Influential combat sports icon “Judo” Gene LeBell has died at 89.
LeBell, whom many credit for bringing judo into mixed martial arts, served as a mentor to former UFC champion Ronda Rousey throughout her MMA run, but his roots run much deeper.
In addition to spending extensive time in the world of acting and professional wrestling, LeBell also trained with legendary figures such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, and Chuck Norris.
Reports of LeBell’s death surfaced on social media from close family friends early Wednesday.
Although his notoriety was partially racked out by his work as a trainer and motivator, LeBell had a decorated run as a top-tier amateur judoka in the 1950s.
LeBell even has an officially recorded MMA fight. He defeated boxer Milo Savage in a mixed-rules contest in December 1963 in what some consider to be the first legitimate MMA fight. He would later go on to serve as an MMA judge until 2018, as well.
The death of LeBell had a ripple effect through the fight world, and many athletes and personalities shared their condolences on social media.
Ronda Rousey
Shayna Baszler
“I won every R-E-A-L fight I ever had & was penniless. I LOST every R-E-E-L fight I ever had and made millions” — Judo Gene trying to convince me to quit fighting and go into Hollywood stunt work.
I’m still calling it a double wrist lock, just so you know. 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/VEwNpAxJb8
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) August 10, 2022
Bas Rutten
Alan Jouban
RIP to the legend Judo Gene LeBell
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) August 10, 2022
Roy Nelson
Tuesday Technique!
🙏RIP🙏 Judo Gene LebellThis one hurts. The first time I met him was at a fan expo, when I was kid. STARTED TO LEARN REAL WRESTLING Then as a mma judge at one of my fights. Rest in peace.
🙏💯🙏 pic.twitter.com/7iq7CuJRP4— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) August 10, 2022
Michael Chiesa
Tuesday Technique!
🙏RIP🙏 Judo Gene LebellThis one hurts. The first time I met him was at a fan expo, when I was kid. STARTED TO LEARN REAL WRESTLING Then as a mma judge at one of my fights. Rest in peace.
🙏💯🙏 pic.twitter.com/7iq7CuJRP4— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) August 10, 2022
John McCarthy
With the heaviest of hearts I say goodbye to one of my favorite men in the world. Judo Gene Lebell passed in his sleep, a warrior in every way to the very end. In 1963 Gene took on Milo Savage in a mixed fight. Gene choked him like he did me & everyone else. RIP Gene, I love ya pic.twitter.com/thoEZgHA0k
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) August 10, 2022
Cris Cyborg
🙏🏽 Judo Gene Lebell impacted so many lives through his kind, caring, and loving soul. It is through those memories his legacy will become legendary and forever remembered. ❤️ RIP and prayers to all who loved him pic.twitter.com/uEJaJG5e2k
— Grand Slam Champ CrisCyborg.com (@criscyborg) August 10, 2022
Paul Lazenby
My hero.
My teacher.
My inspiration.
My unfailing reminder that I am ugly and nobody likes me.
My friend.
RIP to the world's toughest man, Judo Gene Lebell.
I'm going to miss the hell out of you. pic.twitter.com/1f3jlB0s55— Paul Lazenby (@MaulerMMA) August 10, 2022
Alberto Crane
Rest In Peace to the Legendary Judo Gene LeBell, grateful to have known him. Thank you for all that you have done and for so many ❤️🙏 #JudoGeneLebell #HayastanMMA @ Los Angeles, California https://t.co/Q39CVr6lHP
— Alberto Crane (@AlbertoCrane) August 10, 2022
Chad George
Nam Phan
Heather Jo Clark
Manny Gamburyan
CauliflowerAlleyClub
Marina Shafir
Gene Lebell 💔What a special human.
— Marina Shafir (@MarinaShafir) August 10, 2022
Triple H
Gene LeBell remained a towering figure in the history and expansion of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment. A teacher to many of the sport’s greats, his influence is felt throughout @WWE to this day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 10, 2022
Michael Chiesa
I’m hearing news Gene Lebell has passed away. RIP to a real legend 🙏🏻#RIPJudoGene
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) August 10, 2022
Josh Barnett
Stephen Quadros
Lost a friend yesterday. Damn…so sad. ;-( Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your genius, your friendship and your humor! #RIPGeneLeBell #Legend #TheGodfather pic.twitter.com/Xcx9APKtB8
— Stephen Quadros (@StephenQuadros) August 10, 2022
