In a world where rules, regulations, and referees define most fights, there exists a raw, underground arena where none of that applies. This is the violent, chaotic world of no-rules fighting — and nobody embodies that scene quite like Bashar Fakuri, better known as Bash. In his recent explosive interview on the Criminal Connection podcast with Terry Stone, Bash opened up like never before.
From private schools and posh beginnings to underground fight clubs, drug empires, and near-death experiences, Bash’s life is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Here’s a deep dive into a fighter who says he’ll “die doing it.”
From Boarding School to Battlefields: A Life of Contrast
Not many would guess that a man infamous for biting ears off in fights once studied at prestigious schools like King’s School and Kent College. Bash describes this part of his life with surprising fondness and pride — especially as a father who now wants the best for his daughter, hoping she becomes a vet rather than stepping into the dark corners of his past.
“I give her everything,” Bash says. “She’ll never need to live like I did.”
Fighting Addiction, Literally and Figuratively
Behind the bruises and bloodshed lies a much deeper war — Bash’s fight against addiction and mental illness. What started as drug dealing to cover mounting debts spiraled into full-blown addiction, mental breakdowns, and eventually, being sectioned under the Mental Health Act three separate times.
“I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia,” Bash reveals. “But I don’t take drugs now, and I’m still here.”
This powerful transparency about mental health adds a human layer to the mythos surrounding Bash. His message to others struggling? “It’s just a thought. You don’t have to act on it. Be strong.”
The Brutal Reality of No-Rules Fighting
While boxing, MMA, and even bare-knuckle boxing follow some level of regulation, Bash operates in a different league. This is illegal, underground, and violent.
No gloves. No refs. No mercy.
“I’ll bite ears, take fingers, poke eyes — whatever it takes,” Bash says without flinching. “There are no rules.”
And he means it. He’s been knocked out, stomped on, even left for dead and shoved into a pipe. Yet he still keeps turning up. “I don’t care if you’re 20 stone. Fight me.”
The Dark Side of Glory
There’s no glamor in this world. “Get a job,” Bash warns. “Don’t think this is cool. It’s not. I fight because I have two fists and a family to feed.”
He doesn’t romanticize the pain or the scars. From fights in Germany where guns were pulled, to being smashed in the head and waking up dumped in a pipe, Bash has seen it all — and survived it all.
When asked how he trains, Bash laughs. “You don’t. You just show up.”
Redemption in Chaos
Despite his hard-man reputation, Bash shows a soft side — especially when talking about his wife and daughter. “My happy place? It’s taking my daughter to the beach, eating steak with my family. That’s what I live for.”
He speaks about being arrested, losing houses, and once owning a million-pound estate with tennis courts and a home bar. “It all went. Drugs took it.”
Yet today, he lives in a caravan and feels better for it. “It’s mine. It’s quiet. I’m good.”
Wisdom from the Warpath
Bash’s life is a chaotic blend of violence, trauma, survival, and raw emotion. But it’s also filled with wisdom earned the hard way.
“If you’re thinking about doing something bad, give it 12 hours,” he advises. “If you still feel the same, then fine. But most of the time, you won’t.”
He’s tried to take his own life three times. He’s been in a coma. He’s faced death repeatedly — and won every time.
“I was put here for a reason. I won’t stop.”
What's Next for Bash?
At 44, Bash knows the clock is ticking, but he refuses to back down. “I’ll fight till I’m 50. Maybe 60. I’ll die doing this.”
Though he's been approached by major promotions like Misfits, the deals haven’t matched the risk — yet. But for the right offer, he says, he’s game.
He’s also considering writing a book — something many fans have begged for. His story, raw and unfiltered, deserves a wider audience.
Final Words: A Fighter with a Message
Despite the violence, chaos, and criminal connections, Bash’s message is unexpectedly grounded.
“Be kind. Don’t touch kids. Respect women. Pay your debts. And smile — until it’s time to stop smiling.”
His fight might be illegal, but his honesty is undeniable.