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
Giacinto 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 ReadingRudolf II
Holy Roman Emperor and patron of art
Born
July 18th, 1552 473 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1612 414 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 ReadingS. I. Hayakawa
Linguist and California Senator
Born
July 18th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1992 34 years ago — 85 years old
A Canadian-American linguist and politician, significant for contributions to linguistics and public policy. Served as a U.S. Senator representing California from 1977 to 1983. Delivered perspectives on language issues during the development of educational policies and immigrant language rights. Promoted English as the official language in various public forums and legislative efforts.
Continue ReadingLarry McLean
Baseball player and catcher for Reds
Born
July 18th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
1921 105 years ago — 40 years old
Born in 1881, this Canadian-American baseball player played as a catcher in Major League Baseball. McLean debuted with the Cincinnati Reds and later played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. He was active in the league from 1903 to 1910. Over his career, he became notable for his defensive skills behind the plate and contributed to the teams he played for with both offense and defense. His tenure in professional baseball included participation in key games and seasons.
Continue ReadingHunter S. Thompson
American journalist and author of Gonzo
Born
July 18th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2005 21 years ago — 67 years old
A prominent journalist and author, this individual pioneered the Gonzo journalism style, blending fact and fiction in a unique way. The book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' became a significant work, illustrating the counterculture of the 1970s. By integrating personal experiences with political commentary, the individual provided a critical view of American society. The work received adaptation into a film, further popularizing this person's distinctive style. Contributions also included regular articles for various publications, particularly detailing the 1972 presidential campaign and other significant events.
Continue ReadingVasil Levski
Bulgarian revolutionary leader
Born
July 18th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1873 153 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.
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