Branko Cikatić facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Branko Cikatić |
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| Born | Branimir Cikatić 3 October 1955 Split, PR Croatia, Yugoslavia |
| Died | 23 March 2020 (aged 64) Solin, Croatia |
| Other names | The Croatian Tiger |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 98 kg (216 lb; 15.4 st) |
| Division | Cruiserweight Heavyweight |
| Reach | 73 in (190 cm) |
| Style | Kickboxing |
| Fighting out of | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Team | Tigar Gym Chakuriki Gym (1984–1998) |
| Trainer | Thom Harinck |
| Rank | black belt in Shotokan black belt in Taekwondo blue belt in Judo |
| Years active | 27 (1972–1999) |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 98 |
| Wins | 87 |
| By knockout | 82 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 2 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By disqualification | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
| Amateur record | |
| Total | 170 |
| Wins | 152 |
| By knockout | 138 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Other information | |
| Occupation | Gym owner/Trainer |
| Notable students | Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović, Antonio Plazibat |
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last updated on: February 12, 2010
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Branko Cikatić (born October 4, 1954 – died March 22, 2020) was a famous Croatian kickboxer. He was known as "The Croatian Tiger." He made history as the first fighter from Croatia to become internationally successful in kickboxing. He also became the very first champion of the K-1 World Grand Prix tournament, which took place in Japan on April 30, 1993.
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Branko Cikatić's Life and Career
Branko Cikatić started his journey in martial arts when he was 12 years old, learning Taekwondo. Later, at 16, he began training in Shotokan Karate. He worked hard and earned a black belt in both of these styles. He also achieved a blue belt in Judo. When he turned 18, he started boxing before moving into the world of kickboxing.
Becoming a K-1 Champion
In 1993, Branko Cikatić surprised everyone in the martial arts world. He entered the K-1 Grand Prix tournament and won it in an amazing way. He knocked out all three of his opponents in just one evening! This included a big win against Ernesto Hoost in the final match. At 38 years and 208 days old, Cikatić is still the oldest person to ever win the K-1 Grand Prix.
Trying Mixed Martial Arts and Acting
Later in his sports career, in 1998, Cikatić also tried mixed martial arts (MMA). He fought in the Pride Fighting Championships. In some of his MMA fights, he was disqualified for breaking rules, such as holding the ring ropes or hitting an opponent when they were on the ground.
Towards the end of his career, Cikatić even tried acting. He played a villain in a movie called Skyscraper in 1997, which starred Anna Nicole Smith.
Later Life and Passing
In 2018, Branko Cikatić faced some health challenges. He had a pulmonary embolism and later got an infection that caused sepsis. He was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Branko Cikatić passed away on March 22, 2020.
Branko Cikatić's Titles and Achievements
Branko Cikatić won many important titles throughout his career, both as a professional and an amateur fighter.
Professional Career Titles
- 1998 WMTA World Champion in Thai boxing (Zagreb)
- 1994 K-1 Grand Prix 3rd Place (Tokyo)
- 1993 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion (Tokyo)
- 1991 World Champion in Thai boxing 86 kg (Berlin)
- 1991 IKBF World Champion in kick-boxing 86 kg (Zagreb)
- 1991 WKA World Champion in kick-boxing 86 kg (Wiesbaden)
- 1989 WMTA World champion in Thai boxing 86 kg (Düsseldorf)
- 1987 WMTA World champion in Thai boxing 82.5 kg (Amsterdam)
- 1986 European champion in Thai boxing (Paris)
- 1985 European champion in Thai boxing (Amsterdam)
Amateur Career Titles
- 1983 European Championships in Caen
(Full-Contact) - 1982 European Championships in Berlin (Full-Contact)
- 1981 W.A.K.O. European Championships in Dublin -79 kg (Full-Contact)
- 1981 W.K.K.A. World Championships in Miami 79 kg (Full-Contact)
- 1980 W.A.K.O. European Championships in London -79 kg (Full-Contact)
- 1979 W.A.K.O. European Championships in Milan -79 kg (Full-Contact)
See also
- List of K-1 events
- List of K-1 champions
- List of male kickboxers
