Teddy Riner, the French God of Judo

6'8, 306 pounds, 23 years old.

In 2007, he became the youngest ever judo world champion at 18 years and 5 months. In 2011, at the age of 22 he won his 5th individual gold medal at the world championships, becoming the first to ever do so. In addition he has once won silver at worlds, and was a bronze medalist in the 2008 Olympics, in addition to 2 European championships and one team world championship.

The man is a true beast.

A few matches from full matches from 2011:

Riner at the 2012 Paris Grand Prix:

That guy is a beast! Thanks for posting! It's nice watching some of the Martial Arts that make up MMA.

He competes at the 2012 Olympics on Friday, August 3: http://www.london2012.com/judo/event/men-more-than-100kg/index.html

More on Teddy Riner: http://www.london2012.com/athlete/riner-teddy-1102342/

"Fighting in a cage doesn't appeal to me," said the Frenchman, adding that MMA lacks the traditional respect in a martial art and promotes brutal attacks not allowed in judo. "There is no moral code in MMA.

"I am a warrior on the tatami, but you always have to respect your opponent."

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/judo-olympians-mma-could-2nd-141826908--oly.html

Teddy Riner is correct, at least for most Western MMA outfits, and especially Zuffa.

PM me if you know how to watch him compete live on Friday. I doubt NBC will show him. Thanks.

Teddy Riner final at London 2012

Fantastic skills.

His most entertaining matches from the just concluded Paris Grand Slam.

The first is a qualifying match, the second is the finals match.












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His technical execution of the uchi mata in these two matches is absolutely impeccable.

Riner is incredible.

It's a shame Pride isn't around, otherwise, they would've thrown him the money to take a fight.

Frankly, I'd just assume see him stay in judo.