Pride icon Bob Sapp surprises and is expected to return to MMA at 51 years old

Sapp (photo) added another defeat to his record Photo: Disclosure

'The Beast' could shake up the MMA world with a return to the cage soon. Throughout his long career in the fighting world, Bob Sapp has become known for participating in some surprising promotions. Seven years after his last appearance, the 51-year-old American appears to be on the verge of appearing in mixed martial arts more often.

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Among other achievements, Sapp is famous for having two victories over Ernesto Hoost in kickboxing and also for having a 14-fight losing streak in his MMA record. The last time he appeared was in a victory in 2018.

A viral image shows that during a recent live event, the Cambodian MMA promotion 'MAS Fight MMA' announced that Bob Sapp will debut with the promotion later this year. The announcement shows that he will face another popular figure: Yi Long, who is known for several viral fights and is called the 'Shaolin Monk'.

Yi Long vs Bob Sapp announced for December at MAS Fight MMA pic.twitter.com/8KKNHz5Jdr

— Matysek (@Matysek88) September 7, 2025

Victim of Rodrigo Minotauro In a historic Pride fight in 2002, Bob Sapp competed for the last time in RIZIN. The veteran defeated Kintaro Osunaarashi, reducing the negative average in his martial arts career.

Watch Rodrigo Minotauro vs Bob Sapp