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By Bob Teal, MMATorch Specialist
Don Frye is truly a legend of Mixed Martial Arts. He thrived in the no holds barred world of the early UFC despite being capable of competing under the unified rules as a true mixed martial artist. The exploits inside and outside the world of mixed martial arts is nothing short of legendary for the Predator. He was an NCAA wrestling champion and was one of the true original cross trained fighters in MMA.
Frye wrestled collegiately at both Arizona State and Oklahoma State. Two incredible NCAA wrestling powerhouses that were headed up by two iconic coaches Bobby Douglas and Joe Seay. He won an NCAA championship with both schools in successive years.
Once his collegiate life was over, Don tried his hand at boxing for two years before hanging up the gloves. Eventually he settled in Arizona where he continued a career as a firefighter in the town of Bisbee. Frye is also a trained farrier and he actually opened his own horseshoeing business in Sierra Vista, Arizona. During this time Don was not only busy fighting fires and shoeing horses. He was also kept busy by training in judo and shoot fighting under Steve Owen in Tucson.
In 1995 Frye was reacquainted with former Arizona State assistant coach Dan “the Beast” Severn. Dan subsequently arranged for Frye to take part in a couple different events leading up to his first UFC appearance in 1996. Amazingly, Don's entire UFC career spans only the year of 1996. He fought ten UFC fights just in that one year. His UFC record would finish at 9-1 and would include victories over Gary Goodridge, Mark Hall and Tank Abbott. He would win both the UFC 8 and Ultimate Ultimate 96 tournaments.
When Frye left the UFC, it was not for the world of hand to hand combat but rather for the glitz and glamour of professional wrestling. Being a professional wrestler was a lifelong dream for Frye. He signed a deal and began wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling in August 1997. Almost from day one, Frey was the promotion's number one foreign superstar. He was so popular he had several sold-out shows at the Tokyo Dome. In fact, in 1998 Frye wrestled Antonio Inoki and that show still holds the record for the biggest gate ever for any wrestling show in history. They sold 70,000 seats and 5,000 standing room only tickets.
Don went on to fight in Pride and K1, although he returned occasionally to pro wrestling whenever his schedule allowed. While in Pride in February of 2002 he would get perhaps the biggest win of his career in a split decision victory over Ken Shamrock. The Shamrock fight was merely a prelude to what was considered the fight of the year in 2002. Don battled Japanese professional wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama in what could conceivably be considered one of the most exciting fights of all time in Mixed Martial Arts. In a bout that would make the Hanson Brothers proud, these two behemoths came right out of their corners and started throwing down hockey style. Takayama would land a few good shots including a great knee, but ultimately it would be Frye who would get the TKO victory putting Takayama in the penalty box for good.
Frye has gone on to act in several films including most recently the Michael Mann Film "Public Enemies" based upon the life of John Dillinger. Don plays the role of Texas Ranger Clarence Hurt. He has also had appearances in films such as "No Rules," "Honor," "Miami Vice," and he even had a speaking role in the animated feature "The Ant Bully."
Don has continued to fight in other smaller promotions such as Japan's DEEP organization, the NLF, and Shark Fights. The Predator inked a deal with M1 Global and was booked to fight in August against Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal at M1's "breakthrough" event in Kansas City. Frye pulled out, however, apparently citing disapproval with the event being moved from Los Angeles to Kansas City. Right now. the nature of the relationship between Don and M1 Global would appear to be tenuous at best, but his true future with them is unknown.
Whether or not The Predator plans to fight again, we don't know. But we cannot deny his talent or charisma. Don's impact on the world of Mixed Martial Arts is massive. He was a pioneer in that he was one of the first true multi-faceted martial artists who ever competed in MMA. His presence in this sport will be felt forever.
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Bob Teal is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring you up-to-date on fighters you might have forgotten about or perhaps never even knew. He welcomes any feedback and suggestions you have. Please feel free to email him at robertjteal@aol.com.
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