Don Frye on His Match Against Yoshihiro Takayama Considered "Manliest MMA Fight Ever" (Part 3)

Part 2: • Don Frye on Ref Saying...
Part 1: • Don Frye on Fighting i...
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In the final clip, Don Frye described his classic match against Yoshihiro Takayama. Frye credited his opponent as the toughest Japanese fighter of all time and was grateful that the match is considered one of the greatest MMA fights of all time. Frye also addressed his multiple attempts at retiring from the sport and appearing in Japanese films, such as "Godzilla." Don Frye also described the various injuries he's suffered throughout his career. The MMA fighter said he's had 20 back surgeries and has suffered a stroke. Despite his injuries, the UFC hall of famer doesn't regret being a fighter. Frye stated that although he believes fighters from his era were tougher, today's fighters are more refined.

[@maximus6746]

When Don Frye Creates an account, the terms and conditions agree with him.

[@chicharobenz1562]

xD

[@starship3095]

That is super 👌

[@josephwalton487]

BEST COMMENT EVER. Dude was a monster back in the early 90's back when UFC wasn't a "Reality T.V. show".

[@Jacen13]

lol! I may steal this one, very witty! Lol

[@house2437]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JacaboBlanco]

I love how much props he gives Takayama and even calling him Takayama San

[@beefknuckles]

Yes they are very close friends still, which is awesome.

[@alinenunez4270]

dam warrior talk

[@huehuehuehaehaehae1725]

@@beefknuckles yeah it makes me glad to see. Sad to see Tank being such a bitch to Frye for no reason, but hey, thats Tank Abbott. Still like Tank though..

[@rw8147]

"It was all Yoshihiro Takayama-San." Don Frye's a class act giving the credit to his worthiest opponent.

[@kevinzhu6417]

I'm not Japanese but I'm fairly sure the "san" was an added sign of respect from an American who likely went out of his way to learn about his opponents culture. both guys are legends and class acts

[@codyvandal2860]

@@kevinzhu6417 San means "Mr" basically. Don lived in Japan for a few years

[@animationdude9]

@@codyvandal2860 that’s awesome

[@charlestontouch]

Agreed...class act

[@KevinSmith-dq9tz]

Straight up. 👍

[@RileyZilla1001]

I met him in Chicago after Takeyama was paralyzed. The heartbreak in his voice, and in this interview. Don is an incredible man with a big heart.

[@PyroBlonde7777]

Such a tragic fate for such a great warrior.

[@nine2woah766]

thats why he looked down and closed his eyes when he said the two toughest men "walking" the planet lol he fucked up and knew it😂

[@AttilaVilassy]

He is so humble. He keeps calling the interviewer sir and thanks for every compliment. He’s so great, I’m a huge fan

[@Unknown-kd3ri]

Well, vlad is a cop, so...

[@tonyfuri9693]

@@Unknown-kd3ri not at all lol

[@iamtheway4580]

You are a man we can look up to. Thank you Don. Your match with takiyama is historic

[@artiefufkin88]

"It was all him." That, kids, is what it is to be humble. It's a lost virtue. Don Frye is my hero. Has been since I was a kid, and listening to this interview, I know I couldn't have picked a better one. A true American and one of the coolest dudes on the planet. God bless Don Frye

[@andrewtucker7990]

Amen, brother. This is a good man. He's been my hero since a kid, as well.

[@raumarottweiler82]

Amen

[@baqieux3731]

Do you know about his podcast mate? Look into it

[@artiefufkin88]

@@baqieux3731 Holy Hell, thank you! I'm checkin it out now!

[@baqieux3731]

@@artiefufkin88 awesome right?! :) so much content.

[@larue131]

Interviewer: "It was so crazy.." Don Frye: "Thank you" 😂 legend.

[@thecaptain29]

Don Frye's voice sounds exactly like I imagined it would. Manliest man of all time

[@oceejekwam6829]

And he passed it all onto his children.

[@robertkollar2496]

I pictured more of a burt renolds voice. Pleasantly suprised.

[@danielnavarro8650]

Don Frye deserves a ton of respect for his accomplishments. and in only one interview it's obvious this is a man of integrity.

[@vicstanfieldshire7754]

Meeting this man was one of the highlights of my life. Class act all the way, hands made of stone, an iron grip and a voice of gravel. THE PREDATOR!!!!

[@druvader7966]

This guy comes across as being cool as shit. ~Respect

[@DD-ix3bm]

That's because he IS cool as shit!

[@jonk9957]

My shit is usually warm 🥸

[@counterpuncher01]

Don Frye is a certified badass...in every sense of the word.

[@janusb.7032]

I met Don at the Tucson Airport. He was great. He had a promo pic of himself and he signed it for me. Wonderful dude.

[@wurtang.]

Imagine being so badass that you fought this man and he acknowledges you and respect you dearly. What a beast Takayama.

[@itzjoe54]

This dude looks like a lumberjack who only drinks whiskey

[@KWillo]

That's one of the prototype alpha males.

[@emt5330]

He looks like a lumberjack who puts whiskey on his corn flakes and washes it down with vodka

[@xDTHECHEMISTx]

And eats cigars for a snack

[@Deeemcee94]

Fairly positive Ron Swanson was based on this man.

[@Skdjeis]

Lol

[@daltonstephenson7669]

One of the world toughest men and nothing but “yes sir” “thank you”

[@mrgunginder4967]

Don Frye - absolute class all the way......For one of the toughest men alive he is so honourable and respectful....

[@albertross2456]

Yes sir, such a legend

[@KyloB]

Humble dude by the sound of it, gives Takayama so much credit. Legendary fighter.

[@AlejandroOrtiz-mg9fv]

DON FRYE is just not scared of anybody no matter what! He will fight anyone. And that voice says it all.

[@kurgon1976]

my testosterone level went up just listening to Don.

[@crawlermonkey]

When a commentator states a fact about That fight being one of the best and his immediate response is “thank you.” Shows how true he is. Humble and proud.

[@TheGreatest1974]

When Don Frye does a push up, he pushes the world down.

[@zachary4279]

Underrated comment

[@footballnfitness635]

With steroid?

[@TheGreatest1974]

@@footballnfitness635 I don’t know, maybe. But he didn’t really look like a ped user. He looked naturally strong as hell genetically if you know what I mean. Others of his era definitely were on them, and ufc fighters are reckoned to be on them today too. But I’m not sure about don.

[@PyroBlonde7777]

@Hunnid P Exactly. If you know everyone is juiced then you might as well too. If you really want a chance at competing that is. Only a hater would try to downplay Don Frye.

[@markcasso5070]

You’re a legend Mr. Fry. You’ll never be forgotten.

[@Troy0089]

Don frye was my favorite fighter, reminds me of that old school badass dad.

[@knife_gun_axe9022]

You gave us everything including your health. Thank you Don.

[@marcelomartinez-mz1rw]

A true warrior and deserve to be respected for being a great fighter but more importantly a hell of a gentleman and a real nice man!!!💯💯💯

[@FightingTabletop]

He's the most American sounding patriot in history

[@johnboticki9154]

Beats the hell out of Sam Elliot, traitor.

[@lyndonprice4584]

I like the way Don said God Bless him...Shows heart and care for others...Love hearing Don say that...

[@koningklootzak7788]

That was a fight of legends. I've watched that fight videos so many times. Respect🇯🇵

[@rigguyjt]

Very humble man. Great interview.

[@iradole8362]

I feel so lucky to have been able to watch him from the beginning..... I think I enjoy his interviews even more than his fights!

[@davidfortuin4146]

When men where men. Much love and respect to Mr Frye. Thank you Sir.

[@alexprado7955]

This man is a true warrior, Tough as a Rock..with a good heart. Never afraid to fight anybodyI always liked Don through his career and still admire and respect him…Tru Legend💯💯🙏🙏👍

[@notaliberalfromcali6245]

Hes right... Japanese culture is great.

[@phillipwebb9741]

He was and still is a badass. Love watching his fights.

[@joseph401]

Don Frye. A warrior and a gentleman.

[@jensz9360]

I have watched the fight many times, it was a true battle. A display in brutality and sportsmanship. Two warriors battling and attempting to destroy one another, but at the end they shook hands and bowed and both warriors showed their opponents the utmost respect. The defeated warrior bowed to his opponent and gave gratitude for the opportunity to be in the battle against him and the winner showed humility and bowed to his defeated opponent and showed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in the battle. PURE respect, no loudmouthing or disrespect, this was fighting in its most primitive and truest form. What an AMAZING display of resilience and toughness on both sides. Bless them both. SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!

[@franciscofeest6691]

I would love to be a real man like this dude

[@HandSolitude]

You get that way one step at a time. Join a martial art. Ride a motorcycle. Go bush.

[@franciscofeest6691]

@@HandSolitude I practices BJJ+kickboxing a few years before I got permanently injured. I don't think you can learn what this guy has! but you can improve.

[@thomasr.6807]

I appreciate you Mr. Frye. Thanks for all your memories. I pray for you and your family.

[@Whiteyda3rd]

Probably the most genuine tough guy ever.

[@MultiTictock]

solid fucking content and interview. Takayama was so badass but his toughness caught up man, paralyzed. these guys were pioneers and had to go through the shit to make it the sport it is today

[@curtisspeplinski6900]

Don, you’re my all time fav. God bless you, man

[@usergobble3259]

Being called "All man" by Don Frye is a huuuuuuuge deal

[@crispybatman480]

What a good guy considering how damn tough he is.

[@Deckardrick007]

They don't make men like this anymore.

[@cjg690]

This is not a man don is a beast haven't you seen the hair on that man 😂

[@Deckardrick007]

@@cjg690 mustache alone can sweep floors! 👨🏻

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

Don Frye: draw me Caricaturist: I'm sorry sir, there's nothing more I can do

[@jamesteegardner2273]

Testosterone tested positive for Don Frye. When Don Frye was born the doctors said congratulations it's a MAN! Those 2 are my favorite. His UFC Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech was so awesome, he said that as a cowboy he got kicked by horses a few times, and if he could take that then he could certainly take a few punches from guys wearing white pajamas.

[@alannathan9342]

He's the best . That was the craziest fight I ever seen crazy, and Don says, "Thank you" God bless him, this warrior.

[@Ammon6]

He is the real version of a combat game character from the 80ties. Tough as nails.

[@waldekjules3371]

He is like a really tough but humble Magnum.

[@shaklla369]

Tough and very respectful towards others. Real man by my accounts!

[@steveomcbigarms]

These guys should be given training jobs at the various UFC gyms around the country/world.Massive amount knowledge to pass on.

[@antonioroma6849]

Don Frye is a living legend.

[@rc121crx]

Don Frye's vocal cords are on Tren, gun powder, and whiskey

[@williammitrus]

Amazing fight! I love the respect he shows Takayama-San.

[@paulclarke7571]

15:57........Sure he has permanent damage. But Don only knows how to live his life the way he wanted. The damage just comes with the territory. Can't change it, so just dust yourself off and get along with this thing called life. This is how a true warrior lives. Most people will never know way.

[@modernman1240]

What a Legend this guy is! A True Inspiration 🙏

[@stevengoldberg7098]

DON FRYE IS A WONDERFUL TRUE FIGHTER HE IS AS TOUGH AS THEY COME AND A WONDERFUL PERSON I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST DON TAKE CARE.

[@jakehinton732]

That microphone just grew a mustache and a set of balls as soon as Don Frye spoke into it...

[@smokeymountainbushcraft252]

This guy was a beast without taking roids too!

[@MatticusPrime1]

This is a true man right here.

[@dano1307]

"you know partner. I dont know" Holy man

[@marioibarra9306]

@2:23 Frye realized his walking the planet comment was a back choice of words

[@boutfetti415]

Respects og. Tough old bastard with class. 🫡

[@佐藤和博-h7j]

本当に伝説の試合だった。あれこそ格闘技とエンターテイメントの間に生まれる芸術！🇯🇵🇺🇸

[@justayoutuber1906]

"Tough as Nails" describes this guy

[@rev7484]

You can not ever call him a punk or less than a Man.(TOUGH AS HELL)and Dan Steven

[@danielwebb4047]

Couldn't agree more with you mate dan severn was tough as old boots too yes

[@joshparris9675]

Dan Severn lives in the same town as I do. Dudes an amazing father and a great friend to the community. Went to school with his son Mike and daughter Danielle. I see him in Walmart all the time. Cool dude.

[@danielwebb4047]

@@joshparris9675 how awsome is that mate im an aussie who lives on a small island called tasmania so we don't get a lot of famous people here let alone live where we can say hello to them and appreciate what they do, I reckn he would be one awesome guy to go have a beer with

[@enduroed]

In a totally manly way, I love this man. Warrior

[@jasoncutshaw8401]

I swear Don and Rick Steiner look like Brothers

[@MrSimplesimon007]

It would have been great to see him fight tyson, a natural born hardman, he also sounds like a gentleman too, he has a good heart inside of him.

[@metatronmen2431]

That fight was not a joke.

[@johnny5805]

I like the clip where Don is being interviewed in his stables and he takes a drink out of the horse water barrel ! 100% man.

[@fiftyseven3221]

Don Frye what a tough SOB nothing but respect for the man.

[@kenkluge9473]

One of the best fights I've ever seen in my life

[@billyanderson6457]

Look up bad mother fucker in the dictionary, and there's a picture of Don Frye!!! Class act!!!

[@josephmatello1020]

One of the best MMA fighters of all time period... bad ass for sure.

[@wesd644]

Still one of my most favorite fighters of all time and an all around good human being

[@rexbanner7611]

Testosterone once tested positive for Don Frye.

[@alexbucko48]

Now that’s good lmao

[@bartaugustus4319]

🤣 awesome

[@davidlalor9464]

A Great Line . A Hall of Fame Line .

[@garethshaw6126]

You just won the internet, that's such a good line 🤣🤣🤣

[@rexbanner7611]

@@garethshaw6126 Thank you kindly.

[@darkflower1729]

Don Fyre visited Takayama in the hospital in 2017 with the following message: "Takayama-san: God gave me the greatest opponent anybody couldve asked for, you. You made the greatest fight the world has ever seen. You are the reason we beat the World Cup head to head for viewership. You are the image of bushido, strength, and triumph. You are the first person anyone ever asks me about when they meet me. You are the warrior we all hope to be."

[@FrogArsonIsCool]

He also said takayama is the reason he recovered, because the feeling he felt In that fight he wanted to feel again. And takayama said for the first time he felt like rocky, one savage battle bonded two warriors forever!

[@darkflower1729]

@Ben-sh7in cannot imagine the feeling of respect they must have for eachother, just beautiful

[@tony9305]

That is pretty legendary. 👏

[@Sam-vz8pm]

​@@FrogArsonIsCoolit's counterintuitive as hell but that's just how it works, there's something so personal about getting into a clean, mutually agreed upon fight

[@seanezzitt27]

When Don Frye turned 18, his parents moved out.

[@mrlaydback11]

lol. nice one.

[@antjmi]

Ha ha good one🤣

[@cathedraldean4631]

@Tom Campofelice I've never seen it before, and I've been on KZbin for YEARS.

[@cathedraldean4631]

@Tom Campofelice That's my point... I've been using social media(YT, FB, IG, etc), and have never seen a comment similar to his. If you're implying that I was flexing some sort of internet bicep, you're being a bit histrionic. I was simply stating that your reply to his comment, seemed like a false implication. You made it seem like it was as common as "LOL", but if it was, then I'm sure more people would've called him out for it. I mean, his comment is over a day old and I'm pretty sure it's been viewed by hundreds of people.

[@cathedraldean4631]

@Tom Campofelice You're being histrionic again. I never implied I seen everything. What I implied, was that his comment of exaggerative humor, wasn't nearly as common as you claimed it was. That's all.

[@DDM7406]

The guy is as tough a man as they come, but the way he keeps saying “God bless him”, warms my heart. Good man

[@JohnSmith-dd6xk]

Don Frye is just a different breed. A lot of tough guys nowadays think being loud and obnoxious is the way, when it only makes them look like they havent matured past the age of 16. Don is a class act.

[@dangerous8333]

That's because tough doesn't mean disrespectful or inconsiderate.

[@bensearle7536]

I was watching a podcast (might’ve been on here) where Don Frye and Dan Severn were sat in one of the others homes chatting and answering viewers questions. Don was giving Dan absolute shit 😂😂 Dan was taking it. It was clear these two got on really well. When it comes down to it, these two guys competed at the beginning of MMA. Proper old school dudes who fought with no time limits. Before you knew about your opponent and was able to review how your opponent fought. Dan Severn, where people might call him boring to watch, he was/is hard as hell. As a massive fan of vale tudo/mma, got to have respect for both Don & Dan. They certainly paved the way.

[@MatneyResells]

He just wants the best for everyone man it’s so great

[@lukemccann]

Amen. Great to hear. God Bless them both, and all of us.

[@norneva775]

I grew three extra chest hairs just by watching Don Frye

[@NickCTaylor]

Change your name to Taco Meat

[@seanezzitt27]

I hear ya man. I grew more facial hair by watching this.

[@brandonlee4273]

Taco slayer that was funny asf😂😂😂 classic

[@eazyridin7283]

😂 that’s funny

[@michaelahearn3873]

😂

[@maxpower1293]

Men like him build the world we're throwing away nowadays. What a legend.

[@saulkorzenecki]

Well Don Frye is great, but thats a fairly strange statement. People who built the world we're living in (if you really want to boil it down to individuals) are people like Jesus Christ and Albert Einstein

[@trashcan7140]

Maybe you should stop throwing it away and do something Max

[@ATA6741]

nice username@@trashcan7140

[@djbray7]

​@@trashcan7140Maybe you should do something with yours, moron.

[@layset1885]

​​@@trashcan7140 Hard to do something when everything we try gets shit on, thrown away, ignored, or insulted. In favor for more gender, race and identity politics to draw the eyes from the ACTUAL issues of the world. Everyone's too divided. So even when we do something it won't do anything. It'll be forgotten or warped into something that's useless.

[@PapaBrejj]

At this point Don Frye is just the physical embodiment of Testosterone itself.

[@ColKlink-yh1ro]

James Tisdale 😂🇺🇸

[@Slayer119988]

Don Frye courses in testosterones veins

[@fitfogey]

When Don was born the doctor said “It’s a man.”

[@АлександрВолынец-ж6п]

The legend says the only person Chuck Norris lost to is Don Frye. It also says Artem Lobov is Don Frye's grandson.

[@baronvonfaust]

@@Slayer119988 hahaha yes, testosterone injects Don Frye to get jacked XD

[@DarkFaze6477]

Don Frye is a real life version of every tough guy impression anyone and everyone has ever done. The look, voice, and persona.

[@TheIrishMugFug]

while spitting up awesome quotes like “Your ego pushes away common sense”. Hes a warrior poet

[@jking0.o121]

He's the epitome of manliness.

[@DarkFaze6477]

@@jking0.o121 indeed my friend........indeed.

[@douglassmith3901]

I think his mustache alone could kick most guy's ass'.

[@DarkFaze6477]

@@douglassmith3901 well put

[@TheEpicHitmarker]

Don Frye has been through hell, with his back surgeries, the stroke and all of his post fight injuries. But, he’s still here, living, talking, and being the most humble man on this channel.

[@thaistomp]

He’s a legend of the fight game for sure.

[@andresemidey9679]

Let alone the pneumonia induced coma

[@horrorcastles]

definitely most humble

[@extremeking425]

Takayama has been paralyzed from the shoulders down for the last 6 years.

[@manuelfeliciano9602]

@TheEpicHitmarker Definitely agree 💯 🎯 👍 🙏

[@reyesreef3714]

If Honey Badgers could talk they'd sound like Don Frye

[@tanberetO]

Reporting this for the manliest comment ever!!!

[@nellmclaughlin3786]

Top comment 😂😂😂😂

[@armada2390]

Lmao

[@angryhoneybadger4189]

We actually do.

[@itsalllogical]

That’s funny

[@joanesinu]

When Don Frye was born, he told the doctors to stop crying

[@gerardkowalski7683]

He smacked the doctor

[@brianmcgarry1632]

He cut his own ambilical cord

[@rg-cb2wd]

@@brianmcgarry1632 First he bungee jumped

[@sfsfewrewsdafs6915]

holy shit, this is straight up gold...

[@richardkirk5098]

😆😆😆

[@nicholaswidlewski8876]

No man's voice has ever been more perfectly matched to him than with Don Frye.

[@jeffostrander2082]

What happened to his voice? Very ruff and gruff now.

[@user-pd9xj1bt4e]

@@jeffostrander2082 aging and maybe smoking

[@kitrik23]

the crazy thing is i just listened to him after winning ufc 8 ( i think ) and his voice sounds more like michael jackson than it does now

[@billbill6576]

So true 😂

[@Zavierdaboi]

@@jeffostrander2082 he says it smoking cigars and drinking tequila

[@russell2890]

This comment has 3k likes and you won't know why.

[@danielcampbell9457]

lmfao

[@reubengreen6245]

I don’t comment on KZbin but I can’t help myself...this is gold. Well done sir.

[@russell2890]

@@reubengreen6245 I actually just stole this from somewhere

[@seanezzitt27]

@@russell2890 that is awesome lol

[@americanagothic7851]

Chuck Norris will allow that comment.

[@Nobody-xe9fc]

There's a video out there on youtube that showed Takayama-san in a wheelchair and paralyzed and it hurt me to see him like that. Then about a year later, Don Frye came to Japan to share a heartfelt moment with Takayama because of the medical and personal struggles that Don himself had went through after their fight. Really emotional stuff, but it was a great moment the two of them shared.

[@MM-qi5mk]

Don said he was the prototype of Bushido code

[@Pendragon981]

True warriors show each other respect.

[@philjackson1428]

I just watched that video. Bless them both

[@micahhlopez7678]

Where can I find the video?

[@omar-a8486]

i showed this video to my mom , now she is my dad

[@Jc-si6pj]

😂😂

[@eazyecurry8749]

😂😂

[@philipondeeznuts8691]

Hook me up with Her/Him

[@omar-a8486]

@@philipondeeznuts8691 ok funny internet guy

[@imskchy9602]

Omg this is legend

[@bizzlea887]

This is the true definition of a real man...he's tough as hell, humble and seems to be a good person. Definitely someone to look up to. Don Frye you sir are the man!!!

[@Andy-im3kj]

Not just that but a true professional. He gave credit to Takeyama despite being his opponent. Something we don't see now a days.

[@paulfarley0078]

And took godzilla out

[@kaige108]

This man is an absolute gentleman. A true warrior and has a nobility that is lost on nearly all pro fighters today. So humble and brutally honest. They aren't built like him anymore.

[@DaniSlot]

True

[@Mr.T-BAGGIN-UR-MOM]

When Don was little his parents would sleep in his bed when they got scared at night.

[@jayjenkins5160]

😅

[@impink123]

hahah

[@medievalknievel]

Lol epic

[@evanabbott2737]

“....son? Can we sleep in your bed, tonight...?”😂

[@kingjamesthespartan4010]

This was really good

[@cainabel615]

When Don Frye needs oxygen, they just hook up his ventilator to a Diesel engine.

[@nou8429]

Diesel v8

[@odongarduno958]

Great one man 1🙄🤣

[@towertito2149]

You win the internet forever!!

[@lukeandresen9856]

Interviewer: “it was so crazy” Don Frye: “thank you”

[@mellowx82]

It was a good kind of crazy..

[@Dad_Lyon]

I loved that.

[@seabrook1976]

There’s an old quote that goes something like, “Fear the old man in a profession where men die young.”

[@sultankuto8724]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Eray-fy5bz]

Dayum

[@darmy4643]

so damn true lol

[@AGermz]

Fire quote

[@anneharo001]

I like it

[@sportsboyjon]

Modern athletes SHOULD take note from this man. Tougher than nails. Badass. If someone has reason to be cocky, it's this man. But chooses humility and respects his oponents.

[@mickyzzzeee]

He was round pre social media. Unfortunately it will never happen….they don’t make men anymore let alone ones like this

[@crispybatman480]

​@@mickyzzzeeeSean Strickland comes to mind.

[@KD400_]

​@@mickyzzzeeeI love Strickland lol but hes no where being close to humble lol

[@zerolosses4nero]

This man,Khabib and Dustin Porrier bring honour to all fighters

[@peterherrington3300]

An American who's not self centred & full of himself with little talent ? Shocker . . .