Bas Rutten is undoubtedly a legend in the world of MMA. The former UFC heavyweight champion changed the game after his professional debut and holds a distinguished place among other veterans. Other than fighting, Rutten also did various acting jobs, but his collaboration with Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series was the most significant one.
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is undoubtedly one of the most popular video games in history. The franchise is expecting to release its sixth version soon. However, Bas Rutten played a crucial role in making its protagonist, Niko Bellic, in the fourth version. Recently, the MMA legend talked about how he helped change the dynamics of motion capture in video games.
Every robbery, every punch, every kick. All the stuff you see, that’s me. I did the motion capture…we changed the freaking game…I said listen, I think it’s way better If I hit something…then you see a impact coming back.
Bas Rutten via OverDogs Podcast
Rutten explained that when he arrived at the motion capture studio, he was told to go ‘all out’ when displaying violent gestures. After a hard session, the crew even urged him to tone it down due to the ferocity of his motions. This reaction was quite evident as one of the most brutal fighters in the sport’s history.
Bas Rutten literally revolutionized the way GTA and other video games did motion capture for fighting…. because, of course he did. 😂🐐 pic.twitter.com/we4JMhoaDx
— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) October 10, 2024
Bas Rutten also did a cameo in GTA IV, providing the voice for a character in the in-game television broadcasts. Rutten, in particular, plays the character in the fictional show The Men’s Room. He gave exaggerated, satirical commentary on fighting and masculinity, similar to his MMA persona.
Bas Rutten talks about confronting a noisy neighbor
Bas Rutten has fought in 33 MMA bouts and participated in promotions like Pancrase and UFC. The fighter was famous for powerful striking, liver shots, and submissions. He went on a whopping 22-fight unbeaten streak during his time in Pancrase.
Over the years, Rutten has developed into a businessman and collaborated with the likes of Joe Rogan and Rampage Jackson in their podcasts. The Dutch fighter has shared some hilarious and wholesome stories during his early fighting days. During his conversation with Rogan, the veteran shared a story of him dealing with loud music.
I had a Thai boxing match the next day and my neighbours banging music really loud…So i asked them really nice, ‘Could you please stop it’ and they said sure. Close the door and turned the music up..I walked in close the door…fuse box are and I opened the thing and I just crushed the whole thing.
Bas Rutten via JRE MMA Show #139
Rutten has also indulged in bar fights, particularly with NFL legend Brian Urlacher. As the story goes, he was very close to knocking out the Hall of Famer. Other than that, ‘El Guapo’ has a silicon nose which freaked out Rogan during an interview. All these make Rutten a fan favorite during most of his public appearances.
