Butterbean, the heavy hitter famous for his devastating punches, gave fans a moment to remember at Cage Rage 20 in 2007. In just 43 seconds, he delivered a thunderous knockout to James Thompson, leaving the fighter disoriented yet still attempting to fight.
Eric Butterbean Esch was already a crowd favorite in boxing during the 1990s before transitioning to MMA. His career in the cage began in 2003, and while his record was mixed, his punching power was always his biggest weapon. By the time he faced Thompson, Butterbean held eight wins, three losses, and one draw.
James Thompson, Butterbean’s opponent that night, was an experienced MMA fighter with a history of taking on tough competition. Notably, he had beaten UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn earlier in his career. However, Thompson had a well-known weakness—his chin often left him vulnerable to knockouts.
As the fight began, Butterbean wasted no time. Within moments, he landed a perfectly timed overhand right that sent Thompson crashing to the mat. On his way down, Thompson’s head hit the cage, leaving him visibly dazed. The referee immediately stepped in to stop the fight, but Thompson, semi conscious and disoriented, continued to grapple with Butterbean, unaware that the fight was over.
Despite his protests and demands for a rematch, Thompson never got another chance to face Butterbean. However, his career continued with notable victories against some big names in MMA, including Mariusz Pudzianowski and Don Frye. Thompson retired from competition in 2017 with a professional record of 20 wins and 17 losses.
Butterbean’s MMA journey also came to an end after a few more fights. He retired in 2011 with 17 wins, 10 losses, and one draw. His final bout ended with a knockout loss via head kick.
In retirement, Butterbean faced serious health challenges. His weight increased to over 500 pounds, affecting his mobility and forcing him to rely on a wheelchair at times. Despite these difficulties, he remains a beloved figure in combat sports, remembered for his explosive knockouts and entertaining style.
The fight between Butterbean and Thompson stands as a reminder of the drama and unpredictability that MMA brings, cementing its place in the sport’s history.
