Ben Spijkers

Bernhard ("Ben") Hendrikus Martinus Spijkers (born 10 March 1961 in Nijmegen, Gelderland) is a retired judoka from the Netherlands, who represented his native country at three consecutive Summer Olympics (1984, 1988 and 1992). He won the bronze medal in the men's middleweight division (– 86 kg) in Seoul, South Korea (1988), alongside Akinobu Osako from Japan.

Ben Spijkers
Personal information
Born10 March 1961 (1961-03-10) (age 59)
Medal record
Men's Judo
Representing the  Netherlands
Olympic Games
1988 Seoul Middleweight
World Championships
1989 Belgrade Middleweight

In 1995, Spijkers tried his hand at mixed martial arts competition by competing in the World Combat Championship and Shooto events.

Mixed martial arts career

Spijkers had his MMA debut in the Japanese promotion Shooto against the veteran Erik Paulson. Cornered by Gerard Gordeau, Ben rushed Paulson through the fight with multiple takedown attempts, along with brawling style punches and some hip tosses which connected. However, Erik showed a proficient defense and superior striking, and the fight went outside the ring when the two fell between the ropes and later when Paulson threw Spijkers outside. Ending came at the fifth round when Paulson avoided another takedown attempt and locked a guillotine choke, making Spijkers tap.

Ben's second, and last, MMA fight would be at World Combat Championships (WCC), facing Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylist Renzo Gracie at the first round. Started the match, the judogi-clad Spijkers got a morote gari, but Gracie swept him back to standing and executed his own takedown. Ben tried to counter on the ground with a gi choke, but Renzo took his back and delivered some elbow strikes to the base of the skull before submitting him. Upon the ending of the battle Gracie stepped on the back of Spijkers's head, though later apologized for his unsporting actions. On his return flight to the Netherlands afterwards, Ben was arrested after a dispute with an airline stewardess regarding his carry on baggage. He was released on bail and flew back to Europe a few days later.[1]

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
2 matches 0 wins 2 losses
By knockout 0 0
By submission 0 2
By decision 0 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 0-2 Renzo Gracie Submission (gi choke) WCC 1 - First Strike October 17, 1995 1 2:38 Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Loss 0-1 Erik Paulson Submission (guillotine choke) Shooto - Complete Vale Tudo Access July 29, 1995 5 0:38 Omiya, Saitama, Japan
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References
  1. WCC Fighter Arrested on Assault Charges - Black Belt Magazine, February 1996
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