Bob Sapp
Bob Sapp (born September 22, 1974 in Colorado Springs, Colorado) is an American kickboxer/MMA fighter. He is famous in Japan, where he appears in many commercials, television programs and has released a CD. After arriving in Japan, he was initially very successful in K-1 kickboxing. He twice defeated 4-time K-1 champion Ernesto Hoost by KO. However, K-1 fighters adapted to the challenge of Sapp's physical power. In what marked the beginning of Sapp's K-1 decline, he was knocked out by Croatian Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in 86 seconds in the March 30, 2003 Saitama event. In 2004 Sapp competed as a professional wrestler for New Japan Pro Wrestling, winning the prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, though it was vacated shortly thereafter due to a mixed martial arts fight loss and Sapp leaving Japan for film commitments for the 2005 films Elektra and The Longest Yard. In June 2005 Sapp won the K-1 Japan Grand Prix to become one of 16 fighters qualified for the 2005 K-1 GP Final. In the Japan GP, Sapp showcased greatly improved stamina as well as better technique than in his previous fights.
Sapp began his athletic career in college football as a standout offensive lineman for the University of Washington, where he won the Morris Award. Expected by some to get high notice from pro scouts in the 1997 NFL draft, he slipped to the third round before being chosen by the Chicago Bears at 69th overall. Although he was under pro contract for the next four seasons (with four different teams, each of which cut him within that season), he appeared in only one regular season game.
Pro wrestling championships and accomplishments