Heavyweight boxing legend Eric “Butterbean” Esch recently reflected on his career in mixed martial arts, which spanned 28 professional fights. Although he made his name primarily in the boxing ring, Butterbean also competed against some notable figures from the MMA world before his final bout in October 2011, which ended in a head kick knockout loss to a former taekwondo instructor.
Butterbean participated in various major MMA promotions over the years, with one significant exception: the UFC. According to him, his absence from the premier mixed martial arts organization was due to a rule he considers “crazy.”
Butterbean Explains Why He Never Fought for the UFC
The UFC`s heavyweight division has a weight limit of 265 pounds for non-title fights, dropping to 264 pounds for championship bouts. During his peak years, Butterbean`s weight fluctuated between 350 and 400 pounds, rendering him significantly over the UFC`s threshold and thus ineligible to compete for them.
Following his retirement in 2013, Butterbean`s weight reportedly peaked around 500 pounds. However, he has since undergone a remarkable transformation, losing 220 pounds and is now capable of potentially meeting the UFC`s heavyweight requirements.
In a recent interview, Butterbean stated, “I had almost 50 MMA fights total. I fought in Pride, K1, and Cage Rage. I fought in almost all of them except the UFC because they have this crazy rule that you have to be under 265lbs. Come on, guys.”
He added that he could now make the weight, being around 280 pounds and able to reach 260 if given the opportunity. However, he noted that due to recent hip surgeries, he is currently unable to fight in the UFC or elsewhere.
Butterbean Didn’t Train for Famous MMA Win
Butterbean also recalled his notable 43-second knockout victory over the 6ft 5in “Colossus,” James Thompson, in 2007. Thompson, who ended his 39-fight career in 2017, had faced well-known figures including Dan Severn and Bobby Lashley.
Thompson was often known for preferring to stand and strike, a strategy that didn`t always work in his favor. Their fight at Cage Rage 20 in London resulted in a surprising upset knockout win for Butterbean.
Years later, the American knockout artist admitted that he had not even trained for that particular fight. “James Thompson was a really tough dude,” Butterbean said. “It was a really tough challenge for me. The crazy thing is, at that point in my life, I had almost started not believing in myself, and I wasn’t training like I should’ve. I never even stepped in the gym before my fight with James Thompson.”
He concluded, “If I had trained for that fight, it would’ve been quicker than the first round.”
Rupert Hartwell