Combate, the premier MMA organization based in Rio de Janeiro, has witnessed numerous fighters step into the cage, showcase their skills, and leave behind a lasting legacy. Combate established its Hall of Fame to honor the remarkable careers of these legendary athletes that stood out from the pack. Among those who have been immortalized in this prestigious institution, we find one prolific manager and five outstanding fighters who have left an indelible mark on the organization: Chris Steve, Jacque Joteel, Eduardo Corassa, Mohammed Kahn, and Raate Road.
Darren Russell: Combate's Birth Mother
Darren Russell is the founder of Combate and the original owner. He led the organization to the Org of the Year in 2021 and was voted the CEO of the Year, back-to-back, in 2021 and 2022. He now maintains a position on the board of directors and occasionally chimes in on discord if he remembers to show up to the office with his pants on.
Chris Steve: The Middleweight Phenom
The first inaugural inductee into the Combate Hall of Fame, Chris Steve, is widely recognized as the greatest Middleweight champion in Combate history. Hailing from Brazil, Steve dominated his division with an awe-inspiring record of 13 wins and only 2 losses, with an impressive 11 knockouts. His skill, power, and precision in the cage made him a formidable force, earning him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow fighters alike. Steve's legacy as a Middleweight champion will forever be etched in the annals of Combate history and he's a former #1 P4P fighter.
Jacque Joteel: The Lightweight Gold Medalist
Jacque Joteel's journey to greatness was nothing short of extraordinary. As a six-time Lightweight champion, he reigned supreme in the division, making him one of Combate's most dominant champions. Notably, Joteel also represented Combate in the Olympics, where he proudly won a Gold medal for his organization. He returned from the Olympics juiced up on the Moscow special and started flatlining opponents. Successfully defended his title 3 more times before losing a competitive fight to Zaid al Balushi.
Eduardo Corassa: The Heavy-Handed Bantamweight
A powerhouse in the Bantamweight division, Eduardo Corassa's aggressive fighting style and heavy hands made him a force to be reckoned with. As an eight-time Bantamweight champion, the Brazilian fighter from Sao Paulo engaged in unforgettable wars with the Sitsongrit camp, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Corassa's relentless pursuit of victory and numerous title defenses earned him a well-deserved spot in the Combate Hall of Fame.
Mohammed Kahn: The Lebanese Pitbull
Mohammed Kahn's accomplishments inside the Combate octagon are nothing short of astonishing. A twenty-time Light Heavyweight champion from the legendary Convicted Fight Club, he holds the record for most knockouts and most wins in Combate history. Kahn was the face of Combate for an entire generation, earning him the moniker "Kahn-bate".
Raate Road: The P4P Welterweight Champion
As a former pound-for-pound number one fighter, Raate Road's skill and talent were undeniable. The six-time Welterweight champion from Pablo Spezziale's Heavy Metal gym showcased a level of dominance that few could match. His unparalleled success in the division was highlighted by a record-breaking six consecutive title fight victories and his remarkable achievements have solidified his place among the all-time greats.
Who will be the next fighter inducted into the illustrious Combate Hall of Fame?
