UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye reflects on legendary bout against Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21: "He stole my soul"
Don Frye recently reflected on his Pride 21 bout against Yoshihiro Takayama, which was one of the most famous bouts in the promotion's history. The UFC Hall of Famer noted that it took a lot out of him, but showcased his toughness in the ring that night.
Frye achieved a great deal of success throughout his legendary career and fought a who's who of former champions and Hall of Famers. Despite some of his most notable wins over the likes of Ken Shamrock and Tank Abbott, his fight and win over Takayama remains synonymous with both his career and the Japanese-based promotion.
During his latest conversation with former foe Gary Goodridge on the latter's YouTube channel, 'The Predator' reflected on the famous bout and noted that it came together because his rematch against Mark Coleman failed to materialize. Frye mentioned that he wasn't aware of Takayama's skillset, but admitted that he forever changed his career:
"I didn't know anything about [Takayama]. Walked out there, he hit me and knocked my feet out from underneath of me...When I hooked his neck, started punching and then he started punching...and we just went at it."
"I was thinking, 'What the hell is keeping this guy up?' Cause I hit pretty damn hard, he didn't even seem to budge at all. And I'm like, 'What the hell have I gotten in to?' He stole my soul...Hell, I was happy to survive that thing."
Check out UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye's comments below:
What happened when Don Frye fought Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21?
Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama is remembered fondly by the MMA community for their incredible bout at Pride 21.
Both competitors wasted little time getting things underway as they immediately got into a clinch and unloaded haymakers as soon as the bell sounded. After securing a takedown, Takayama landed a powerful knee before the two swung haymakers again.
Frye eventually regrouped and got into a full mount position before landing ground strikes en route to a TKO win at 6:10 of the first round.
Check out Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama at Pride 21 below: