The influential combat sports icon Gene “Judo” LeBell He passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Bas Rutten on their social networks on Tuesday night.
Bellwas responsible for bringing judo to mixed martial arts, as well as the mentor of Ronda Rousey on his way through the MMA, but his legacy was more than that.
The judoka stood out for his participation in the world of acting and wrestling, Bell trained great figures like Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee y Chuck Norris.
In addition to his work as a coach and motivator, Bell He had an outstanding career as an amateur judoka in the 1990s. 1950.
Bell also has participation in a combat of MMA, Gene due to the undefeated boxer Milo Savage In a fight in December 1963, which is considered to be the first fight of MMA in the history.
Years later, he was the referee of the fight between Antonio Inoki y Muhammad Ali which was held in 1976. «Judo» He served as a judge of events of the modality until 2018.
The death of Bell It was not overlooked in the world of combat sports, with various athletes and personalities delivering their condolences on their social networks.
Twitter : https://twitter.com/mmaunola
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mma.uno
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mma.uno/
