Antonio Inoki
Antonio Inoki (born Kanji Inoki February 20, 1943 - October 1, 2022) was a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. His ring name was inspired by Antonino Rocca. In his career as a wrestler and later New Japan Pro Wrestling owner, Inoki is an icon in professional wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts.
Inoki is the greatest wrestler ever to step in the ring in Asia, he just may be the greatest wrestler of all times. One of the first great wrestlers to compete in "real" fights. Inoki has some of the most impressive fight stats in mat history. His professional wrestling record for single match competition was 611-41-50. His record for tag team matches was 1,466-105-130. His record for mixed martial arts fights was 30-2-3 with 9 knockouts. His overall fighting record was an amazing 2,107 victories, only 148 defeats, and 183 draws. His record in "real" fights is one of the most impressive in the sport's history; a 15 round draw with World's Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali, a submission win over former-heavyweight king Leon Spinks on Oct. 9, 1986, a knockout over World Lightheavyweight Kickboxing Champion Everett "Man Monster" Eddie in 7 rounds on June 7, 1978, a submission over former European Heavyweight Boxing Champ Karl Mildenberger on Nov. 11, 1978, a decision victory over heavyweight boxing contender Chuck Wepner, a submission over Thai-Boxing World Heavyweight King Chota Chochoshvili on Sept. 5, 1989, a choke out over Gerard Gordeau World Heavyweight Savate Champion, submission victories over former world wrestling heavyweight champions Sting and Rick Flair, and a submission victor over former UFC World Heavyweight king Don Frye. Inoki announced his retirement from the ring on April 4, 1998.
- Notable wins in his 38 year career include those over Lou Thesz, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Vader and André the Giant.
- He fought Muhamed Ali in an 1976 exhibition. The contest ended in a boring draw.
- Fought André The Giant in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 15th 1974. The two went to a draw.
- Lost his fight against Hulk Hogan by KO in Wrestling Grand Prix Tournament on May 6th 1983.
- Was discovered in Brazil by Wrestling legend Rikidozan.
- Original founder of the New Japan Pro Wrestling league.
- Was the manager, and the trainer, of MMA fighter Ryoto "Lyoto" Machida.