Influential combat sport icon “Judo” Gene LeBell has died at 89. LeBell, whom many credit for bringing judo into the MMA space, served as a mentor to former UFC champion Ronda Rousey throughout her MMA run, but his roots run much deeper. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of acting and professional wrestling, LeBell also trained with legendary figures such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Reports of LeBell’s death surfaced on social media from close family friends early Wednesday. Although his notoriety was partially racked out by his work as a trainer and motivator, LeBell had a decorated run as a top-tier amateur judoka in the 1950s
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‘Judo’ Gene LeBell dead at 89; Ronda Rousey and MMA community react – MMA Junkie