Ron Van Clief

Ron "The Black Dragon" Van Clief is a renowned figure in the world of martial arts. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943 and began his martial arts journey as a teenager. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Van Clief was known for his speed, strength, and resilience. Throughout his career, he clinched 10 New York State Full-Contact Karate Championships and earned several Karate Point-Fighting Titles. By the early 1970s, he had achieved the impressive rank of 10th Degree Black Belt, boasting a competitive record of 110 wins and 8 losses.

In a remarkable turn of events, Van Clief made a comeback at the age of 51 on December 16, 1994, facing off against Royce Gracie, a former World JuJitsu Lightheavyweight Champion and Ultimate Fighting World Champion. During this highly publicized match, The Black Dragon managed to deliver a solid punch but ultimately found himself taken to the ground. After a fierce struggle, he was choked into submission, marking the conclusion of a legendary fighting career that remains celebrated in martial arts history. Ron Van Clief's contributions to the sport and his exceptional achievements have solidified his status as a martial arts icon.