Don Frye recently reflected on his unforgettable clash with Yoshihiro Takayama at PRIDE 21: Demolition. The fight took place on Jun. 23, 2oo2, at the iconic Saitama Super Arena.
Though the UFC was growing in popularity, Pride FC was widely viewed as the top MMA promotion in 2002. It showcased elite fighters, massive production value, and some of the most highly anticipated fights in MMA.
The card featured several notable names, but the main event stole the show. From the opening bell, they exchanged punches like NHL enforcers in a brawl.
Neither man retreated. Frye and Takayama stood toe-to-toe trading brutal haymakers without taking a step back. The UFC Hall of Famer eventually got the upper hand and secured a TKO victory.
Speaking with True Authentics, Frye shared behind-the-scenes insight into the night. The PRIDE brass weren’t pleased with the earlier fights on the card. They approached ‘The Predator’ requested he deliver.
“[Pride FC brass] came in and said, ‘You know, all the fights have been [expletive] so far tonight. We’d appreciate it if you go out and have a good fight,'” Frye recalled.
He said things escalated quickly the moment Takayama landed his first shot.
“We came out there and he hit me and knocked my legs out from underneath me,” Frye said. “[Takayama] grabbed me by the scruff of my neck, I grabbed him and we just went to town.”
“I didn’t know anything about him, but man, after that first punch, I knew all there was about him,” he added.
Don Frye Reveals Sustained During Fight Against Takayama
Pride 21: Demolition was certainly a rough night for Frye despite his victory over Takayama.
Frye described his mentality throughout the fight and initial reaction once it was over. Looking back, he considered himself luck to walk away with the win.
“I’m thinking, ‘Dear God, I got lucky.’ I got lucky on that one.” Frye told True Authentics. “He kicked me in the shoulder and the head and about knocked my shoulder out of the socket, and about knocked my head off my neck. The whole thing was an injury.”
Frye has admitted that he was never the same after the fight. The damage he absorbed left lasting effects.
Frye Praises Takayama for his Toughness
Although Frye won the bout, he credits Takayama for making it legendary.
The former UFC tournament winner pointed to the Takayama’s fighting style and strategy for their fight playing out the way it did.
“[It’s memorable] because of Takayama. He’s the one who made that fight,” Frye told True Authentics. “He took a hell of a whooping, a beating, and he never quit, never backed up once. Never thought of backing up once. He was coming straight ahead the whole time.”
The fight created a strong connection between Frye and Takayama. The UFC legend expressed his gratitude toward Takayama, who has endured serious health issues since their fight.
“That fight means everything to me cause Takayama. God bless him,” Frye said. “He means everything to me. That guy’s 100% warrior. Bushido to the max. He took my soul.”
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UFC Legend Don Frye Reveals Story Behind PRIDE Brawl With Takayama