2:03	Split, Croatia
Loss	10–6–1	Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou	TKO (punches)	Dream 11	02009-10-06October 6, 2009	1	1:31	Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan	DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Semifinal. Replaced Gegard Mousasi.
Loss	10–5–1	Bobby Lashley	Submission (punches)	Fight Force International: Ultimate Chaos	02009-06-27June 27, 2009	1	3:18	Biloxi, Mississippi, USA
Loss	10–4–1	Ikuhisa Minowa	Submission (achilles lock)	Dream 9	02009-05-26May 26, 2009	1	1:16	Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan	DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Quarterfinal
Win	10–3–1	Akihito Tanaka	TKO (punches)	Dynamite!! 2008	02008-12-31December 31, 2008	1	5:22	Saitama, Japan
Loss	9–3–1	Jan Nortje	TKO (punches)	Strikeforce: At The Dome	02008-02-23February 23, 2008	1	0:55	Tacoma, Washington, USA
Win	9–2–1	Bobby Ologun	TKO (punches)	K-1 Premium 2007 Dynamite!!	02007-12-31December 31, 2007	1	4:10	Osaka, Japan
Win	8–2–1	Kim Jong Wang	TKO (punches)	Hero's 2005 in Seoul	02005-11-05November 5, 2005	1	0:08	Seoul, South Korea
Win	7–2–1	Alan Karaev	KO (punch)	Hero's 2	02005-07-06July 6, 2005	1	3:44	Tokyo, Japan
Win	6–2–1	Min-Soo Kim	KO (punches)	Hero's 1	02005-03-26March 26, 2005	1	1:12	Saitama, Japan
vDraw	5–2–1	Jérôme Le Banner	Draw	K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!	02004-12-31December 31, 2004	3	3:00	Tokyo, Japan	The fight was with Mixed Martial Arts and both K-1 Rules.
Loss	5–2	Kazuyuki Fujita	Submission (soccer kicks)	K-1 MMA ROMANEX	02004-05-22May 22, 2004	1	2:15	Saitama, Japan
Win	5–1	Dolgorsürengiin Sumiyaabazar	TKO (foot injury)	K-1 Beast 2004 in Niigata	02004-03-14March 14, 2004	1	5:00	Niigata, Japan
Win	4–1	Stefan Gamlin	Submission (guillotine choke)	K-1 Japan Grand Prix 2003	02003-09-21September 21, 2003	1	0:52	Yokohama, Japan
Win	3–1	Yoshihiro Takayama	Submission (armbar)	Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002	02002-12-31December 31, 2002	1	2:16	Saitama, Japan
Loss	2–1	Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira	Submission (straight armbar)	Pride Shockwave	02002-08-28August 28, 2002	2	4:03	Tokyo, Japan
Win	2–0	Kiyoshi Tamura	TKO (punches)	Pride 21	02002-06-23June 23, 2002	1	0:11	Saitama, Japan
Win	1–0	Yoshihisa Yamamoto	TKO (punches)	Pride 20	02002-04-28April 28, 2002	1	2:44	Yokohama, Japan

Filmography[link]

References[link]