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
Jeanne Córdova
American journalist and activist
Born
July 18th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed significantly to LGBTQ+ rights and feminist movements. Founded a feminist newspaper titled 'The Lesbian Tide,' which served as an important platform for lesbian voices and activism. Worked with various organizations to advance civil rights and equality. Authored several influential books that documented and examined the experiences of the lesbian community.
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 ReadingGiacinto Facchetti
Footballer and Inter Milan captain
Born
July 18th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
September 4th, 2006 19 years ago — 64 years old
A professional footballer from Italy played as a left-back. Facchetti spent his entire club career at Inter Milan, making a significant contribution to the team's success during the 1960s and 1970s. He transitioned the role of defender into an attacking position, becoming a pioneer in offensive-defensive play. Facchetti earned 94 caps for the Italian national team, participating in the 1966 World Cup and winning the 1968 UEFA European Championship. After retiring from professional play, he served as a director at Inter Milan and was involved in various football-related activities until his passing in 2006.
Continue ReadingBam Adebayo
Basketball player with Miami Heat
Born
July 18th, 1997 28 years ago
A professional basketball player played center for the Miami Heat in the NBA. Achieved recognition as an All-Star and was part of the Heat team that reached the NBA Finals in 2020. Developed into a key player known for defensive skills and playmaking ability. Contributed to the team's success with strong rebounding and versatile scoring.
Continue ReadingM.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 ReadingDennis Lillee
Australian cricketer and coach
Born
July 18th, 1949 76 years ago
Debuted in international cricket in 1971 as a fast bowler. Played a key role in Australia's bowling attack during the 1970s and 1980s. Renowned for his distinctive bowling style and formidable pace. Achieved 355 Test wickets and was part of the Australian team that won the 1975 Cricket World Cup. After retiring, transitioned to coaching, mentoring future generations of cricketers.
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