Antonio Inoki was a professional wrestler, martial artist, politician, and promoter of both professional

wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1943, he spent most of his childhood in Brazil where he developed a passion
for professional wrestling. Eventually, he returned to Tokyo to join the Japanese Wrestling Association.

He became widely popular and revered for his versatility and for his captivating demeanor.

He gained global fame in 1976 when he faced Muhammad Ali in a wrestler versus boxer match in Tokyo.

This encounter was credited for being a precursor to what is known today as mixed martial arts and was
one of the most watched fights of its generation.

Outside the ring, Inoki used sport to forge peace and international relations. In 1990, he played a major
role in freeing 36 Japanese hostages held in Iraq.

In 1998, Inoki retired from in-ring competition. In 2010, he was inducted into the World Wrestling
Entertainment, or WWE Hall of Fame.

Inoki was a 12-time professional wrestling world champion who founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling in
1972.

Inoki died recently at the age of 79. He leaves behind a unique legacy as a competitor.