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Donald Frye (born November 23, 1965) is an American former mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and actor. In MMA, he was one of the sport's earliest well-rounded fighters and won the UFC 8 and Ultimate Ultimate 1996 tournaments and finished as runner-up at UFC 10 in his first year of competition. He retired from MMA in 1997 to pursue a career in professional wrestling with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) After spending four years as one of Japan's top gaijin wrestlers, he returned to MMA with the Pride Fighting Championships in September 2001, much more muscular and sporting an American patriot persona in response to the September 11 attacks. He fought bouts with Ken Shamrock and Yoshihiro Takayama during his two years in Pride. He departed the promotion to compete in K-1 and Hero's in 2004 but returned for the final Pride event in 2007. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2016.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Frye was born of Irish and Scottish descent. He began wrestling at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Arizona, then in college for Arizona State University in 1984, where he was trained by fellow future Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor, assistant wrestling coach Dan Severn. In 1987, he won the freestyle and Greco-Roman events during an Olympic qualifier.[1] A year later, he transferred to Oklahoma State University–Stillwater, where his teammates included future colleague Randy Couture.[2]

After college, Frye trained in boxing for a year and a half and made his professional debut on August 28, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona, scoring a first-round knockout over Luis Mora. After eight bouts over the next fourteen months he retired and became an emergency medical technician and a firefighter in Bisbee, Arizona.[2] He boxed under the name J.R. Frye in several matches after being forced to change his name due to a contractual dispute. In his final boxing match, Frye lost via technical knockout to David Kilgour of Somis, California, at the Reseda Country Club in Reseda, Los Angeles on December 11, 1990, bringing his professional record to two wins, five losses and one draw.[3] Frye also worked in a psychiatric ward but left that position after breaking a patient's arm while restraining him.[4] During this time, he also took up judo and earned the rank of second dan black belt.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Ultimate Fighting Championship (1996)

[edit]

In 1995, Don Frye helped train Dan Severn for the Ultimate Ultimate 1995, accompanying Severn's entourage to Denver. He soon made the jump to the burgeoning sport of mixed martial arts himself and joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship the following year. Debuting at UFC 8 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico on February 16, 1996, Frye was among the eight competitors in the openweight tournament that night and was one of two fighters of the era skilled in both stand-up and ground fighting, the other being Marco Ruas.[6] In the quarter-finals, he set the record (since broken by Duane Ludwig and Jorge Masvidal) for fastest knockout in UFC history when his punches knocked down 410-lb Thomas Ramirez in just eight seconds. After a quick technical knockout of Sam Adkins in the semis, taking him down and landing hammerfists to the face for the TKO, he met with Gary Goodridge in the final, and forced the Trinidadian to submit simply by gaining dominant position at the 2:14 mark,[7] though not without landing multiple uppercuts standing and punches on the ground. This would be the first in a trilogy of fights between the pair. Due to the controversy surrounding MMA at the time, Frye was barred from both firefighting, his previous occupation in his hometown of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and from training in the Buena High School gym he had used since his ASU days following the event.[3]

Frye returned at UFC 9 in Detroit, Michigan on May 19, 1996, for a match with fellow tournament winner Marco Ruas, but Ruas was injured and replaced by Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist Amaury Bitetti. Frye stopped his opponent's takedowns and land punches, knees and elbows, and used a judo ude-garami on the jiu-jitsu champion, something that was unusual at the time. At the end, after an especially hard series of strikes to the spine and head of the Brazilian, the match was stopped and Frye was declared winner.[8]

At UFC 10 in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 12, 1996, Frye returned to tournament format. He defeated Mark Hall by stoppage, slamming the Moo Yea Do specialist and working his side with body punches until the stoppage, and then defeated Brian Johnston, again leading the action to the mat and landing elbows to the head. However, at the finals of the event, Frye faced Mark Coleman, who was considered the "godfather" of the ground and pound strategy Frye often followed. Coleman, a more decorated wrestling champion than Frye himself, kept the top position through the match and landed multiple strikes to the face. 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. At the end, after Coleman secured side mount and dropped punches and headbutts onto Frye's face, the referee stopped the action, handing Frye his first loss in seven fights.

Frye won at the U-Japan event in November 1996, taking a submission victory by forearm choke over Mark Hall in a rematch. Just one month later, Frye entered the UFC's Ultimate Ultimate 96 tournament, held to find the best of the best from past tournament winners and runners up. 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. Frye then faced Mark Hall for the third time in his career, but this fight was even shorter, with Frye getting a takedown and an Achilles lock for the give up in 20 seconds. In the finals, Frye faced striker Tank Abbott, who landed early shots, opening a cut on Frye's face and causing swelling. 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.

Hall would later claim that Don Frye and manager Robert DePersia convinced him to throw the two fighters' semi-final match. Hall says that since Tank Abbott had already advanced to the final after two relatively easy wins, Frye – who'd logged eleven minutes of cage time already that night – wanted to save his energy for the championship match. Because he'd already suffered two defeats to Frye earlier in his career (and therefore probably wasn't going to win anyway) and DePersia implied that saying no would have a disastrous impact on his future, Hall says he reluctantly agreed to go along with the plot.[9] Referee John McCarthy later wrote in his autobiography Let's Get It On!:

Unfortunately, this night was the second time I felt I was refereeing a fixed bout. In the semifinals, Don Frye and Mark Hall met in a rematch of their UFC 10 bout. In their first encounter Frye had beaten the piss out of Hall, who'd refused to give up. Here, though, Frye ankle-locked Hall to advance to the finals without breaking a sweat. The fight struck me as odd. Frye, a bread-and-butter wrestler and swing-for-the-fences puncher, had never won a fight by leg lock, and Hall practically fell into the submission. I also knew both fighters were managed by the same guy.[10]

Despite his success in MMA, Frye retired from the sport after winning the Ultimate Ultimate '96 tournament.

Pride Fighting Championships (2001–2003)

[edit]

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. Appearing in an MMA bout for the first time in five years at Pride 16 in Osaka, Japan on September 24, 2001, two weeks after the September 11 attacks, Frye entered the ring waving an American flag and wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "terrorists suck". He was also noticeably more muscular and seemingly stronger than his UFC days, having gained 7 kilograms (15 lb) in weight since his last MMA outing. However, his fight with Gilbert Yvel that night was controversial and resulted in Frye winning by disqualification in the first round, as Yvel repeatedly gouged his eyes and was eventually disqualified for continuously holding the ropes to stop himself being taken down.

Three months later, at a joint New Year's Eve show Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001: K-1 vs. Inoki, Frye defeated Cyril Abidi with relative ease, taking the French kickboxer to the mat and controlling him throughout round one before finishing him with a rear naked choke in two.

Frye returned to Pride in February 2002, facing long-time rival Ken Shamrock at Pride 19 in a fight he had been trying to trash-talk himself into ever since Shamrock had defeated Dan Severn at UFC 6.[11] Frye got the edge on a series of clinch battles, while Shamrock dropped down for an ankle lock and transitioned into both a kneebar and a toehold, wrenching Frye's leg badly; however, despite the damage, Frye refused to tap out and managed to knock Shamrock down in a subsequent punching exchange. The bout moved to the mat, where Shamrock attempted another ankle lock, only for Frye to try to counter with one of his own and finally refusing to tap out until time ran out. After an exciting and hard fought battle, Frye pulled out a split decision victory in which many people including the commentators Bass Rutten and Stephen Quadros said Ken Shamrock won the fight[citation needed]. Even though Shamrock had injured Frye's ankles, later leading to Frye's dependency on painkillers for several years,[12] the two hugged after the fight ended, putting an end to their rivalry. Many MMA fans agree that both fighters were never the same again, as both their careers began a steady downturn after the fight.

Four months after defeating Ken Shamrock, Frye returned to MMA to face Japanese professional wrestler Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21 on June 23, 2002. In a fight described as the single-greatest brawl in MMA history,[13] Frye and Takayama clinched in a hockey fight pose, each holding the head and hitting, with Takayama finally going to the body after more than a full minute of unrelenting, undefended shots. 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.

On August 28, 2002, he took on Jérôme Le Banner in a kickboxing match at the K-1/Pride co-promoted event Pride Shockwave, fighting in front of 91,107 people. 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. After being given a standing eight count early on, he was forced into a corner and knocked unconscious with a right hook at the 1:30 mark of the first round.

Riding a new wave of popularity, Frye's next outing was a return to MMA at Pride 23 on November 24, 2002, to face Olympic gold medalist judoka Hidehiko Yoshida. Taking his first loss since fighting Mark Coleman in 1996, Frye was submitted by Yoshida via armbar in the first round. While Frye did not tap out, the referee stopped the bout in fear of serious injury.

Frye took seven months off following the losses to Le Banner and Yoshida, and next fought at Pride 26 on June 28, 2003, to try to avenge his loss to Mark Coleman. In a rather long battle, Frye lost a unanimous decision to Coleman after three rounds.

Another rematch was on tap for Pride Shockwave 2003 on New Year's Eve, 2003 when Frye faced Gary Goodridge for the third time. The fight lasted only 39 seconds; Goodridge scored a vicious high kick to the head, knocking Frye out completely.

K-1 and Hero's (2004–2006)

[edit]

Don Frye departed Pride on the back of four consecutive losses and next appeared fighting under MMA rules in K-1. His first fight, with Yoshihiro Nakao at K-1 MMA ROMANEX on May 22, 2004, ended in a no contest when Frye could not continue due to a cut sustained from an accidental headbutt early in round one.

Don Frye and Yoshihiro Nakao rematched at K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite on December 31, 2004, with Nakao coming out on top and winning a unanimous decision, resigning the American to his sixth unsuccessful fight.

After another brief retirement, he returned in K-1's Hero's branch in May 2006 to fight Akebono at Hero's 5. Akebono spent much of the fight clinching with the much smaller Frye and pushing him into the ropes, but Frye was able to knock the former sumo wrestler down and secure a guillotine choke submission in the second round.

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. After three rounds of what many considered to be a lackluster fight, the bout was ruled a draw.

In his sophomore Hero's fight, he defeated Yoshihisa Yamamoto at Hero's 6 on August 5, 2006, using the rear naked choke towards the end of the first round. 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.

Later career and sporadic comebacks (2007–present)

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Don Frye made his Pride return after an almost four-year hiatus, taking on James Thompson at the last promotion's last ever event, Pride 34 on April 8, 2007. After an aggressive start, Thompson landed two soccer kicks that dazed Frye. Thompson landed several more blows on a defenseless Frye before the referee called the fight at 6:25 in the first round.[14]

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. They were one of four new teams established at the beginning of the 2007 season. He also wrote a humorous weekly column called "Dear Don: Advice from The Predator" in which he gives fans advice on love, life, friendship, and more.

Following a forty-seven second knockout of Bryan Pardoe at NLF: Heavy Hands in Dallas, Texas, in January 2008, Don Frye announced on February 8, 2008, on TAGG Radio that he would be fighting Oleg Taktarov on the debut card for YAMMA Pit Fighting on April 11 in the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The fight was to be the first fight in YAMMA's Masters Division, a division for fighters over the age of 39. However, he had to withdraw due to an injury and was replaced by UFC 1 entree Patrick Smith.[15]

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. Minowa won via kneebar at the 3:56 mark of round one, dropping Frye's record in Japan to 8-6. From there, he signed with Shark Fights stateside the following year. His submitted Ritch Moss at Shark Fights 4 in May 2009 but suffered a quick TKO loss at the hands of Dave Herman at Shark Fights 6: Stars & Stripes four months later.[16]

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. However, Gonzalez was injured, so Frye instead faced Ruben Villareal in a rematch at Heavyweight. Frye lost via knock-out.[17]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1997–2002, 2004)

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Don Frye
Personal information
Born (1965-11-23) November 23, 1965 (age 60)
Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Don Frye
The Predator
Billed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Billed weight242 lb (110 kg)
Billed fromSierra Vista, Arizona
Trained byCurt Hennig
Brad Rheingans
DebutAugust 2, 1997
Retired2021

After leaving the UFC, Frye went into professional wrestling and was trained by Brad Rheingans and Curt Hennig.[18] He debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in August 1997, defeating Kazuyuki Fujita in his first match. By 1998, Frye began to rise in the ranks as he quickly became one of the company's lead heels. On April 4, 1998, Frye won the Antonio Final Opponent tournament and earned the right to wrestle NJPW founder and wrestling legend Antonio Inoki in his retirement match, which took place later that night. Frye lost that fight. After a brief feud with Kensuke Sasaki at the end of that year, Frye joined Masahiro Chono's new stable, Team 2000, in early 1999. After joining, Frye would spend most of 1999 and early 2000 feuding with Scott Norton over the unofficial title of Gaijin Ace, took part in the G1 Tag League in 1999 with Chono, and make two challenges for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but was unsuccessful in each attempt.[19] 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.

After being in Team 2000 for two years, Frye left the group and joined Keiji Mutoh's new stable, BATT, where he made a third attempt at the IWGP title in July 2001 but came up short again, falling to Kazuyuki Fujita.[19] In September 2001, Frye won the G1 World Climax tournament. After the tournament win, Frye left NJPW and returned to MMA. Stepping back into the pro wrestling arena, Frye would make a one-time appearance at NJPW's Fighting Spirit Memorial Day Tokyo Dome show on May 2, 2002, where he defeated Tadao Yasuda.[20] From October to November 2004, Frye returned to NJPW for two appearances as a member of Masahiro Chono's Black New Japan stable, teaming with Chono in a tag match defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Yuji Nagata and then teaming with Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi in a winning effort against Shinsuke Nakamura, Yutaka Yoshie, and Blue Wolf.

Other promotions (2003–2021)

[edit]

In a brief comeback to professional wrestling in 2003, he competed for Fighting World of Japan on two occasions. He also appeared for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) on October 26, 2003, at their 31st anniversary, challenging Toshiaki Kawada for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort.[21]

On October 2, 2005, Frye took part in AJPW's Wrestle-1 Grand Prix where he lost to Jamal.[21]

During his brief MMA hiatus, Frye made a one-off appearance as a pro wrestler in Inoki Genome Federation, losing to Josh Barnett via keylock submission on September 8, 2007.[21] In October 2008, Frye wrestled at the Pro Wrestling Expo shows, teaming with Yoshihiro Takayama in a losing effort to Masahiro Chono and Scott Norton on the first day, then losing a six-man tag on the third day.

Frye returned to a professional wrestling ring on March 17, 2013, at an event held by AJPW in Tokyo. After teaming with Keiji Mutoh to defeat Masayuki Kono and Yoshihiro Takayama in a tag team match, Frye engaged in a post-match brawl with Takayama, playing off their Pride 21 bout from 2002.[22]

Acting

[edit]

Don Frye began acting in movies with Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), playing the role of Captain Douglas Gordon. In an interview, Frye mentions that unlike his fights where he has complete control, acting in a Godzilla film he had no control but enjoyed the experience nonetheless. 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. Kitamura found Frye's tough-guy/good-heart demeanor to be the perfect role for the character of Gordon. Curiously, for a prominent character in a Japanese-language film, all of his dialogue was spoken in English.

The year 2005 turned out to be a busy year for Frye as he made several appearances. In Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy, he played Rocco Piedra, the father of a wrestling family who dreams on marrying their child off to a famous wrestler. He also appeared in No Rules and starred in Nagurimono. In 2006, he made an appearance as an Aryan Brotherhood member in Miami Vice, lent his voice for The Ant Bully, and appeared in the Rob Schneider prison comedy Big Stan, along with fellow mixed martial artists Randy Couture and Bob Sapp in 2007.

He played FBI agent Clarence Hurt in Public Enemies, by director Michael Mann.[23]

Since he competed in Pride FC, he has also appeared in several commercial ads in Japan. 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). His significant popularity in Japan in the 2000s might be attributed to his "good old tough fuddy-duddy" character reminiscent of sheriffs in some 1960s American movies.

Frye appeared in an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia entitled "The Gang Wrestles for the Troops", in which he played a professional wrestler that was getting pummeled by Roddy Piper's character, "Da' Maniac". He is credited on IMDb for the role as "Wrestling Opponent".[24]

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.[25]

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.[26] Frye also portrayed mayor and former wrestler Mike Haggar in the Final Fight fan film "The Broken Gear".[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Frye is divorced and has two daughters.[28]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Professional wrestling

[edit]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
8 fights 2 wins 5 losses
By knockout 2 4
By decision 0 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
8 Loss 2–5–1 United States David Kilgour TKO 4 (4),
1:36 		Dec 11, 1990 United States Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
7 Loss 2–4–1 United States Leon Carter KO 2 Oct 1, 1990 Mexico Tijuana, Mexico
6 Draw 2–3–1 United States Fred Heath PTS 4 Jul 31, 1990 United States Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
5 Loss 2–3 United States David Dixon KO 1 May 21, 1990 United States Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
4 Loss 2–2 United States Fred Heath SD 4 Mar 27, 1990 United States Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
3 Loss 2–1 United States Rocky Pepeli KO 2 (4) Oct 24, 1989 United States Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Troy Baudoin KO 1 (4) Sep 26, 1989 United States Reseda Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Luis Mora KO 1 (4) Aug 28, 1989 United States Sun Devil House, Tempe, Arizona, U.S.

Kickboxing record

[edit]
Kickboxing record
0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2002-08-28 Loss France Jérôme Le Banner Pride Shockwave Tokyo, Japan KO (right hook) 1 1:30 0–1
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
31 matches 20 wins 9 losses
By knockout 8 5
By submission 10 2
By decision 1 2
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 20–9–1 (1) Ruben Villareal KO (punch) Gladiator Challenge: Mega Stars December 11, 2011 1 2:30 Lincoln, California, United States
Loss 20–8–1 (1) Dave Herman TKO (punches) Shark Fights 6: Stars & Stripes September 12, 2009 1 1:00 Amarillo, Texas, United States
Win 20–7–1 (1) Ritch Moss Submission (rear–naked choke) Shark Fights 4: Richards vs Schoonover May 2, 2009 1 2:48 Lubbock, Texas, United States
Loss 19–7–1 (1) Ikuhisa Minowa Submission (kneebar) Deep: Gladiator August 16, 2008 1 3:56 Okayama, Japan
Win 19–6–1 (1) Bryan Pardoe KO (punches) NLF: Heavy Hands January 26, 2008 1 0:47 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 18–6–1 (1) James Thompson TKO (punches) Pride 34 April 8, 2007 1 6:23 Saitama, Japan
Win 18–5–1 (1) Kim Min-Soo KO (punch) Hero's 7 October 9, 2006 2 2:47 Yokohama, Japan
Win 17–5–1 (1) Yoshihisa Yamamoto Submission (rear–naked choke) Hero's 6 August 5, 2006 1 4:52 Tokyo, Japan
Draw 16–5–1 (1) Ruben Villareal Draw KOTC: Predator May 13, 2006 3 5:00 Globe, Arizona, United States
Win 16–5 (1) Akebono Submission (guillotine choke) Hero's 5 May 3, 2006 2 3:50 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 15–5 (1) Yoshihiro Nakao Decision (unanimous) K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite December 31, 2004 3 5:00 Osaka, Japan
NC 15–4 (1) Yoshihiro Nakao NC (cut caused by accidental headbutt) K-1 MMA ROMANEX May 22, 2004 1 1:19 Saitama, Japan
Loss 15–4 Gary Goodridge KO (head kick) Pride Shockwave 2003 December 31, 2003 1 0:39 Saitama, Japan
Loss 15–3 Mark Coleman Decision (unanimous) Pride 26 June 8, 2003 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Loss 15–2 Hidehiko Yoshida Technical Submission (armbar) Pride 23 November 24, 2002 1 5:32 Tokyo, Japan
Win 15–1 Yoshihiro Takayama TKO (punches) Pride 21 June 23, 2002 1 6:10 Saitama, Japan Fight of the Year (2002).
Win 14–1 Ken Shamrock Decision (split) Pride 19 February 24, 2002 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 13–1 Cyril Abidi Submission (rear–naked choke) Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001 December 31, 2001 2 0:33 Saitama, Japan
Win 12–1 Gilbert Yvel DQ (eye gouging) Pride 16 September 24, 2001 1 7:27 Osaka, Japan
Win 11–1 Eric Valdez Submission (choke) Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation 5 June 20, 1997 1 0:49 Amarillo, Texas, United States
Win 10–1 Tank Abbott Submission (rear–naked choke) Ultimate Ultimate 96 December 7, 1996 1 1:22 Birmingham, Alabama, United States Wins the Ultimate Ultimate 96 Tournament.
Win 9–1 Mark Hall Submission (achilles lock) 1 0:20 UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996 Semi-Final.
Win 8–1 Gary Goodridge Submission (fatigue) 1 11:19 UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996 Quarter-Final.
Win 7–1 Mark Hall Submission (forearm choke) U-Japan November 17, 1996 1 5:29 Japan
Loss 6–1 Mark Coleman TKO (punches) UFC 10 July 12, 1996 1 11:34 Birmingham, Alabama, United States For the UFC 10 Tournament Championship.
Win 6–0 Brian Johnston TKO (submission to elbow) 1 4:37 UFC 10 Tournament Semi-Final.
Win 5–0 Mark Hall TKO (punches) 1 10:21 UFC 10 Tournament Quarter-Final.
Win 4–0 Amaury Bitetti TKO (punches) UFC 9 May 17, 1996 1 9:22 Detroit, Michigan, United States
Win 3–0 Gary Goodridge Submission (position) UFC 8 February 16, 1996 1 2:14 Bayamón, Puerto Rico Wins the UFC 8 Tournament.
Win 2–0 Sam Adkins TKO (doctor stoppage) 1 0:48 UFC 8 Tournament Semi-Final.
Win 1–0 Thomas Ramirez KO (punch) 1 0:08 UFC 8 Tournament Quarter-Final.

[41]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2004 Godzilla: Final Wars Captain Douglas Gordon
2005 No Rules 1978 Fighter
Nagurimono: Love & Kill Unknown
2006 Miami Vice Long-Haired Aryan Brother
The Ant Bully Soldier Ant Voice
Honor Shay
Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy Rocco Piedra
2007 Big Stan Nation Member
2009 Public Enemies FBI Agent Clarence Hurt
2010 13 Handler #1
2012 Badass Brock Brock Bannon
2013 Within Grizzled Man Short
2014 Noah Warrior
2014 Stick 10: The United League of Stereotypes Matt Ninesister Voice
2019 Animal Among Us Burl Wolf
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2009 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Wrestling Opponent Episode: "The Gang Wrestles for the Troops"

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Don Frye

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Don Frye (born November 23, 1965) is an American retired , professional wrestler, and actor, renowned as a pioneer of early (MMA) competition, particularly through his tournament victories in the (UFC). Known by his nickname "The Predator," Frye combined a background in , , and with a gritty, stand-up fighting style that emphasized toughness and rapid knockouts, amassing a professional MMA record of 20 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest across promotions like UFC and . He also holds a black belt in . He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Pioneer Wing in 2016 for his foundational contributions to the sport, including being regarded as the UFC's first true mixed martial artist who bridged wrestling and striking effectively. Born in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Frye grew up in a suburban environment near the Huachuca Mountains and developed an interest in combat sports early, beginning boxing training at age 14 and competing in a Golden Gloves tournament in Tucson. After wrestling collegiately at Arizona State University and Oklahoma State University, he worked as a professional boxer, horseshoer, and licensed firefighter in Arizona, where his physical conditioning and resilience prepared him for the demands of professional fighting. Frye's MMA debut came in 1996 at UFC 8, where he won the eight-man tournament by defeating three opponents in a combined time of approximately 6 minutes 41 seconds, including a notable rear-naked choke victory over Gary Goodridge. He followed this with a win over Amaury Bitetti at UFC 9 and a tournament win at the Ultimate Ultimate 1996 event, defeating fighters like David Abbott, though he fell short in the UFC 10 tournament final to Mark Coleman. Frye's career extended beyond UFC into FC, where he secured memorable victories such as a over UFC legend in 2002 and engaged in one of MMA's most iconic brawls against at 21 the same year, a three-round slugfest that highlighted his endurance despite later health challenges. His final MMA fight was a loss to in 2010. Frye transitioned into , competing in promotions like and earning the 2024 George Tragos Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his impact in blending with pro wrestling and MMA. In acting, Frye debuted in 2004 with a prominent role as Captain Douglas Gordon in Godzilla: Final Wars, leveraging his imposing physique and combat experience for action-oriented parts; he later appeared in films such as Public Enemies (2009) as a Colt Factory Guard, Big Stan (2007), and TV series like Miami Vice, accumulating over 25 credits while maintaining a reputation for authentic tough-guy portrayals.

Early years

Childhood and family

Don Frye was born on November 23, 1965, in , of Irish and Scottish descent. He grew up in this small city in Cochise County, situated near the and the U.S.-Mexico border, in a suburban environment that provided a typical childhood amid the region's desert landscape. Frye's early years were marked by the close-knit local community, where the proximity to natural surroundings and military influences from nearby contributed to an upbringing emphasizing resilience and outdoor engagement.

Education and amateur pursuits

Don Frye attended Buena High School in , where he focused on athletics, particularly wrestling, as his primary extracurricular activity. He later pursued higher education at from 1984 to 1988, competing on the wrestling team, before transferring to to continue his collegiate career. No specific academic pursuits beyond his athletic involvement are documented from this period. Frye's early participation in amateur wrestling began during his freshman year at Buena High School, where he trained under coaches Jerry Pickenpaugh and Manny Martinez, honing skills that earned him a wrestling to Arizona State. At the collegiate level, he was a standout competitor at Arizona State, contributing to the team's three Pac-10 conference titles during his tenure there. His time at Oklahoma State further solidified his foundation, though specific individual records from regional or national competitions remain limited in public accounts. Following his college years, Frye worked as a in , completing a rigorous six-month training program that emphasized physical endurance and resilience, skills that complemented his athletic background. During this time, he was introduced to through local training facilities, where he developed foundational striking techniques that enhanced his overall combat readiness. This period of vocational training and gym work marked his initial foray into pugilistic pursuits outside of wrestling.

Combat sports beginnings

Amateur wrestling and boxing

Don Frye began his competitive athletic career in during high school before advancing to the collegiate level. At , where he wrestled under coach , Frye contributed to the Sun Devils' success, including their 1988 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship team title and three Pac-10 conference titles during his tenure. He later transferred to for his senior year, training under coach John Smith and helping the Cowboys secure the 1989 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship. These experiences established a solid foundation that emphasized takedowns, control, and endurance. To complement his wrestling background, Frye turned to in his early adulthood, starting with competitions to build striking proficiency and hand speed. These bouts sharpened his ability to integrate punches with his wrestling skills, providing practical experience in stand-up exchanges against varied opponents. Although specific records are not widely documented, Frye's early exposure laid the groundwork for his later professional endeavors in the ring. He transitioned to in 1989, compiling a 2-5-1 record over 16 months, with both wins coming by ; these fights, including his debut victory over Luis Mora in Phoenix, further honed his aggressive punching style and resilience under pressure before he shifted focus to mixed combat sports. Following college graduation in the late , Frye took on various jobs to support himself, including working as a firefighter in , and later in , where he also shoed horses on a . During this transition period in the early , he participated in informal fighting circuits and shoot-style events, testing his combined wrestling and abilities in unregulated matches that bridged and emerging professional opportunities. These experiences, often held in local venues, exposed him to no-holds-barred scenarios and helped refine his all-around fighting approach amid a physically demanding routine.

Transition to professional fighting

In the mid-1990s, as no-holds-barred fighting events like the gained prominence following the inaugural UFC tournament in 1993, Don Frye sought new challenges after a period as a and in . Having built a foundation in and during his college years at , Frye turned to in his early 20s as an athletic outlet and advanced rapidly, competing while working in demanding professions such as shoeing horses and restraining psychiatric patients. This background positioned him to capitalize on the emerging MMA landscape, where hybrid skills were increasingly valued. Frye's initial foray into professional combat sports came through boxing, where he debuted on August 28, 1989, securing a first-round knockout victory over Luis Mora in a heavyweight bout. Over the next 16 months, he compiled a brief but active record of 2 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw—all eight fights occurring between 1989 and 1990—with both victories coming by knockout against opponents including Troy Baudoin. Despite the modest success, Frye retired from boxing to focus on his firefighting career, starting with the Bisbee Fire Department in 1992 after six months of reserve training. By 1996, inspired by early UFC broadcasts, Frye reentered the fight game through his longtime wrestling coach, , whom he contacted for opportunities in the burgeoning no-holds-barred scene. Severn facilitated Frye's participation in approximately five to six underground NHB warehouse fights across the country, serving as informal preparation for regulated events. This recruitment marked a pivotal shift, transitioning Frye from structured amateur disciplines to the unpredictable, multi-disciplinary demands of professional MMA, where he emphasized aggressive engagement over specialized techniques. His training regimen at the time centered on four to five nights a week for two to three hours, avoiding strikes to preserve sparring partners, while drawing on his wrestling base for takedown proficiency. Frye later reflected on the mindset change, noting that professional bouts required a more lackadaisical approach to avoid overthinking, contrasting the intense preparation of his amateur days.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship (1996)

Don Frye made his professional debut in the at : David vs. Goliath on February 16, 1996, in , where he competed in the eight-man tournament. In the quarterfinals, Frye quickly defeated Thomas Ramirez via TKO (punches) at just 0:08 into the first round. Advancing to the semifinals, he then overcame Sam Adkins by TKO (doctor stoppage due to cuts) at 0:48 of the first round. In the tournament final, Frye faced and secured the championship with a TKO (punches) at 2:14 of the first round, earning the Tournament winner title after three victories in under four minutes total fight time. Building on his momentum, Frye returned at on May 17, 1996, in a non-tournament superfight against , winning by TKO (punches) at 9:22 of the first round. He next entered the on July 12, 1996, in , advancing through the quarterfinals with a TKO (punches) victory over Mark Hall at 10:21 of the first round and the semifinals via TKO (submission to elbows) against at 4:37 of the first round. However, in the final, Frye was defeated by via TKO (punches) at 8:17 of the first round. Frye capped his UFC year at the tournament on December 7, 1996, also in Birmingham, defeating Mark Hall again in the quarterfinals by submission (Achilles lock) at 0:20 of the first round, in the semifinals by submission (fatigue) at 11:19 of the first round, and David "Tank" Abbott in the final via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:22 of the first round to claim the tournament crown. Frye's success in the no-rules environment of early UFC events stemmed from his amateur wrestling background, which provided a strong foundation for takedowns and control. His fighting style emphasized aggressive wrestling to bring opponents to the ground, followed by relentless ground-and-pound striking with punches and elbows to wear them down, complemented by exceptional cardio that allowed him to maintain pressure across multiple short-notice bouts. This approach proved effective in the tournament format, where endurance was critical amid minimal recovery time between fights. In , Frye compiled an overall professional record of 10-1, with his sole loss to Coleman, achieved through a grueling schedule that included seven UFC fights across four events in just 10 months, often requiring three bouts in a single night. The rapid succession took a physical toll, contributing to fatigue-related submissions and cuts, yet highlighted his resilience in pioneering the sport's early days.

Pride Fighting Championships (2001–2003)

Don Frye made his debut in the on September 24, 2001, at Pride 16: Beasts From the East, where he faced in a controversial opening bout. Frye secured a victory by disqualification after Yvel was penalized for and holding the ropes at 7:27 of the first round, marking an inauspicious but triumphant entry into Japan's premier MMA promotion following his earlier UFC tenure. Frye's momentum continued in his next Pride appearance on November 3, 2001, at Pride 17: Cold Fury 2, defeating via submission (keylock) in just 2:18 of the first round, showcasing his grappling prowess in a quick arm lock finish. On February 24, 2002, at Pride 19: Bad Blood, he outlasted fellow UFC veteran to win by after three rounds, relying on superior conditioning and striking volume in a heated rivalry match. These early successes highlighted Frye's transition to Pride's larger ring and unique ruleset, including standing eight-counts and unrestricted strikes. The pinnacle of Frye's Pride run came on June 23, 2002, at 21: Demolition, in an iconic brawl against that is widely regarded as one of MMA's most intense and memorable exchanges. The fighters traded heavy punches while locked in a clinch, with Takayama landing legal knees to Frye's head and body under Pride's rules allowing strikes to downed opponents; Frye ultimately prevailed via TKO (punches) at 6:10 of the first round after absorbing significant punishment and responding with ground-and-pound. Post-fight chaos ensued as both competitors were hospitalized—Takayama for exhaustion and facial lacerations, Frye for body shot recovery—amid the event's electric atmosphere at , amplifying the bout's raw spectacle. This fight's cultural impact endures in and global MMA, inspiring references in video games, films, and fan discussions as a of 's unbridled , though it prompted Frye to briefly announce retirement before reconsidering. Frye's form dipped later in the period, beginning with a submission loss to via armbar at 5:32 of the first round on November 24, 2002, at 23: Championship Chaos, exposing vulnerabilities in his ground game against elite judoka. On June 8, 2003, at 26: Bad to the Bone, he suffered a defeat to in a rematch from their 1996 UFC encounter, outwrestled over three rounds by Coleman's superior takedowns and control. Frye's stint concluded on December 31, 2003, at Shockwave 2003, where Goodridge avenged their prior meeting with a swift head kick at 0:39 of the first round. Overall, Frye compiled a 4-3 record in during this era, adapting to its soccer kicks, stomps, and knee strikes—elements absent in UFC—while earning substantial purses reportedly around $580,000 per fight, though the physical toll from unrestricted aggression contributed to his accumulating injuries.

K-1, Hero's, and other promotions (2004–2006)

Following a series of setbacks in , Don Frye transitioned to K-1's MMA division in 2004, seeking high-profile opportunities in Japan's evolving combat sports landscape. His debut bout occurred on May 22, 2004, at K-1 MMA: Romanex against , but it was declared a no contest after just 1:16 when an accidental caused a significant cut on Frye's forehead, halting the fight under medical stoppage. Later that year, on December 31, 2004, at the K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite!! event—a massive card blending and MMA—Frye rematched Nakao under MMA rules. The fight went the full three five-minute rounds, with Nakao emerging victorious via (30-27 on all cards), as his superior striking volume and takedown defense neutralized Frye's aggressive wrestling and punches. After an 18-month layoff, Frye returned in 2006 under , K-1's dedicated MMA promotion, where he competed in a series of superfights that highlighted his resilience amid the sport's increasing global legitimacy and crossover appeal. On May 3, 2006, at in , Frye faced former yokozuna wrestler Chad Rowan (also known as Akebono), a 500-pound behemoth with a grappling-heavy style, in a matchup emphasizing size disparities common in Japanese promotions. Frye weathered early pressure, landed heavy strikes to wear down his opponent, and secured a submission at 3:50 of the second round, showcasing his opportunistic against a dominant wrestler. This victory propelled him into further bouts, underscoring his adaptability in rulesets influenced by stand-up phases and ground exchanges. Frye's momentum continued at Hero's 6 on August 5, 2006, where he submitted pro wrestler Yoshihisa Yamamoto—a former UFC veteran known for his amateur wrestling background—with a rear-naked choke at 4:52 of the first round. Yamamoto's takedown attempts tested Frye's defensive wrestling, but Frye countered with clinch strikes and transitioned seamlessly to the finish, illustrating the challenges of blending striking power with submission threats against grapplers. He capped the year undefeated in Hero's with a knockout win over South Korean striker Min Soo Kim at Hero's 7 on October 9, 2006, dropping him with a right punch at 2:47 of the second round after absorbing early leg kicks and trading blows in a stand-up war. These performances, part of K-1's effort to feature veteran "superfights" for entertainment value, affirmed Frye's enduring appeal as MMA gained mainstream traction through international promotions. During this period, Frye compiled a 3-1 record (1 NC) in K-1 and Hero's events, with an additional draw against Ruben "Warpath" Villareal at King of the Cage: Predator on May 13, 2006, reflecting his pursuit of competitive bouts to maintain relevance in a diversifying sport.

Later fights and retirement (2007–2017)

After a nearly four-year hiatus following his last fight in December 2003 against , Don Frye returned to the cage in 2007 at : Kamikaze, facing James Thompson in Saitama, . The fight ended in a first-round TKO loss for Frye after 6:23, as Thompson overwhelmed him with ground-and-pound strikes. This comeback marked Frye's attempt to reassert himself in a sport that had evolved significantly since his early tournament successes in the . Frye fought twice more in 2008, first securing a quick victory over Bryan Pardoe in 47 seconds at No Limit Fighting: Heavy Hands via punches. However, later that year at Deep: Gladiator in , , he submitted to via kneebar in the first round at 3:56, highlighting ongoing challenges with leg attacks—a vulnerability exacerbated by lingering effects from his 2002 war with . In reflections on that iconic Takayama fight, Frye has stated that the relentless striking exchange "stole my soul," leaving him with and diminished recovery that impacted his later performances. The year 2009 brought mixed results in regional promotions. Frye won by rear-naked choke against Rich Moss in 2:12 at Shark Fights 4 but followed it with a first-round TKO loss to Dave Herman via punches at Shark Fights 6 just four months later. These bouts underscored Frye's resilience as a pioneer from MMA's no-holds-barred , yet also revealed the physical toll of age and accumulated damage, as he navigated a landscape now dominated by specialized training and rulesets far removed from his 1996 tournament victory. Frye's final MMA appearance came on December 11, 2011, at Gladiator Challenge: Mega Stars in , where he was by Ruben "Warpath" Villareal in the first round at 2:29. At age 46, this loss effectively ended his competitive career, though Frye has not issued a formal announcement; instead, he has expressed in interviews that he should have stepped away much earlier, post-Takayama, due to irreversible health declines including chronic knee issues and overall diminished vitality. Post-, Frye has commented on MMA's transformation into a polished, global sport, crediting his foundational role in popularizing wrestling-based striking hybrids while critiquing modern fighters for lacking the raw toughness of early pioneers.

Professional wrestling career

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1997–2004)

Don Frye made his professional wrestling debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on August 2, 1997, during the G1 Climax tournament, where he defeated Kazuyuki Fujita by submission in a special Different Style Fight match at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall. This appearance capitalized on Frye's rising fame from his mixed martial arts victories in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, drawing interest from NJPW as a way to incorporate authentic shoot-style elements into their strong style programming. Over the following months, Frye competed in several singles matches, including a submission win over Cal Worsham on August 10 and a rematch victory against Fujita on September 23, establishing him as a formidable foreign talent capable of blending grappling prowess with pro wrestling fundamentals. By 1998, Frye ascended to a prominent role within NJPW, highlighted by his participation in the Retirement Tournament on January 4, where he defeated in a different style fight to advance toward challenging Inoki himself. His style emphasized stiff strikes and submissions, influencing NJPW's integration of real-fight realism into scripted bouts, particularly during multi-man and encounters that showcased his MMA background against strong style veterans. Frye continued building momentum with wins over opponents like by knockout on June 5 and victories alongside allies such as Igor Meindert, though he faced setbacks in tag matches against teams like and Kazuo Yamazaki on September 23. Frye's tenure intensified in 1999 through his alliance with Masahiro Chono in the newly formed Team 2000 stable, leading to notable feuds including clashes against Shinya Hashimoto in the G1 Tag League. On September 16, Frye and Chono defeated Hashimoto and Meng, but lost to Hashimoto and Jushin Thunder Liger on September 22, underscoring Frye's role in high-stakes faction warfare that blurred lines between worked and shoot elements. His 1997 appearance during the G1 Climax event provided an early showcase of his skills in a high-profile setting, though limited to a single special match. A pinnacle of Frye's NJPW run came in 2000 when he challenged for the on February 5 at the Sun Plaza, a match that highlighted his against Sasaki's power-based strong style but ended in defeat via Northern Lights Bomb after 18 minutes. Frye peaked again in 2001 by winning the G1 World tournament—a gaijin-focused variant of the —defeating in the final on September 23, solidifying his impact on NJPW's international appeal and hybrid fight integration before departing for MMA pursuits. His sporadic appearances through 2004, including multi-man tags, further bridged MMA credibility with pro wrestling's dramatic narratives.

Other promotions and appearances (2003–2021)

In 2003, following his primary tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Frye made sporadic appearances in other Japanese promotions, beginning with Fighting of World Japan Pro-Wrestling (WJ). On March 1, he teamed with fellow MMA veteran Dan Bobish to face Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki in a tag team match at WJ MAGMA01, ultimately losing by pinfall after 12:59. Later that year, on July 20 at WJ Magma03, Frye challenged Big Van Vader in a singles bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, but the match ended in a disqualification victory for Vader after Frye used a closed fist. These encounters highlighted Frye's ability to integrate his MMA striking style into pro wrestling, often drawing on real combat rivalries to build crossover appeal. Transitioning to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) the same year, Frye received a title opportunity on October 26 at Road to Re-Birth X Re-Verse, challenging Toshiaki Kawada for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. The 17-minute hard-hitting affair saw Kawada retain via submission after applying a Stretch Plum hold. Frye's wrestling activities remained infrequent in the ensuing years, focusing on occasional high-profile events that leveraged his status as an MMA pioneer to bridge the two combat sports. In 2013, he returned to AJPW for Pro-Wrestling Love in Ryogoku, partnering with longtime associate in a win over Masayuki Kono and , concluding in 9:57 by pinfall. This match carried added intrigue due to Takayama's prior MMA clash with Frye in , allowing storylines to nod to their shared history in striking exchanges while emphasizing Frye's enduring toughness in the ring. By 2019, Frye appeared at 's independently produced Pro-Wrestling Masters event under on February 15, joining Taiyo Kea, , and in an eight-man loss to , , , and Super J after 17:24. Such outings reinforced his role in veteran showcases, where MMA-derived personas like his own added authenticity to narratives without relying on full-time commitment. Frye's final notable wrestling appearance came in 2021 amid a series of independent and crossover events. On November 13, at the AAA/American Icon Jacksonmania 3 in —a freelance show blending pro wrestling with celebrity and MMA elements—he anchored a team with , , Ryan Kidd, and to defeat , Kal Herro, , , Mr. Iguana, and in a six-on-five handicap match. Teaming alongside Coleman, another UFC alum, exemplified Frye's contributions to hybrid angles that merged real MMA legacies with wrestling entertainment, attracting fans from both worlds and culminating his sporadic ring career on a lighthearted yet combative note.

Acting and media work

Film and television roles

Don Frye transitioned into acting in the mid-2000s, leveraging his imposing physical presence and combat sports background to secure roles in action, thriller, and comedy films and television. His debut came in the Japanese monster film Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), where he played Captain Douglas Gordon, the brash leader of a high-tech airship crew tasked with confronting Godzilla and other kaiju. Frye, a longtime fan of the franchise, was cast after director Ryuhei Kitamura, an admirer of his professional wrestling, persistently pursued him for six to eight months; Frye later recalled his surprise at the substantial size of the role, which involved sword training for 1-1.5 weeks and improvisation that shortened scripted scenes, such as a jailhouse sequence reduced from two minutes to mere seconds. Frye's early acting efforts were marked by an incident on the set of the television movie (2004), directed by , where he was initially cast as an FBI agent but dismissed after unintentionally injuring an extra during a rehearsal. Despite this setback, he continued to land parts that capitalized on his tough, no-nonsense persona, often portraying intimidating figures in , gangs, or contexts—a typecasting influenced by his real-life reputation as a rugged MMA pioneer. Notable examples include his portrayal of a long-haired white supremacist gang member in Michael Mann's crime thriller (2006) and a prison "Nation" gang member in the comedy (2007), where his fighter's build added authenticity to the rough ensemble scenes. On television, Frye appeared as the wrestler Wrestling Opponent in the 2008 episode "The Gang Wrestles for the Troops" of , contributing to the show's chaotic humor with his physicality in a wrestling-ring confrontation. He followed this with a supporting role as Texas Ranger Clarence Hurt in the historical crime drama (2009), again drawing on his authoritative demeanor opposite stars like . Later credits leaned toward independent action and horror projects, such as the sheriff in the Western Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink (2014), the voice of a tough ant soldier in the animated The Ant Bully (2006), and the menacing hunter Burl Wolf in the found-footage horror Animal Among Us (2019). These roles underscored Frye's niche as a reliable presence in genre fare, where his on-screen intensity mirrored his off-screen anecdotes of on-set mishaps, like a choking contest with fellow actor during filming that led to the director confiscating his prop .

Other media appearances

Frye has made several guest appearances on MMA broadcasts, providing commentary and insights from his extensive fighting experience. He featured on the MMA Show #112 in June 2021, discussing his career and the evolution of the sport. Earlier, in January 2017, he appeared on Submission Radio episode #111 alongside fighters like , sharing stories from his UFC and Pride FC days. Frye also served as a guest on Inside MMA in 2013, where he recounted encounters with fighters like and critiqued contemporary MMA trends. His roles have occasionally enhanced his visibility in these media spots, drawing on his tough-guy persona. In professional wrestling, Frye contributed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) events through his on-screen presence and reported involvement in event commentary during his tenure from 1997 to 2004, leveraging his bilingual appeal for international audiences. He has been described as a fight color commentator in promotional materials for combat sports events, including wrestling crossovers. Frye co-hosts the podcast Dan and Don's Toxic Masculinity Podcast with fellow UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, which debuted in April 2021 and features interviews with combat sports figures, comedians, and celebrities like Rob Schneider and Bill Goldberg. The show, available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, emphasizes unfiltered discussions on masculinity, MMA history, and personal anecdotes, with episodes continuing into 2025. Complementing this, Frye maintains an active social media presence on Instagram under @donthepredatorfrye, where he shares updates on his life, fights, and podcast promotions, amassing followers through posts like his July 2025 reflection on the Pride FC bout with Yoshihiro Takayama. Frye has been involved in public incidents that highlight his no-nonsense persona, such as a 2022 altercation at where he punched a fan who challenged him to a fight after a verbal exchange, an event captured on video and attributed to the fan's intoxication. Additionally, he endorses products like Circuit Ring, serving as a partner and promoting the combat sports accessory through his and official bio.

Personal life and legacy

Health challenges and family

Don Frye was born on November 23, 1965, in , to a family with roots in the . He has been married twice, with both marriages ending in , the most recent in 2016, which separated him from his wife and two daughters at the time. Frye and his second wife, Mollie, wed in 1996 and share two daughters, who were granted custody to their mother following the ; the daughters have since graduated high school. Despite the challenges of his divorces, Frye's daughters have remained supportive, assisting him in caring for his property and animals during his post-career struggles. Frye's family provided emotional grounding during the highs of his combat sports career, such as his UFC tournament victories in the , and through subsequent lows, including financial hardships and health declines after retirement. He has spoken of the profound impact of losing close amid personal turmoil, including the death of a beloved he owned for 24 years, which compounded his difficulties during the 2016 . His daughters' continued involvement in his life, helping manage his rural home, underscores their role in his recovery and daily stability. Frye's health challenges stem largely from the cumulative toll of his and wrestling career, including injuries to his shoulders, back, neck, and knees sustained during intense bouts and tours. He has undergone between 45 and 50 , with around 27 focused on his back, and became reliant on medication, which he later attributed to shortening his competitive lifespan. In 2013, a rod from a prior back surgery broke, leading to years of severe ; by 2016, attempting repair triggered a hemorrhage, , and a bacterial spinal , resulting in a 2.5-month hospitalization—much of it in a medically —and a subsequent . These issues left him using a walker temporarily and facing memory gaps, with additional complications like broken rods in his spine that he endured for 1.5 to 2 years before further intervention. The physical and emotional strain contributed to 2 to 3 suicide-by-cop attempts around 2016, exacerbated by his , , and loss of his horse. Frye resides on a 2-acre property in —about 30 miles north of Tucson—embracing a low-key, rural with his Quinn and horses Puzzle and Funk, while enjoying cigars and avoiding the trappings of urban celebrity. This secluded existence in the Catalina Mountains reflects his preference for privacy and simplicity away from the public eye.

Recent activities and honors (2018–present)

In 2024, Don Frye received the George Tragos Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to as an standout who transitioned successfully into combat sports. That same year, he was inducted into the Bare Knuckle & Bodyguard Hall of Fame, honoring his early career in bare-knuckle fighting and before his MMA prominence. These accolades built on his 2016 induction into the UFC Hall of Fame's Pioneer Wing, which celebrated his role as one of the sport's foundational figures. In April 2025, Frye publicly reconciled with fellow UFC pioneer after over 15 years of tension stemming from their 1997 fight, appearing together at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport event in and sharing a where Abbott expressed no lingering personal animosity. Later that year, in June, Frye offered pointed advice to UFC contender , warning him against fighting through injuries without adequate recovery, drawing from his own regrets of "popping the pills and kept going" which led to severe health complications and nearly fatal hospital stays. Frye emphasized to , "If you’re hurt, take the time off and heal up," highlighting how such decisions had shortened his own career. As of November 2025, Frye maintains a low-key lifestyle at his ranch in Arizona, where past health issues, including multiple near-death experiences, have moderated his pace while allowing him to enjoy hobbies like desert off-roading. In October 2025, he shared an impromptu off-roading adventure in a rental Jeep with fellow MMA veteran Gary Goodridge, embracing the rugged terrain despite minor mishaps. Frye engages the public sparingly through his YouTube channel and co-hosted podcast "Dan & Don's Pod," offering reflections on MMA history and life lessons without seeking the spotlight.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts achievements

Don Frye achieved significant success in the early days of mixed martial arts, most notably as the winner of the UFC 8 tournament in 1996, where he defeated three opponents in rapid succession. He further solidified his legacy by winning the UFC 9 tournament and the UFC Ultimate Ultimate '96 tournament later that year, defeating Tank Abbott in the final via submission. In recognition of his contributions to the sport's development, Frye was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Pioneer Wing in 2016. Throughout his professional MMA career, Frye compiled an overall record of 20 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw, with one no contest. His victories broke down as follows: 8 by or technical (40%), 10 by submission (50%), 1 by decision (5%), and 1 other (5%). Frye is widely regarded as the UFC's first true mixed martial artist for his versatile skill set combining wrestling, , and during the no-holds-barred era.

Professional wrestling titles

Don Frye's professional wrestling career in (NJPW) featured notable tournament successes rather than major championship reigns, leveraging his background for high-profile pushes in Japan.

Tournament Wins

  • Antonio Inoki Final Opponent Tournament (1998): Frye defeated in the final on January 4, 1998, earning the honor of facing in his retirement match at the NJPW Wrestling World 1998 event.
  • G1 World (2001): Frye won the gaijin-focused in September 2001, defeating 6:11 in the final to claim the victory.
Frye also challenged unsuccessfully for the multiple times between 1999 and 2001, highlighting his status as a top foreign contender.

Other awards and recognitions

In 2024, Don Frye received the George Tragos Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals with a strong background who have significantly impacted . Frye's career at and , combined with his pioneering role in and subsequent appearances in promotions like , qualified him for this honor, highlighting his blend of skill, toughness, and showmanship. The award was presented at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony in . That same year, Frye was honored with the Bare Knuckle Fighter Award at the Bare Knuckle & Hall of Fame Awards Show, celebrating his contributions to bare-knuckle fighting and his reputation as a tough, versatile combat sports figure. The event inducted notable fighters and bodyguards, with Frye's award underscoring his legacy beyond traditional ring sports.

Professional records

Boxing record

Don Frye's professional boxing career was brief, spanning from 1989 to 1990, during which he compiled a record of 2 wins, both by , 5 losses, and 1 draw, fighting exclusively in the division. This short stint ended after 14 months and 19 rounds fought, as Frye shifted focus to , where his wrestling and striking background proved more effective. Prior to turning professional, Frye gained experience through competitions.
No.DateOpponentResultMethodRoundVenueLocation
11989-08-28Luis MoraWinKO1Sun Devil HouseTempe, AZ
21989-09-26Troy BaudoinWinKO1 (4)Country ClubReseda, CA
31989-10-XXRocky PepeliLoss--Country ClubReseda, CA
41990-03-XXFred HeathLoss--Country ClubReseda, CA
51990-05-XXDavid DixonLoss--Great Western ForumInglewood, CA
61990-07-XXFred HeathDraw--Country ClubReseda, CA
71990-10-XXLeon CarterLoss---Tijuana, Mexico
81990-12-XXDavid KilgourLoss--Country ClubReseda, CA

Kickboxing record

Don Frye's professional career was extremely limited, consisting of a single bout under K-1 rules, which prohibit and emphasize striking with punches, kicks, and knees. On August 28, 2002, at the event in Tokyo, Japan, Frye faced French veteran in a match. Frye, primarily a boxer and MMA fighter, attempted to utilize his strong punching power and aggressive forward pressure to close the distance early in the fight. However, Le Banner, a two-time champion known for his devastating knockout power and versatile striking, countered effectively with leg kicks to slow Frye's advance and precise punches. The bout ended abruptly when Le Banner landed a clean right hook that dropped Frye, prompting the referee to stop the contest at 1:30 of the first round via KO/TKO (punch). This loss highlighted the challenges Frye faced transitioning from -inclusive MMA to pure stand-up against a specialized striker. Frye's kickboxing record stands at 0–1, with no further appearances in the discipline after this outing.

Mixed martial arts record

Don Frye's professional spanned from 1996 to 2011, encompassing 31 bouts across various promotions, resulting in 20 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. His wins comprised 8 by /technical , 10 by submission, 1 by decision, and 1 by disqualification, while his losses included 5 by /technical , 2 by submission, and 2 by decision. The following table details his complete professional MMA record in chronological order:
DateOpponentResultMethodRoundTimeEvent
February 16, 1996Sam AdkinsWinTKO (Doctor Stoppage)10:48UFC 8: David vs. Goliath
February 16, 1996Thomas RamirezWinKO (Punch)10:08UFC 8: David vs. Goliath
February 16, 1996Gary GoodridgeWinSubmission (Position)12:14UFC 8: David vs. Goliath
May 17, 1996Amaury BitettiWinTKO (Punches)19:22UFC 9: Motor City Madness
July 12, 1996Mark HallWinTKO (Punches)110:21UFC 10: The Tournament
July 12, 1996Brian JohnstonWinTKO (Submission to Elbow)14:37UFC 10: The Tournament
July 12, 1996Mark ColemanLossTKO (Punches)111:34UFC 10: The Tournament
November 17, 1996Mark HallWinSubmission (Forearm Choke)15:29U-Japan
December 7, 1996Mark HallWinSubmission (Achilles Lock)10:20UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996
December 7, 1996Gary GoodridgeWinSubmission (Fatigue)111:19UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996
December 7, 1996David AbbottWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)11:22UFC Ultimate Ultimate 1996
June 20, 1997Eric ValdezWinSubmission (Choke)10:49USWF 5: Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation 5
September 24, 2001Gilbert YvelWinDisqualification (Eye Gouging)17:27Pride 16: Beasts From the East
December 31, 2001Cyril AbidiWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)20:33Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001
February 24, 2002Ken ShamrockWinDecision (Split)35:00Pride 19: Bad Blood
June 23, 2002Yoshihiro TakayamaWinTKO (Punches)16:10Pride 21: Demolition
November 24, 2002Hidehiko YoshidaLossTechnical Submission (Armbar)15:32Pride 23: Championship Chaos 2
June 8, 2003Mark ColemanLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00Pride 26: Bad to the Bone
December 31, 2003Gary GoodridgeLossKO (Head Kick)10:27Pride Shockwave 2003
May 22, 2004Yoshihiro NakaoNCNo Contest (Cut from Accidental Headbutt)11:16K-1 MMA: Romanex
December 31, 2004Yoshihiro NakaoLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite!!
May 3, 2006Chad RowanWinSubmission (Guillotine Choke)23:50K-1 Hero's 5
May 13, 2006Ruben VillarealDrawDraw35:00KOTC: Predator
August 5, 2006Yoshihisa YamamotoWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)14:52K-1 Hero's 6
October 9, 2006Min Soo KimWinKO (Punch)22:47K-1 Hero's 7
April 8, 2007James ThompsonLossTKO (Punches)16:23Pride 34: Kamikaze
January 26, 2008Bryan PardoeWinKO (Punches)10:47NLF: Heavy Hands
August 16, 2008Ikuhisa MinowaLossSubmission (Kneebar)13:56Deep: Gladiator
May 2, 2009Rich MossWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)12:12Shark Fights 4
September 12, 2009Dave HermanLossTKO (Punches)11:00Shark Fights 6
December 11, 2011Ruben VillarealLossKO (Punch)12:29Gladiator Challenge: Mega Stars
One bout was ruled a no contest due to an accidental causing a cut, with no exhibition fights recorded in his professional ledger.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleType
2002RollerballFilm
2003The EliminatorRick ShaneFilm
2004Godzilla: Final WarsCaptain Douglas GordonFilm
2004No RulesFilm
2005GarrettFilm
2006The Ant BullyKowalski (voice)Film
2006The Last StandDon FryeFilm
2006Long-Haired Aryan BrotherFilm
2007Nation MemberFilm
2007Barnabus "Bear" GreeleyTV series
2008Public EnemiesClarence HurtFilm
201013BobFilm
2010Never Back Down 2: The BeatdownTim NewhouseFilm
2011FrankieFilm
2012HijackedFilm
2013The PackageThe GermanFilm
2014 2: The Second OneMartin BrodyTV movie
2014Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2T-BillFilm
2015Sheriff McGrathFilm
2015Street LevelBig MikeFilm
2018The Green GhostSheriff BuckFilm
2018Fury of the Fist and the Golden FleeceThe WarlordFilm
2019The DiggersFilm
2019Animal Among UsBurl WolfFilm

References

  1. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Don-Frye-124
  2. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2354083/don-frye
  3. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/don-frye
  4. https://kwcdcountry.com/history-of-don-frye/
  5. https://mmacruise.com/speaker2.htm
  6. https://nwhof.org/hall_of_fame/bio/16487
  7. https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-year-that-made-the-predator-don-fryes-1996-ass-kicking-tour/
  8. https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/don-frye-rogan-ufc-pioneer/
  9. https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/3/12028242/hall-of-fame-honor-couldnt-come-at-a-better-time-for-frye
  10. https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2022/07/15/don-frye-storied-mma-career-memorable-fight/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1675025/
  12. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/don_frye
  13. https://serp.media/movies/all-don-frye-movies-in-order/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1675025/bio/
  15. https://tucson.com/sports/sierra-vista-fighter-trains-team-in-tucson/article_77a81aeb-461d-5265-9801-120bf7b944d6.html
  16. https://www.houseofsparky.com/2016/7/11/12150108/asus-50-best-professional-athletes-no-43-ufc-hall-of-famer-don-frye
  17. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/5-Things-You-Might-Not-Know-About-Don-Frye-183310
  18. https://ogjre.com/clip/how-don-frye-got-started-in-the-ufc
  19. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1088685-power-ranking-the-top-8-fighters-who-came-from-oklahoma-state
  20. https://slamwrestling.net/news/don-frye-happy-about-career-accomplishments/
  21. https://kungfukingdom.com/interview-with-don-frye/
  22. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/Stories-from-the-Road-Don-Frye-88089
  23. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2009/9/11/1026023/don-frye-firemen-fights-and-the
  24. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/35760
  25. https://www.onzuka.com/interviews/Frye-Don8-21-99.html
  26. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/2354083/don-frye
  27. https://www.ufc.com/news/first-ufc-event-puerto-rico-ufc-8-david-vs-goliath
  28. https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/article/don-frye-vs-yoshihiro-takayama-the-untold-story-of-mmas-most-iconic-and-tragic-brawl-23-years-later-204933742.html
  29. https://www.sherdog.com/events/K1-Premium-2004-Dynamite-2771
  30. https://www.sherdog.com/events/K1-Heros-7-4093
  31. https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2022/07/15/don-frye-reflects-on-a-storied-career-and-one-of-maas-most-memorable-fights/
  32. http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/g1-climax-3997---day-2-4522.html
  33. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2017/06/01/on-strong-style-the-polar-opposite-of-modern-njpw/
  34. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/don-frye-2349.html?year=1997&res=50
  35. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9e4ml0
  36. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/don-frye-2349.html?year=1998&res=50
  37. https://archive.org/details/g1-climax-special-big-wednesday-98-iwgp-4-big-title-match
  38. http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/g1-tag-league-3999---day-6-7667.html
  39. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7667
  40. https://411mania.com/wrestling/puroresu-love-g1-climax-1997/
  41. https://watch.njpwworld.com/search/2000%252F2%252F5
  42. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/njpw-g1-world-2001
  43. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/don-frye-2349.html?year=2004&res=50
  44. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=185957
  45. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=101568
  46. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=37582
  47. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=90773
  48. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=442846
  49. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=401344
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399102/
  51. https://vantagepointinterviews.com/2021/06/23/captain-gordons-final-war-actor-don-frye-on-starring-in-godzilla-final-wars/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430357/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490086/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3612008/
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caKf2bEphfQ
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ngWHh1sX4
  57. https://www.reddit.com/r/MMA/comments/1ezi7u/don_frye_tells_the_tale_of_when_he_met_the_axe/
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ9AuliEsiQ
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-IUBUMb36Y
  60. https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5b3c450c-3432-48d2-b920-08aa4bb39d81/dan-and-don%25E2%2580%2599s-toxic-masculinity-podcast
  61. https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWCY63KVfwRkHPi5zxbet
  62. https://www.instagram.com/donthepredatorfrye/?hl=en
  63. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL5LkP3RvS0/?hl=en
  64. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10024885-ufc-hall-of-famer-don-frye-punches-fan-on-video-at-ufc-270-says-man-challenged-him
  65. https://nwhof.org/hall_of_fame/awards/George_Tragos_Award
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-8UcObOOig
  67. https://www.ufc.com/news/don-frye-named-to-2016-UFC-Hall-of-Fame-class
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b17gzikD010
  69. https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/alex-pereira/ufc-legend-don-frye-advises-alex-pereira-not-to-make-the-same-mistake-that-ruined-his-career-i-almost-died/
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HvoF7jFrUc
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIP37qKarlg
  72. https://www.instagram.com/donthepredatorfrye/
  73. https://puroresusystem.fandom.com/wiki/Don_Frye
  74. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4080&page=16
  75. https://events.humanitix.com/bare-knuckle-and-bodyguard-hall-of-fame-2024-awards-show
  76. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/492335-pride-shockwave-jerome-geronimo-lebanner-vs-don-the-predator-frye
  77. https://mixedmartialarts.fandom.com/wiki/Pride_Shockwave
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