Eric Esch

Eric Esch

Esch before Pride 32, 2006
Born Eric Scott Esch
(1966-08-03) August 3, 1966
Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
Other names Butterbean
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight 425 lb (193 kg; 30.4 st)
Division Heavyweight
Reach 78 in (198 cm)
Professional boxing record
Total 91
Wins 77
By knockout 58
Losses 10
Draws 4
Kickboxing record
Total 7
Wins 3
By knockout 2
Losses 4
Mixed martial arts record
Total 28
Wins 17
By knockout 6
Losses 10
Draws 1

Eric Scott Esch (born August 3, 1966), commonly referred to as Butterbean,[1] is an American professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and professional wrestler who competes in the heavyweight division. He also is a minor television personality, having appeared in several programs and been referenced by many others. Esch transitioned to professional boxing in 1994 following a successful stint on the Toughman Contest scene and went on to capture the World Athletic Association (WAA) heavyweight and IBA super heavyweight championships. Beginning in 2003, he began fighting regularly as a kickboxer and mixed martial artist, most notably in K-1 and the Pride Fighting Championships. Butterbean's combined fight record stands at 97–24–5 with 66 knockouts and 10 submissions.

Early life

Esch was born in Bay City, Michigan and raised in Jasper, Alabama. He had a difficult childhood; his mother died when he was eight years old, and he was frequently bullied at school for being overweight. While decking floors for manufactured homes at the Southern Energy Homes plant in Addison, Alabama, his colleagues dared him to enter a local Toughman Contest. He went on to win the tournament and begin his career in fight sports.[2]

Career

Boxing career; "King of the 4 Rounders" (1994–2002)

Esch began his fighting career on the Toughman Contest scene in Texarkana, Arkansas in the early 1990s and went on to become a five-time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56–5 with 36 knockouts.[3] He received the nickname "Butterbean" when he was forced to go on a diet (consisting mostly of chicken and butterbeans) in order to meet the Toughman 400 pound (181 kg) weight limit.[4]

He made his professional boxing debut on October 15, 1994, beating Tim Daniels by decision in Birmingham, Alabama. He soon developed a cult following and became known as "King of the 4 Rounders". Speaking of his popularity in a 2008 interview with BoxingInsider, Esch stated:

“ "It took off pretty quick, my second pro fight was on national TV—it don't happen like that, normally you get 15, 20 fights and then you get a TV fight unless you’re very fortunate. Tyson, his second pro fight wasn’t on TV. He probably had five or six, seven fights before he got on TV. Me, my second pro fight was televised, it was on a Jed Hearns undercard. Then a couple more fights and I’m on TV again, and every fight since then was televised. It just don't happen like that. I've probably had more televised fights than any world champion out there."[5] ”

Esch ran up an impressive string of wins, mostly by knockout, before being stopped in two rounds by Mitchell Rose on December 15, 1995. Butterbean took the loss with a shrug of his shoulders and went on the road, barnstorming around the United States and winning fifty-one consecutive matches, with his best win coming against Peter McNeeley. While the majority of his opponents were technically limited club-level fighters early in his career, he did move up the ranks to win the IBA Super Heavyweight Championship on April 12, 1997 with a second round technical knockout of Ed White at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He made five successful title defences before relinquishing his championship in 2000.

Butterbean appeared twice in World Wrestling Federation professional wrestling events, competing in boxing matches both times. On December 7, 1997 at the D-Generation X: In Your House pay-per-view event, he defeated former Golden Gloves champion Marc Mero[6] via disqualification in a worked match. 15 months later, Butterbean defeated WWF Brawl For All champion Bart Gunn[6] in a legitimate shootfight at WrestleMania XV on March 28, 1999, knocking his opponent out in 34 seconds.[7]

After his five-year winning streak was brought to an end with a majority decision defeat by non-script heavyweight Billy Zumbrun in August 2001, he fought his first ten rounder against fifty-two-year-old former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes at the Norfolk Scope in Norfolk, Virginia on July 27, 2002. While Holmes won a unanimous decision, Esch was credited with a controversial knockdown in the final round. Holmes fought a fight on points, playing on his reach advantage, wary of Butterbean's knockout punch. This was one of only three fights in a 109 fight career that was scheduled for more than four rounds.[8]

K-1 (2003–2005)

Butterbean ventured into the sport of kickboxing in 2003 when he was recruited by K-1 and debuted with a first round knockout of Yusuke Fujimoto at K-1 Beast II 2003 in Saitama, Japan on June 29, 2003. K-1 was then keen to match him up with Ernesto Hoost, but he declined to take the fight on the advice of a friend who warned him of the Dutchman's kickboxing prowess.[2] He instead faced Mike Bernardo in a non-tournament bout at the K-1 Survival 2003 Japan Grand Prix Final in Yokohama, Japan on September 21, 2003. He was floored twice with low kicks in the first round before being finished with a high kick in the second.[9]

In his first mixed martial arts bout, Eric Esch took on Genki Sudo in an openweight affair at K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!! in Nagoya, Japan on December 31, 2003. Despite having a 110 kg/242 lb weight advantage over his foe, Butterbean was unable to capitalize as Sudo was unwilling to exchange strikes. "The Neo-Samurai" took Butterbean to the mat with a low, single-leg takedown at the end of round one and attempted a leglock only to be halted by the bell signaling the end of the round, which had been a stalemate up until then. Early in round two, the fighters tumbled to the ground after Sudo attempted a dropkick on Esch, and the Japanese grappling ace took full advantage of the American boxer's lack of grappling skill by securing a heel hook submission at the 0:41 mark.

Returning to the kickboxing ring at K-1 Beast 2004 in Niigata on March 14, 2004, Butterbean lost a unanimous decision to Hiromi Amada as Amada peppered him with low kicks while Esch did little more than taunt his opponent throughout the match.[10] He was scheduled to fight Bob Sapp soon afterwards, but claims that Sapp's management withdrew their fighter after discovering that Amada had needed hospital treatment after his bout with Esch.[11] Butterbean lost his third consecutive K-1 match at K-1 Beast 2004 in Shizuoka on June 26, 2004, losing to 225 cm/7'5" giant Montanha Silva by unanimous decision.

Competing in the eight man tournament at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hawaii in Honolulu on July 29, 2005, Esch put an end to his losing streak when he scored a third round standing eight count en route to a unanimous decision victory over 150 kg/330 lb brawler Marcus Royster in the quarter-finals. Despite the win, Butterbean sustained an injury to his left leg during the fight and could not continue and so Royster was entered back into the tournament in his place.[12]

Pride Fighting Championships (2006–2007)

Esch before Pride 32 in October 2006.

Having lost his MMA debut to Genki Sudo, Esch stuck with the sport and regrouped, going 6–0–1 in appearances in King of the Cage, Gracie Fightfest, and Rumble on the Rock which included a TKO stoppage of Wesley "Cabbage" Correira at Rumble on the Rock 8 in Honolulu on January 20, 2006 in a fight which took place under special rules, ground fighting being limited to fifteen seconds per instance regardless of the situation.[13] He returned to Japan with the Pride Fighting Championships on August 26, 2006 to compete at Pride Bushido 12 in Nagoya against Ikuhisa Minowa, a shoot wrestler known for his willingness to face much larger opponents, to whom he lost via armbar submission at 4:25 of round one.[14]

Butterbean was set to fight Mark Hunt at the promotion's first North American show, Pride 32 in Las Vegas on October 21, 2006[15] but the Nevada State Athletic Commission would not allow the match-up as they argued that Hunt's wins over Wanderlei Silva and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović gave him an unfair mat advantage.[16] Pride had stated that "visa issues" were preventing Hunt from competing in the bout,[17] but it was later confirmed that Hunt could not compete due to the NSAC's ruling. Pro wrestler Sean O'Haire stepped in as Hunt's replacement and Eric Esch TKO'd him in under thirty seconds.[18]

Departing Pride briefly to compete in Cage Rage, Eric Esch submitted to strikes from Rob Broughton in the second round of their contest at Cage Rage 19 in London, England on December 9, 2006.[19] He then rebounded with a forty-three second knockout of James Thompson at Cage Rage 20 on February 10, 2007.[20]

Butterbean returned to Pride for the promotion's last ever event, Pride 34 in Saitama on April 8, 2007, where he faced Zuluzinho in a bout where both men weighed in at 184.6/407 lb (although the Brazilian was 20 cm/8 in taller). Both fighters came out swinging before Zuluzinho scored a takedown. Esch reversed him, landing several hammer shots before finally submitting Zuluzinho with a key lock at 2:35 of the opening stanza.[21]

Later career (2007–present)

Butterbean's next fight was on July 14, 2007 against reigning Cage Rage World Heavyweight Champion Tengiz Tedoradze in a non-title bout at Cage Rage 25, losing via TKO. Global Fighting Championships had scheduled a main event bout between Esch and Ruben Villareal for their inaugural event, but the event was canceled when half the scheduled matchups could not take place due to medical issues (Esch vs. Villareal was the only viable main event).[22] He was then set to fight Jimmy Ambriz as the main event of Xcess Fighting's debut card, but was a no show for the weigh-in citing scheduling conflicts.[23]

Esch made a brief return to K-1 to fight at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Hawaii on August 9, 2008, rematching Wesley Correira in the quarter-finals and losing via a second round high kick KO.[24][25]

Esch lost via 1st round KO for the EBF title against Mark Potter at the Syndicte Nightclub in Blackpool, England on the September 14, 2008. This fight has not been recorded on boxrec.com or any other site of the same nature, as Potter was not licensed at the time.

Butterbean made his independent wrestling debut at the Birmingham–Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama on March 28, 2009 at the ImagiCon horror movie, sci-fi movie, and comic book convention and was victorious against rapper/professional wrestler/film maker/actor Anthony "One Man Kru" Sanners via pinfall after smashing him with a vicious 400 lb. elbow drop. Butterbean won the Pro Wrestling Syndicate Heavyweight Championship on May 29, 2009 after defeating Trent Acid. Butterbean lost the belt to Kevin Matthews on May 8, 2010 in White Plains, New York.

In his final kickboxing match at Moosin II in Seoul, South Korea on July 29, 2009, Esch KO'd Moon-Bi Lam forty-six seconds into round one.

On October 3, 2009 Esch lost a four round split decision to Harry Funmaker whom he earlier beat on two occasions. After the bout he announced his retirement.[26][27] He seemingly changed his mind, however, and soon returned to competition.

On September 18, 2010, Esch was defeated by Mariusz Pudzianowski by submission due to strikes at KSW XIV in Łódź, Poland. After several exchanges of strikes on the feet, Pudzianowski attacked and took Esch down, proceeding to throw numerous punches from side control in a ground-and-pound attack. Esch, unable to get to his feet, submitted at just 1:15 into the first round.[28]

Esch next took on up-and-coming super heavyweight Deon West at the LFC 43: Wild ThangMMA internet pay-per-view on October 12, 2010. After a heated contest, Deon did not rise for the third round. Butterbean humbled Deon West via TKO at 5:00 of round two.

On April 1, 2011, Butterbean returned to pro wrestling and teamed with his Walker County Sheriff Deputy partner Adam Hadder to take on Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and One Man Kru in a tag-team match at the Battle Against Drugs charity benefit which was taped for Butterbean's reality show Big Law. He appeared in February 2012 at Wrestlerama in Georgetown, Guyana where on entering the ring he told the crowd Guyana is his second home and was booed off because he mispronounced Guyana.[7]

Butterbean defeated Dean Storey at Elite 1 MMA: High Voltage on May 7, 2011 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada to claim the promotions super heavyweight title. He knocked out Storey 24 seconds into the 2nd round.[29]

Media appearances

Big Law: Deputy Butterbean

Esch is a reserve deputy sheriff in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama, and starred in the reality television documentary entitled Big Law: Deputy Butterbean, which debuted on the Investigation Discovery channel in August 2011. He described the genesis of the show:

"They came to me wanting to do a reality documentary on my restaurant and I was in the process of closing my restaurant down. I said 'If you want something interesting and fun to watch, follow us on our drug busts in the sheriff's department.' They agreed people would be interested in this. "They started following us, filming it and documenting us actually making the busts. You arrest somebody and say 'Look, if you don't want to go to jail you've got to help us bust a bigger guy.' We make a bigger bust from that. The whole goal is to get people on file and lessen the number of criminals on the streets."[30]

Esch hoped the show would help the cause of law enforcement:

"I think this show is going to prove that people really care about the communities they lived in. There's going to be more people calling (the police station) saying 'Hey, this guy is doing this crime. You should look into it.' We want people to step forward and help the police clean up our communities."[30][31]

The show was not renewed for a second season.

Film

Butterbean appeared in the film Jackass: The Movie (2002), in a public stunt; an arranged fight with Johnny Knoxville in a department store. After the fight began, Knoxville fell, got up, was asked by Butterbean to hit him at least once. Knoxville did so, was easily knocked to the floor by Esch, and received several stitches in his head after the encounter (the camera catches Knoxville snoring). Waking confused, Knoxville asked if butterbean survived the fight. Knoxville stated that Esch is actually quite friendly outside of the ring, despite his fearsome ringside demeanor.

Butterbean also appeared in the film Chairman of the Board (1998) as the Museum Security Guard with the "chia hair", a fact that is pointed out on the DVD commentary by the movie's star Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson.

Television

Butterbean appeared on Adult Swim's Squidbillies, where he sang the national anthem, finally beating up a fan for not taking off his hat.

Butterbean appeared on CMT's Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television show, on Team Beefcake.

Butterbean was referenced on NBC's Parenthood (2010). The episode, which aired on October 5, 2010, was entitled "Date Night".

In June 2013, Butterbean was interviewed in Australia on Fox Sports programme, Monday Nights with Matty Johns.

Butterbean appeared on TruTV's Friends of the People in a sketch as "Dr. Butterbean", using his sweet science boxing skills as an anesthesiologist. The Season 2 Episode 7 was entitled "Great White Haters".

Radio

On July 16, 2005, Butterbean fought Dominic Dieter of Rover's Morning Glory, in downtown Cleveland, Ohio in a bout billed as "War on the Shore".[32]

Video games

Butterbean was featured on the cover of, and was the final boss character in, the EA Sports game Toughman Contest, released in 1995 for the Sega Genesis and Sega 32X.[33] He also appeared as a playable character in all of the EA Sports boxing video games in the Knockout Kings series, and was featured in Fight Night Champion. In the 2007 PC game The Witcher, the main character can challenge a tavern fistfighter by the name of Butter Bean during the second chapter of the game. Butter Bean has a body structure similar to that of Esch. Butterbean is a playable fighter in EA's fifth installment of the Fight Night series Fight Night Champion.

Personal life

Eric Esch is married and has three children: sons Brandon (born July 16, 1985) and Caleb (born September 3, 1988), who are both mixed martial artists, and daughter Grace.[34]

Championships and awards

Boxing

Mixed martial arts

Professional wrestling

Boxing record

77 Wins (58 knockouts, 19 decisions), 10 Losses (2 knockouts, 8 decisions), 4 Draws[35]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Loss 77–10–4 Australia Kirk Lawton TKO (retirement) 2 (4), 3:00 2013-06-29 Australia Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, New South Wales
Loss 77–9–4 United States Curt Allan Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2012-01-13 United States Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, Indiana
Loss 77–8–4 United States Harry Funmaker Decision (split) 4 (4), 3:00 2009-10-03 United States U.S. Cellular Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Win 77–7–4 United States Joe Siciliano KO 2 (4), 1:10 2007-03-09 United States Worcester Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
Win 76–7–4 United States Joaquin Garcia KO 1 (4), 0:48 2006-12-16 United States Dow Event Center, Saginaw, Michigan
Win 75–7–4 United States Ed White TKO (shoulder injury) 1 (4), 1:46 2006-09-23 United States Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, Florence, Indiana
Win 74–7–4 United States Daniel White Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2006-03-24 United States Wing's Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Loss 73–7–4 Australia Baden Oui Decision (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 2005-10-15 Australia Carrara Sports Complex, Gold Coast, Queensland
Loss 73–6–4 United States George Linberger Decision (split) 4 (4), 3:00 2005-10-15 United States Chaparral Club, Akron, Ohio For the NABC North American Super Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 73–5–4 United States Kenny Craven Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2005-05-20 China Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing
Win 73–4–4 United States Rick Zufall KO 3 (4), 2:39 2005-08-09 United States Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California
Loss 72–4–4 United States Kenny Craven Decision (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 2005-05-14 United States Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, Mississippi
Win 72–3–4 United States Kenny Craven TKO 3 (4), 1:23 2005-02-12 United States Magnolia Center, Laurel, Mississippi
Win 71–3–4 United States Brian McIntyre Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2004-11-20 United States Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Win 70–3–4 Canada Richie Goosehead Decision (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 2004-09-24 Canada Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Win 69–3–4 United States Salvador Farnetti TKO 1 (4), 0:50 2004-07-22 United States HP Pavilion at San Jose, San Jose, California
Win 68–3–4 Canada Marcelo Aravena Decision (split) 4 (4), 3:00 2004-05-15 United States 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, New Town, North Dakota
Win 67–3–4 United States Rodney Phillips KO 2 (4), 1:49 2004-05-08 United States Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win 66–3–4 Canada Troy Roberts TKO 1 (4) 2003-06-13 United States Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, Oregon
Draw 65–3–4 United States Lewis Gilbert Draw (split) 4 (4), 3:00 2003-03-28 United States Alario Center, Westwego, Louisiana
Loss 65–3–3 United States Larry Holmes Decision (unanimous) 10 (10), 3:00 2002-07-27 United States Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, Virginia
Win 65–2–3 United States Craig Wolfley KO 4 (4) 2002-02-02 United States Grand Casino Gulfport, Gulfport, Mississippi
Win 64–2–3 United States Kevin Tallon Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2001-12-12 United States Caesar's Casino, Elizabeth, Indiana
Loss 63–2–3 United States Billy Zumbrun Decision (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 2001-08-19 United States Stateline Casino, West Wendover, Nevada
Win 63–1–3 United States Shane Woollas TKO 1 (4), 2:38 2001-06-16 England Wembley Conference Centre, London
Win 62–1–3 United States Tyrone Muex TKO 2 (8), 2:49 2001-04-19 United States Grand Casino Tunica, Tunica, Mississippi
Draw 61–1–3 United States Abdul Muhaymin Draw 4 (4), 3:00 2000-11-17 United States Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win 61–1–2 United States Harry Funmaker Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2000-11-03 United States Ho-Chunk Casino, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Win 60–1–2 United States Marcus Rhode KO 3 (4), 2:06 2000-09-15 United States Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Win 59–1–2 United States Dan Kosmicki TKO 2 (4), 2:40 2000-07-28 United States Selland Arena, Fresno, California
Win 58–1–2 United States Kerry Biles KO 2 (4), 2:52 2000-06-17 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Win 57–1–2 United States Bill Johnson KO 2 (4), 2:49 2000-05-19 United States Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California
Win 56–1–2 United States Dan Kosmicki TKO 4 (4), 0:52 2000-05-05 United States Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona
Win 55–1–2 United States George Linberger TKO 1 (4), 0:19 2000-03-04 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada Retains the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship and wins the WAA World Heavyweight Championship.
Win 54–1–2 United States Kevin Tallon Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 2000-02-17 United States Coeur d'Alene, Worley, Idaho
Win 53–1–2 United States Tim Ray Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1999-12-10 United States Grand Casino Tunica, Tunica, Mississippi
Win 52–1–2 United States Allen Smith TKO 2 (4), 2:16 1999-11-23 United States Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois
Win 51–1–2 United States Melvin Lumzy KO 3 (4), 1:00 1999-11-11 United States Grand Casino Biloxi, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win 50–1–2 United States George Chamberlain TKO 3 (4), 1:25 1999-10-21 United States Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C.
Win 49–1–2 United States Kenny Craven TKO 2 (4), 1:55 1999-09-18 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada Retains the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Draw 48–1–2 United States Jason Farley Draw 4 (4), 3:00 1999-08-06 United States State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio
Win 48–1–1 United States Tim Burgoon KO 2 (4) 1999-07-31 Mexico Plaza de Toros, Tijuana Retains the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 47–1–1 United States Peter McNeeley TKO 1 (4), 2:59 1999-06-26 United States Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 46–1–1 United States Russell Chasteen Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1999-06-11 United States Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas
Win 45–1–1 United States Jason Hurley TKO 2 (4), 2:16 1999-05-27 United States Gold Strike Casino Resort, Tunica, Mississippi
Win 44–1–1 United States Roy Bedwell Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1999-04-16 United States Catfish Bend Casino, Burlington, Iowa
Win 43–1–1 United States Kevin Tallon TKO 3 (4), 2:50 1999-04-02 United States Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Win 42–1–1 Canada Patrick Graham TKO 3 (4), 0:46 1999-02-13 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada Retains the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 41–1–1 United States Troy Roberts TKO 3 (4) 1998-09-18 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 40–1–1 United States Tim Pollard KO 1 (4), 1:37 1998-08-25 United States Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win 39–1–1 United States Billy Eaton KO 3 (4), 2:38 1998-03-23 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut
Win 38–1–1 United States Warrant Williams KO 1 (4) 1998-02-28 United States Cincinnati, Ohio
Win 37–1–1 United States Harry Funmaker Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1998-01-16 United States Bank of America Center, Boise, Idaho Retains the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 36–1–1 United States Doug Phillips Decision 4 (4), 3:00 1997-12-06 United States Caesars Atlantic City, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win 35–1–1 United States Ken Woods TKO 4 (4) 1997-10-30 United States Washington, D.C.
Draw 34–1–1 United States Billy Eaton Draw (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 1997-09-13 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 34–1 Mexico Enrique Ruiz DQ 4 (4) 1997-08-13 United States Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia
Win 33–1 United States Scott Lindecker KO 4 (4), 1:20 1997-07-09 United States Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington
Win 32–1 United States Jason Farley TKO 4 (4) 1997-06-15 United States Grand Casino Biloxi, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win 31–1 United States Bill Duncan KO 2 (4) 1997-04-17 United States Adam's Mark Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Win 30–1 United States Ed White TKO 2 (4), 1:14 1997-04-12 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada Wins the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 29–1 United States Sean Jegen TKO 3 (4), 1:33 1997-04-02 United States Station Casino, Kansas City, Missouri
Win 28–1 United States Ken Woods KO 2 (4), 1:29 1997-03-22 United States Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas
Win 27–1 United States Nick Phillips Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1997-02-12 United States The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Win 26–1 United States Curt Allan TKO 3 (4), 2:56 1997-01-18 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 25–1 United States Sean Jegen KO 1 (4), 2:47 1996-12-06 United States Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada
Win 24–1 United States William Harris TKO 4 (4) 1996-07-10 United States The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California
Win 23–1 United States George Clarke KO 1 (4), 1:54 1996-06-07 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 22–1 United States Jonathan Whitfield TKO 4 (4), 1:44 1996-05-14 United States Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut
Win 21–1 Puerto Rico Richard Davis KO 1 (4), 1:10 1996-04-30 United States San Antonio, Texas
Win 20–1 United States Jack Ramsey TKO 1 (4), 1:28 1996-04-22 United States Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Altoona, Iowa
Win 19–1 United States James Baker KO 1 (4), 0:18 1996-03-19 United States Spruce Goose, Long Beach, California
Win 18–1 United States Billy McDonald KO 1 (4), 2:16 1996-03-13 United States Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
Win 17–1 United States Joe Wiggins TKO 4 (4), 1:03 1996-02-25 United States Arizona Charlie's, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 16–1 United States Tim Ray TKO 2 (4) 1996-01-25 United States Casino Magic Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Loss 15–1 United States Mitchell Rose TKO 2 (4), 0:48 1995-12-15 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Win 15–0 United States Louis Monaco KO 1 (4), 1:58 1995-12-01 United States Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California
Win 14–0 United States Pat Jackson TKO (retirement) 3 (4), 3:00 1995-10-25 United States Pontchartrain Center, Kenner, Louisiana
Win 13–0 United States Kenneth Myers Decision (majority) 4 (4), 3:00 1995-09-29 United States Buffalo Bill's, Primm, Nevada
Win 12–0 United States Anthony Hunt TKO 2 (4) 1995-09-16 United States Chillicothe, Ohio
Win 11–0 United States Adam Sutton Decision 4 (4), 3:00 1995-09-09 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 10–0 United States Paul Springer KO 1 (4), 0:47 1995-08-15 United States Arizona Charlie's, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 9–0 United States Doug Norris KO 2 (4), 1:19 1995-07-28 United States Casino Magic Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Win 8–0 Mexico Rogelio Ramirez KO 1 (4) 1995-06-18 United States Las Cruces, New Mexico
Win 7–0 United States James Robinson TKO 2 (4) 1995-04-21 United States Lansing, Michigan
Win 6–0 United States Jerry Michelson KO 1 (4) 1995-04-15 United States Owensboro, Kentucky
Win 5–0 United States Alvin Ellis TKO 1 (4) 1995-03-24 United States Detroit, Michigan
Win 4–0 Mexico Juan Ramon Perez Decision (unanimous) 4 (4), 3:00 1995-03-11 United States Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Win 3–0 United States Ed Barry Decision 6 (6), 3:00 1995-03-01 United States Saginaw, Michigan
Win 2–0 United States Doug Norris TKO 4 (4) 1994-11-30 United States New Orleans, Louisiana
Win 1–0 United States Tim Daniels Decision 4 (4), 3:00 1994-10-15 United States Birmingham, Alabama

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record

Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest       Notes

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 17–10–1 Sandy Bowman Submission (punches) Prestige Fighting Championship 3 October 21, 2011 1 0:54 Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Loss 17–9–1 Eric Barrak Submission (guillotine choke) Instinct MMA 1 October 7, 2011 3 2:56 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 17–8–1 Dean Storey TKO (punches) Elite-1 MMA: Moncton May 7, 2011 2 0:20 Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Wins the Elite-1 MMA Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 16–8–1 Deon West TKO (punches) LFC 43: Wild Thang December 10, 2010 2 5:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Loss 15–8–1 Mariusz Pudzianowski Submission (punches) KSW 14: Judgment Day September 18, 2010 1 1:15 Lódz, Poland
Loss 15–7–1 Jeff Kugel Submission (punches) Xtreme Cagefighting Championship 46: Beatdown at the Ballroom 9 March 6, 2010 1 0:40 Mount Clemens, Michigan, United States For the XCC Super Heavyweight Championship.
Win 15–6–1 Chris Cruit Submission (rear-naked choke) Moosin: God of Martial Arts December 11, 2009 1 1:38 Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Win 14–6–1 Tom Howard Submission (neck crank) Extreme Cage Fighting September 9, 2009 1 1:40 Laredo, Texas, United States
Win 13–6–1 Jefferson Hook TKO (punches) Lockdown in Lowell June 26, 2009 1 ?:?? Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 12–6–1 Pat Smith Submission (punches) YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11, 2008 1 3:17 Atlantic City, New Jersey. United States
Loss 12–5–1 Nick Penner Submission (kimura) The Fight Club: First Blood December 28, 2007 1 2:28 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 12–4–1 Tom Howard Submission (armlock) The Final Chapter MMA December 1, 2007 1 4:47 Jasper, Alabama, United States
Win 11–4–1 Pete Sischo Submission (americana) Combat Warfare X October 13, 2007 3 2:35 United States
Loss 10–4–1 Tengiz Tedoradze TKO (punches) Cage Rage 22 July 14, 2007 1 4:26 London, England
Win 10–3–1 Zuluzinho Submission (americana) Pride 34 April 8, 2007 1 2:35 Saitama, Japan
Win 9–3–1 James Thompson KO (punches) Cage Rage 20 February 10, 2007 1 0:43 London, England
Win 8–3–1 Charles Hodges KO (punch) Palace Fighting Championship: King of the Ring January 18, 2007 1 0:45 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 7–3–1 Rob Broughton Submission (punches) Cage Rage 19 December 9, 2006 2 3:43 London, England
Win 7–2–1 Sean O'Haire KO (punches) Pride 32 - The Real Deal October 21, 2006 1 0:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 6–2–1 Ikuhisa Minowa Submission (armbar) Pride - Bushido 12 August 26, 2006 1 4:25 Nagoya, Japan
Win 6–1–1 Rich Weeks Submission (choke) Fightfest 5: Korea vs. USA July 15, 2006 1 1:29 McAllen, Texas, United States
Win 5–1–1 Matt Eckerle Submission (punches) Fightfest 4 May 20, 2006 1 0:56 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
Win 4–1–1 Aaron Aguilera Submission (rear-naked choke) Rumble on the Rock 9 April 21, 2006 2 1:15 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 3–1–1 Leo Sylvest Submission (rear-naked choke) Fightfest 2: Global Domination April 14, 2006 1 0:35 Canton, Ohio, United States
Win 2–1–1 Wesley Correira TKO (doctor stoppage) Rumble on the Rock 8 January 20, 2006 2 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Correira broke his arm.
Win 1–1–1 Walley Keenboom Submission Fightfest 1: Royce Gracie Fightfest December 9, 2005 1 2:37 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Draw 0–1–1 Michael Buchkovich Draw KOTC 48: Payback February 25, 2005 2 5:00 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Loss 0–1 Genki Sudo Submission (heel hook) K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!! December 31, 2003 2 0:41 Nagoya, Japan

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Butterbean vs. Patrick Smith: An American Tragedy". Cagepotato.com. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  2. 1 2 The Strange Saga of Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch
  3. ↑ Boxrec profile
  4. ↑ Tapology profile
  5. ↑ Interview with Butterbean Eric Esch
  6. 1 2 Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE Encyclopedia. DK. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
  7. 1 2 "Facts/Stats". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 12, 2006. Retrieved April 12, 2006.
  8. ↑ FROM THE ARCHIVE: Super heavyweights
  9. ↑ Mike Bernardo Vs Butterbean
  10. ↑ K-1 BEAST 2004 in Niigata 3/14/04 Niigata Toki Messe (9,414) by Matt White
  11. ↑ http://www.boxinginsider.com/interviews/interview-w-butterbean-eric-esch/
  12. ↑ BJ Penn Beats Gracie, Big Daddy Shocks Everyone
  13. ↑ ROTR 8 Results: Upsets And Big Breaks
  14. ↑ PRIDE Bushido 12 results and pictures
  15. ↑ Pride "Real Deal" Not Quite Done Deal – Sherdog.com, October 17, 2006
  16. ↑ Ten Things That Need to Change in Mixed Martial Arts – Sherdog.com, November 14, 2006
  17. ↑ Josh Barnett Passes Drug Test; Mark Hunt Still Off Pride Card; Gardner Not on Pride Card – MMAWeekly.com news (archived permalink), October 20, 2006
  18. ↑ Pride: The Real Deal Results & Photos
  19. ↑ Cage Rage 19 Full Review & Photos
  20. ↑ al-Turk beats Kerr at Cage Rage 20
  21. ↑ PRIDE 34 review: the end of an era
  22. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Friday’s Global FC Event Cancelled". Sherdog.com. Retrieved August 2, 2010. C1 control character in |title= at position 7 (help)
  23. ↑ "Pound4Pound.com – P4P Number 1 Boxing News – Main – Pacquiao Cotto". Pound4Pound.com. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  24. ↑ 2008 K-1 USA GP Results
  25. ↑ "Butterbean Goes Down Again, Saki and Hari Win Big at K-1 World GP 2008". Cage Potato. Retrieved December 29, 2008.
  26. ↑ Brew City Brawl Succeeds, Butterbean Doesn't
  27. ↑ Wallwork, Jake (September 10, 2011). "Butterbean vs Curt Allen: Butterbean Is Making a Comeback!". PunchBag Blog.
  28. ↑ ‘Butterbean’ Taps to Pudzianowski Strikes at KSW 14
  29. ↑ http://www.8countnews.com/news/117/ARTICLE/3700/2011-05-07.html
  30. 1 2 http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/sports/article/1404430
  31. ↑ http://press.discovery.com/us/id/programs/big-law-deputy-butterbean/
  32. ↑ "War on the Shore". roverradio.com.
  33. ↑ "Team EGM: Toughman Boxing (Genesis) by Electronic Arts". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (70): 118. May 1995.
  34. ↑ "Human Bean". People.com, By William Plummer. April 8, 1996. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
  35. ↑ "Eric Esch professional boxing record". BoxRec.com.
Preceded by
Ed White		 IBA Super Heavyweight Champion
1997-04-12 – 2000 (Vacated) 		Succeeded by
?
filled vacancy
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