What ever happened to that 50 year old UFC fighter?

Question

You remember him. He is African American and was in a very early UFC tournament. I believe he was a Karate practitioner with all sorts of experience. He seemed like a nice guy and I remember fearing for his safety.

What was his real background and what became of him?

Answer 1

50 yrs old at thetime with 40 yrs of experience he was in a film i saw in 1974 he got messed up in the ufc but he is tenth degree red belt[tenth degree black belt has the same meaning in this situatuion in a style called chinese goju and held various black belts in goju ryu karate and wing chun gong fu

Answer 2

ron van cleif (sp?).

ufc 4, got smacked around a little then choked by royce gracie.

i know he was announced as a 10th degree black in some martial art and was well respected, but maybe someone who knows more about him could fill in some of those gaps.

i know he served as a judge in a few future ufc events and maybe some small acting roles.

seemed like a genuinely decent guy and i can only hope i can look so good when i am 50,  but he didnt really have to tools to be in the ufc octagon.