This week on the MMA History Podcast episode 341, hosts Joey Venti and the MMA Detective Mike Davis sit down with two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Hollywood stuntman and actor Frank Trigg for a raw, unfiltered look at the chaotic early days of mixed martial arts.
Trigg shares how he coached a talented high school wrestler named Kid Yamamoto in Phoenix before the Japanese star became a Pride FC standout, the real reasons Yamamoto was deported, and the explosive behind-the-scenes fallout from the infamous Rickson Gracie versus Rico Chiapparelli showdown that got Chiapparelli uninvited from major grappling circles.
From his time with Real American Wrestling alongside the likes of Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, the first Abu Dhabi Combat Club tournament against Renzo Gracie, early Japan promotions including Vale Tudo Japan against Jean Jacques Machado, Pride Bushido commentating, and the cutthroat realities of 1990s fight money and worked matches, Trigg delivers stories and details few others have ever heard.
Did you ask about this clothing line?
Bro
He was involved in so many different things at the early stages of MMA
We could have talked for 5 more hours and you would not have lost interest
This one might be interview of the year
We came asking about being kid Yamamoto’s high school wrestling coach and why he was deported
Living with Homer Moore
RAW team and Chiaperelli vs Rickson
Sounds good.
Will try to listen while driving to the big city tomorrow.
Fuck yeah I’m hyped for this. Trigg doesn’t get talked about enough in my opinion. He was one of the top guys in his weight class during that era. It’s cool seeing him ref all the time these days.
I’m currently working my way through the Sean McCorkle series which has been gold. Planning on starting the Trigg episode once I’m done with that.
I love hearing stories about the RAW gym and always want to hear more. It’s insane how that has almost been forgotten about and you never hear it mentioned these days, despite how good they were and all the legends that trained there.
breaks tomorrow anyway
I’m a trucker and this podcast helps me get through the work day. I listen to music, audiobooks, and this. Makes the driving fun and relaxing.
NICE
Love This
@LionsDenGuy up in here !!
to the top, cant wait for this one!
Thanks OP
Reminder to listen while driving to the big city
TTMFT Pepperjack