Chris Dolman

Dolman started training judo under Jon Bluming at the Tung-Yen dojo while in college.[4] He became a professional competitor shortly after.[1] In 1970, he extended his competition to sambo by taking part in an international tournament in Moscow. Reportedly, Dolman had no sambo experience, having watched his first practice session of the art two days before the event, and still he dominated the tournament with just his judo and wrestling training.[4]

His first visit to the Japanese rings was in 1976, backing Willem Ruska during his professional wrestling match against Antonio Inoki in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Inspired by this kind of competition, he celebrated a tournament of modern pankration in Holland in 1981.[1] In 1984, Dolman had his own professional wrestling debut in Universal Wrestling Federation, wrestling Kazuo Yamazaki in a different style fight which Dolman won by armbar.

After UWF's demise, Dolman was contacted by Akira Maeda for his Fighting Network Rings promotion. Leading a stable of Dutch apprentices, which included Dick Vrij, Gilbert Yvel, Valentijn Overeem and other names, Dolman became Maeda's first rival in Rings. He would win the inaugural Rings Mega Battle Tournament in 1993 defeating Maeda in the finals, although the Japanese got revenge on him eliminating him from the 1993 edition. After being eliminated by Yoshihisa Yamamoto the next year, Dolman would stop competing in the tournament, dedicating himself fully to his stablemaster role. His final in-ring match was in 1995, defeating his underling Joop Kasteel.

According to Jon Bluming, Dolman challenged the Gracie family several times during his stint in Rings, but they never answered his letters.[6]

He currently teaches at the Chakuriki/Pancration Gym along with Thom Harinck and leads the RINGS Holland promotion.

• Professional MMA record for Chris Dolman from Sherdog