The world of mixed martial arts has been built by the foundation that legendary fighters such as Bas Rutten have helped cultivate.
The famed Dutchman ascended the sport quickly, thanks to both his charm, fan-friendly demeanor and obvious skills as an MMA fighter.
A two-time world champion, Rutten was a polarizing fighter who certainly had the potential to be coveted as one of the greatest of all time, though for one reason or another, the UFC vet exited the sport far sooner than most expected—much like these next few combatants.