Former MMA legend Enson Inoue is known as one of the fiercest fighters to step into the ring and cage. Inoue has become a favourite amongst combat sports fans for his never quit attitude and his will to fight to the end.
Having being part of some of the craziest all out wars in top promotions such as the UFC, Vale Tudo and Pride. During this article I delve into he incredible lengths that Enson Inoue was willing to go to in the search if victory.
Inoue traded blows with some of the biggest heavyweight names of the late 90s to early 00s. From fighting hall of famer Randy Couture where Inoue became the 4th Heavyweight lineal Champion to the Smashing Machine Mark Kerr. It was a regular situation that Inoue stepped into the ring with far bigger opponents, but there was one thing that Enson Inoue had that was bigger than his opponents and that was his heart.
Enson Inoue Talks Warrior Mindset
During podcast episode 4 of ReesTalks, Inoue elaborates on the levels he was willing to go during his fights.
"I have this ability during training, I create a mindset where I'm ready to die in that fight. I write messages to the people I really care about before I fight, incase I pass in that fight, they pass it out to those people. In my heart I'm ready to die." says Inoue
This was in response to being asked about his refusal to quit during his fight with Heath Herring at PRIDE FC 12.
Warrior Spirit
The lengths Inoue was willing to go was on full display during his bout with Igor Vovchanchyn at PRIDE FC 10 in August 2000. During the fight Inoue who was 14lb lighter than his opponent, who was known as the Ukrainian punchline machine. Inoue came out swinging actually managing to to cut his opponent, but Vovchanchyn size and power was to much for Inoue on the night, being quickly taking to the ground into a full mount position and raining blows down onto the skull of Inoue which led to him suffering several serious injuries that consisted of a swollen brain, perforated eardrum, broken jaw, a broken finger and liver count 2000 times that of a normal healthy male, putting his liver in such a damaged state it was ready to shut down.
During the fight Inoue refused to quit attemping a triangle from the bottom while still firing in blows to Vovchanchyn where possible. Inoue managed to continue to the bell and the end of the 1st round, unfortunately he was unable to return to his feet and was dragged to his own corner by his team. Officials stepped in much to Inoue's dismay and called the fight to Vovchanchyn.
Conclussion
During the incredible career of Enson Inoue we are able to see, the lengths that a man was willing to go to emerge victorious. In a modern day where we have become used to seeing fighters almost avoid stepping into the cage on occasion and choosing to conduct their actions on social media, it is truly a testament to the warrior spirit of Enson Inoue. That during a time that money was far lower than what were seeing in this day and age, that a man was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his own mindset and legacy over money and glory. Enson Inoue will go down in history as one of the toughest fighters to ever step into a ring.
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