Paul Varelans (November 24, 1966 – January 16, 2021), nicknamed "The Polar Bear," was an American mixed martial artist (MMA) and bare-knuckle boxer. He was a prominent figure in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), known for his formidable size, brawling style, and participation in the organization's initial tournaments in the mid-1990s.
Early Life and Background
Born in California, Varelans played college football as an offensive lineman for San Jose State University. After his football career, he pursued interests in full-contact martial arts, eventually leading him to the burgeoning sport of mixed martial arts.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Varelans made his professional MMA debut at UFC 6 in July 1995. Weighing around 300 pounds (136 kg) and standing 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), he quickly established himself as one of the largest and most intimidating competitors of his era. His fighting style was characterized by raw power, aggressive striking, and a willingness to engage in close-quarters brawls, often relying on his size and strength.
He competed in three consecutive UFC events:
- UFC 6: He defeated Cal Worsham by TKO in the quarterfinals before losing to eventual tournament winner Oleg Taktarov by submission (rear-naked choke) in the semifinals.
- UFC 7: He reached the finals of the tournament, defeating Gerry Harris and Mark Hall, before being stopped by Marco Ruas via TKO (strikes) in a hard-fought championship bout.
- UFC 8: He faced Don Frye in the tournament quarterfinals, losing by TKO (punches) in a memorable, intense exchange.
Varelans also competed in various other promotions during his career, including Japan's RINGS and Pride Fighting Championships, facing other notable early MMA pioneers such as Dan Severn and Mark Kerr. His professional MMA record ultimately stood at 9 wins and 9 losses.
Fighting Style
Varelans possessed a "street fighting" approach rather than a refined martial arts background. He was known for his durability and willingness to absorb punishment to deliver his own heavy strikes. While his grappling defense was often exploited by more technical opponents, his striking power made him a dangerous adversary in the nascent stages of MMA.
Post-MMA Career and Legacy
After his MMA career, Varelans briefly transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing. He remained a cult figure among early MMA fans, remembered for his fearless attitude and his role in shaping the identity of the early UFC. His participation helped define the "no holds barred" era and showcased the raw, unfiltered nature of the sport before its widespread regulation and evolution.
Death
Paul Varelans died on January 16, 2021, at the age of 54, due to complications from COVID-19. He had been hospitalized for several weeks prior to his death, battling severe symptoms of the virus. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the MMA community, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.