Bas "El Guapo" Rutten (28 - 4 - 1):



As an Eastern European gangster fresh off the boat, there's nothing I like better after a long day of running errands for every goddamn asshole with a cellphone than curling up in front of the tv to watch Bas Rutten acting crazy.

Originally a striker, Bas was one among the first handful of fighters to become proficient at both striking and submissions. So much so that he has more wins via submission than knock-out, and he has a highlight reel full of magnificent knock-outs, most coming from fights in an organization that did not allow closed fist strikes to the head.

After his fighting career, Bas joined Stephen Quadros as the English language color commentary team for Pride. They were the best. They had a deep knowledge of the sport, and I liked their straightforward, no-nonsense commentary. Bas was also damn funny.

Already a legend in the sport, his work outside the ring has turned Bas into one of the most well known faces of mma. He's become a great ambassador for the sport, intelligent and jovial, as comfortable as a talk show guest as he was in the ring.

He's also done a little acting. Most recently, he plays a crazier version of himself in the latest installment of Grand Theft Auto.