Ben Askren
Mixed martial artist and boxer
Competed in mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Gained recognition in the UFC and Bellator organizations. Won the Bellator Welterweight Championship and the ONE Championship Welterweight title. Transitioned to professional boxing and faced prominent opponents in the sport. Also had a successful wrestling career, earning NCAA Division I championships and representing the United States in international competitions.
Won the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship twice
Held the Bellator Welterweight Championship
Held the ONE Championship Welterweight title
Fought in the UFC
Other People Born on July 18th
M.I.A.
English rapper and producer
Born
July 18th, 1975 50 years ago
An English rapper and producer rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Her music blends various genres, including hip-hop, electronic, and world music. The debut album, 'Arular,' released in 2005, garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The song 'Paper Planes' from the album 'Kala' achieved international recognition, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. M.I.A.'s lyrics often explored themes of war, immigration, and social issues.
Continue ReadingRudolf II
Holy Roman Emperor and patron of art
Born
July 18th, 1552 473 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1612 413 years ago — 59 years old
Ruled as Holy Roman Emperor from 1576 until 1612. Oversaw a period marked by significant cultural and scientific advancements. Emphasized the arts and learning, fostering an environment for artists and scholars. Relocated the imperial court to Prague, turning the city into a cultural hub. Experienced challenges during his reign, including conflicts with the nobility and rising tensions in the Empire, particularly with Protestant factions.
Continue ReadingShane Horgan
Irish rugby player and sportscaster
Born
July 18th, 1978 47 years ago
Played rugby union primarily as a winger for the Irish national team and Leinster Rugby. Featured in three Rugby World Cups and achieved significant success at the club level, including winning the Heineken Cup in 2009 with Leinster. Transitioned into sports broadcasting post-retirement, providing analysis and commentary for rugby-related events.
Continue ReadingDan O'Brien
Decathlete and Olympic gold medalist
Born
July 18th, 1966 59 years ago
Achieved success in the decathlon, winning multiple championships. Claimed the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Set the world record for the decathlon in 1992, marking a significant achievement in the sport. Transitioned to coaching, sharing expertise with future athletes.
Continue ReadingVasil Levski
Bulgarian revolutionary leader
Born
July 18th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1873 152 years ago — 35 years old
A prominent figure in the struggle for Bulgarian independence from Ottoman rule. Founded the Internal Revolutionary Organization to organize uprisings and promote national liberation. Advocated for a democratic and independent Bulgaria. His efforts culminated in a widespread revolutionary movement that sought to liberate the Bulgarian people.
Continue ReadingEugenio Suárez
Professional baseball player with the Reds
Born
July 18th, 1991 34 years ago
A professional baseball player, primarily played third base. Made his Major League Baseball debut in 2014 with the Seattle Mariners. Later joined the Cincinnati Reds, becoming a key player in the team's lineup. Played a significant role in the Reds' offense during multiple seasons, demonstrating power-hitting abilities.
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