KOTS star Bash opens up on getting into no-rules fighting as a way to make quick money after losing his high-paying corporate job

Former K1 champion and no-rules fighter Bash has revealed how he turned to underground MMA after his life spiraled from luxury to rock bottom due to addicti*n issues.

The UK-based star, who previously earned over £100,000 in a corporate career and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with luxury cars and penthouses, found himself needing quick money after losing everything. He got his start in no-rules fighting while working as a bouncer.

“I had to start fighting to make money, that’s the truth,” Bash explained in appearance on Overdogs podcast. “Fighting can be quick money.”

However, Bash warns that the brutal world of no-rules fighting comes with serious risks. “I’ve been in hospital few times for internal injuries,” he revealed. “You’re entering a world that honestly I wouldn’t encourage anyone to and the money’s crap, but it’s more about Pride. You fight for Pride.”

The fights take place in various underground locations with minimal safety measures. “There’s no referee, there’s no medics,” Bash said, noting he recently suffered a head injury that required DIY treatment rather than proper medical care.

Despite the dangers and relatively low pay compared to his previous corporate salary, Bash continues to participate in no-rules events that can draw millions of views online. He acknowledges it’s a dangerous path but says pride and necessity keep him competing in this underground scene.

“I fight for certain organizations abroad… in Germany, Sweden,” he said. “I’m not linked with any gangs or anything but I’m friends with them.”

The former corporate professional’s story serves as a stark warning about how quickly fortunes can change and the desperate measures some turn to when hitting rock bottom. While managing to rebuild aspects of his life, Bash remains active in the perilous world of unsanctioned fighting.

Bash detailed the reality of no-rules fighting on a recent episode of the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, describing how most bouts end within 3 minutes due to the extreme tactics allowed.

“You can hold their head, hold their hair and smash them on the head like a coconut,” Bash explained. “You can do what you want.”

The UK-based star openly discussed using techniques like biting and eye gouging when action go to the ground, saying “If I’m on the floor and he’s on top of me, I’m stuck. The best thing is to grab him, hold him and bite his ear off as much as I can or bite anything.”

He noted that while he tries to avoid targeting certain areas out of concern for his opponents’ families, stating “I try not to go near noses and I try not to go near lips cuz you got to kiss your child,” other body parts are fair game. “Your ears…you don’t need them. They’re floppy, you don’t need them to take care of the kids,” he said.

Having suffered serious injuries himself, including getting stabbed with a screwdriver during one bout and being hospitalized for internal injuries, Bash cautioned that no-rules fighting is extremely dangerous. “You’re entering a world that honestly I wouldn’t encourage anyone to and the money’s crap,” he warned. “But it’s more about Pride. You fight for Pride.”

Despite the intense violence, Bash claims many fighters end up becoming friends afterwards, though he admitted “some people I don’t like still that I fought.” The former K1 champion also noted that more technically skilled fighters, including MMA pros, are now entering the no-rules scene.