Gene LeBell, a man who is widely credited for making grappling a popular discipline in combat sports, has died at age 89.
Lebell was a beloved figure in the martial arts world, and his reach extended to multiple arenas, including judo, mixed martial arts, professional wrestling and as a Hollywood stuntman. He won won the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 before eventually transitioning to professional wrestling.
In more recent years, he become known for being in the corner of former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.