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Rick Bassman

Richard David Bassman (born November 20, 1961) is an American entrepreneur, producer, talent agent, author, and pioneer in the fields of and (MMA). Best known for founding and operating (UPW) from 1999 to 2007, Bassman developed numerous talents who achieved success in , including , , , , and Nathan Jones, through UPW's training academy and two developmental deals with the promotion. Earlier in his career, he discovered future WWE Hall of Famer (Jim Hellwig) in the mid-1980s while scouting bodybuilders for a wrestling called Power Team USA, helping launch Hellwig's transition from to . Bassman's involvement in combat sports extended to MMA, where he owned and promoted events under Valor Fighting and served as a manager and consultant for fighters such as , , , Mark Kerr, , and , while also bridging the gap between pro wrestling and MMA by integrating wrestlers into early MMA bouts and vice versa. Prior to his combat sports endeavors, Bassman worked as a Disney executive in , heading entertainment development for Pleasure Island and booking high-profile acts like and ; he later became a at CESD Talent Agency in , representing celebrities including , , and . A resilient figure marked by personal adversity, Bassman survived cancer as a teenager in the and later battled a near-fatal illness in the early , experiences that informed his writing career. He launched a successful campaign in 2013 for his , originally titled Been There, Done That (later retitled and expanded as ), which raised over $42,000, chronicling his "Forrest Gump-like" life of triumphs and setbacks, from promotion and sports agency work to addiction recovery and business ventures; publication was delayed due to health issues but an e-book version was provided to backers. In recent years, Bassman has hosted podcasts like Talking Tough and The Cancer Warriors Podcast, focusing on vulnerability, resilience, and interviews with combat sports icons, while advocating for rescue and continuing production work despite ongoing health challenges, including a 2023 diagnosis of stage 1 brain cancer and subsequent treatment effects as of 2025.

Early life and education

Family background

Rick Bassman was born on November 20, 1961, in Northridge, , to Jewish parents. He grew up in an upper-middle-class Jewish family in the alongside his brother . Bassman's mother died suddenly and tragically during his teenage years, an event that prompted his father to take work on the road to support the family, leaving the two boys to fend for themselves. This upheaval fostered Bassman's resourcefulness, as evidenced by early schemes like the "Great Pizza Trick," where he and his brother devised creative ways to obtain free food from local establishments. The stability of his Jewish heritage and the challenges following his mother's death cultivated Bassman's early entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing and adaptability in the face of adversity. This familial foundation later served as a motivator for his perseverance amid personal health challenges.

Education and early interests

Rick Bassman attended in Chatsworth, , in the , enrolling in 1975 at the age of 13 following the sudden death of his mother, which served as a catalyst for him to seek greater through a structured educational . As one of only three Jewish students at the Catholic institution, he navigated challenges, including anti-Semitic incidents, while actively participating in government by running for and engaging in extracurricular activities such as school dances and parties. During this period, Bassman also developed an interest in for purposes amid the school's dynamics. After graduating from Chaminade, Bassman enrolled at the , in the early . His time at UCSB was brief, lasting only one quarter, after which he dropped out to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. While there, he cultivated early interests in the entertainment industry by promoting concerts in and opening a nightclub in the nearby town of , experiences that laid the groundwork for his future career in event production. These formative years highlighted Bassman's shift from academic pursuits to hands-on involvement in music and social events, reflecting his growing entrepreneurial spirit in the vibrant scene.

Professional career

Music production and early entertainment

In the early , while attending in , Rick Bassman founded Bassman Productions, a company focused on promoting rock concerts. The venture marked his entry into the industry, where he organized events featuring prominent and acts of the era. Through Bassman Productions, he promoted concerts in Santa Barbara with bands such as The Go-Go's, The Clash, The B-52's, and Talking Heads, contributing to the local music scene during a vibrant period for new wave and alternative rock. These events helped establish his reputation as an emerging promoter in Southern California, blending logistical management with an entrepreneurial approach to live music presentation. In 1985, Bassman relocated to Denver, Colorado, shifting his focus toward expanded opportunities in sports and entertainment management. This move facilitated his transition from music event production to broader roles in talent representation and media, building on the foundational experience gained in Santa Barbara.

Talent management and awards

In the late 1980s, Bassman established Celebrity Services in Denver, Colorado (operating until the mid-1990s), specializing in representation for professional athletes, including several players from the Denver Broncos. This venture built on his earlier music production experience, transitioning him into sports and entertainment agency work focused on securing endorsements, appearances, and media opportunities for clients such as U.S. Olympic athletes. Bassman's career in broadened in the early 1990s when he joined the as a , representing clients in and . His role involved negotiating contracts for film, television, and promotional projects, leveraging his growing network in and . During this period, Bassman also entered television production through his position at , where he contributed to entertainment initiatives at , including celebrity bookings and original programming for the Pleasure Island complex.

Wrestling and MMA involvement

In 1999, Rick Bassman founded (UPW) in (operating until 2007), where he served as the primary promoter, booker, and head trainer at the affiliated Ultimate University wrestling school. The promotion quickly gained recognition as a developmental territory for major wrestling organizations, including , by emphasizing athleticism, storytelling, and technical skill in its training regimen. Bassman personally oversaw the discovery and development of numerous talents who later achieved prominence, including , who began training at UPW in 1999 under Bassman's guidance and debuted there as "The ." He also played a key role in the early career of (Jim Hellwig), discovering him in the mid-1980s through a contact and training him alongside in the Power Team USA group before their breakthroughs in major promotions. Bassman extended his involvement beyond promotion by entering the ring himself, becoming the inaugural UPW Lightweight Champion in January 2000 after winning a and subsequently declaring himself champion by taking possession of the title belt. His in-ring career peaked internationally in 2004, when he headlined a main event at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall for the Zero-One promotion, facing Japanese wrestling legend in a singles match that lasted four minutes before Hashimoto's victory. This bout highlighted Bassman's commitment to cross-cultural exchanges and elevated UPW's profile on the global stage. Parallel to his wrestling endeavors, Bassman pioneered promotion in during the early 2000s by establishing Extreme University in 1998 as one of the state's first dedicated MMA training facilities. Through his company Valor Fighting, he organized events such as "Showdown at Cache Creek" in February 2006 at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, , featuring high-profile fighters like former UFC champions and drawing attention to the growing legitimacy of MMA in the region. These promotions, including collaborations with organizations like the World Cagefighting Organization, helped secure early sanctioning from the California State Athletic Commission and positioned Bassman as a foundational figure in 's MMA scene amid its regulatory and financial challenges.

Business ventures and media production

In the , Bassman co-founded the Global Pro Wrestling Mission, an initiative aimed at staging events in developing countries to support local charities and non-profits. As head of North American for MOOZ Entertainment, a division of focused on live music, sports, and original content production, Bassman facilitated international partnerships, including tours by American rock bands in . Bassman's production career spans both scripted and unscripted media, with credits including the reality series (2008), where he served as producer, and various unscripted wrestling events like UPW: Overload (2005). His work in this area built on earlier entertainment experience, emphasizing high-impact storytelling in combat sports and talent-driven formats. In 2022, Bassman co-founded GLO Health Foods (later operating as Glo Ventures Inc.) with former professional wrestler (also known as Gabrille Tuft), launching a line of consumer packaged goods centered on health and fitness products such as clean-label protein bars free of artificial ingredients, seed oils, and GMOs, incorporating myoinositol for appetite control and metabolic support. The company, valued at $5 million as of 2023, emphasizes innovative nutrition for active lifestyles and has pursued to expand production and marketing as of 2025. Bassman completed his autobiography, Little Big Man: How Many Chances at Life Can One Man Have?, in 2013 after a three-year writing process funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign under its original title, Been There, Done That. The memoir chronicles eight distinct "lives" spanning his careers in entertainment, sports, and personal trials, blending linear chapters with short stories, philosophical reflections, and diary entries; as of 2025, it remains an upcoming publication.

Health challenges and advocacy

Early cancer battle

At age 16, shortly after his birthday in late 1977, Rick Bassman was diagnosed with stage 4 that had metastasized to both lungs, presenting a dire prognosis often described as . The aggressive spread required immediate and intensive intervention, marking the beginning of a grueling three-year ordeal that tested his physical and emotional limits. From ages 16 to 19, Bassman endured a rigorous treatment regimen, including highly toxic protocols that had only recently been approved for human use and multiple surgeries to address the tumors. The , administered at facilities in the , was particularly harsh, causing severe side effects such as extreme , , and weakened immunity, while the surgeries involved removing affected tissues from the lungs and testes. Recovery was protracted, involving periods of hospitalization, rehabilitation to regain strength, and gradual reintegration into daily life, during which Bassman confronted isolation and the fear of recurrence. Bassman ultimately achieved survival and entered long-term remission by age 19, with no further progression of the disease in subsequent decades. This early battle profoundly shaped his , instilling a deep appreciation for , humor as a mechanism, and the value of human connections forged in adversity.

Later medical issues and survivorship

In 2013, Bassman sought relief from chronic back pain stemming from his extensive involvement in through a series of epidural injections. These injections, however, were improperly administered, resulting in a that triggered a cascade of severe complications, including near-fatal organ shutdown and life-threatening infections. Over the course of three weeks, he underwent three major back surgeries to address the escalating issues, which included spinal fusions reinforced with screws, rods, and bone grafts. The infections led to seven hospitalizations and prolonged stays in acute rehabilitation centers, during which he was treated with powerful antibiotics such as ; at one point, his prognosis was limited to two months to live, compounded by near-total . These events not only halted his professional activities but also delayed the publication of his autobiography, , which he had completed as a 600-page draft in July 2013 just before the ordeal began. Bassman's history of overcoming stage 4 that had metastasized to the lungs in his youth, initially diagnosed as terminal with a six-month , had instilled a foundation of that informed his approach to these later crises. By March 2014, the infections had cleared, and imaging confirmed the success of his spinal repairs, allowing a gradual return to daily life. In October 2023, Bassman faced another profound health challenge with a of stage 1 brain cancer, identified as a tumor in his left . He underwent a six-week course of , administered five days a week, which he completed in early 2024. Throughout this period, Bassman managed the treatment independently for the initial months, emphasizing self-reliance amid the physical and emotional demands. In 2024, he experienced fallout from the radiation treatment, including a two-month survival prognosis in October, but by May 2025, test results showed the tumor was 100% gone, with perfect bloodwork and no evidence of . Bassman's experiences across these health battles underscore a philosophy of multiple survivorships, characterized by an unwavering commitment to proactive living and positivity in the face of adversity. He has articulated this outlook as choosing to manifest positive outcomes through affirmative speech, writing, and actions, transforming survival into thriving despite repeated terminal prognoses.

Counseling and public advocacy

Bassman, a stage 4 in remission for over 30 years, established the #WeWinNow platform as a dedicated resource for counseling and targeted at individuals battling advanced cancer. Drawing from his own experiences with a once-terminal of 2-6 months, the platform emphasizes personal outreach to deliver hope, empowerment, and practical support during diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. In September 2023, Bassman co-launched the "Cancer Warriors" podcast with fellow thriver Erica Porter, aiming to guide listeners—from newly diagnosed patients to long-term survivors—through the emotional and physical aspects of cancer. The series features in-depth survivor stories from diverse guests, including stage 4 warriors like Sean Wachter, Bailey O'Brian, and Chuck Keels, as well as wrestling figures confronting their battles, to provide multifaceted perspectives on resilience and recovery. Episodes explore a blend of conventional medical treatments, alternative therapies, and holistic strategies, underscoring the importance of mindset in shifting from mere survival to thriving. Bassman's public revelation of his stage 1 in episode 6 marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing intensified personal sharing to foster communal strength among listeners. Complementing these efforts, Bassman incorporates cancer advocacy into his broader "Talking Tough" podcast through dedicated episodes on health triumphs and setbacks, often blending narratives of physical hardship with emotional vulnerability. These segments, such as "Wrestling with Cancer," highlight stories from tough industry veterans like Rick "Black Bart" Harris, illustrating how embracing openness amid a of unyielding strength can aid survivorship. His online writings further promote a philosophy of calm acceptance—exemplified by the sentiment that living with cancer "is okay"—encouraging others to prioritize daily joys and inner fortitude over fear.

Personal life

Athletic pursuits

Bassman has a background in and competitive , which contributed to his lifelong interest in combat sports. In the early 2000s, as part of his involvement with (UPW), Bassman declared himself the inaugural UPW Lightweight Champion on January 27, 2000, in , by taking possession of the title belt; he held the championship for 27 days before losing it to on February 23, 2000. His athletic foundation fostered a disciplined that shaped his career trajectory, leading him to pursue opportunities in and promotion while emphasizing rigorous preparation and resilience in training approaches.

Animal rescue and family

Rick Bassman resides in , where he has lived for over a decade, sharing his home with a pack of rescue pit bull-type dogs that form the core of his daily life. His current companions as of 2025 include Eos, Wilson, Snoopy, Moose, and Yogi, all adopted from shelters and integrated into his routine as beloved family members. Previously, he cared for Staffordshire Terriers Ramone and GoGo, who accompanied him through significant personal challenges and inspired much of his early advocacy work. As a passionate lover and rescuer, Bassman has made a central aspect of his public persona, often documenting his experiences with his pets on social platforms and in personal writings to highlight the joys and responsibilities of ownership. His home life revolves around providing care, exercise, and affection to his , viewing them as a source of unconditional support and motivation. While details on his immediate family remain private, Bassman frequently emphasizes his rescue animals as his , underscoring the deep emotional bonds that sustain him. Bassman's commitment to animal welfare extends to active advocacy for bully breeds, particularly pit bull-type dogs, through co-hosting the Pit Bull Podcast with Mina Martinez as of 2025. The podcast addresses critical issues such as shelter overcrowding, irresponsible breeding, and media stigma, featuring guests from rescue organizations to promote education and reform. He founded The Pit Bull Coalition, an initiative aimed at establishing a large-scale sanctuary for bully breeds and combating the euthanasia crisis affecting these dogs in shelters. A key focus of his efforts is opposition to breed-specific legislation (BSL), which he views as discriminatory and ineffective, advocating instead for stricter enforcement of general animal control laws and responsible ownership practices. This dedication to and reflects Bassman's , drawn from his own battles, which has only deepened his resolve to protect and care for vulnerable in his .

References

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