Kazushi Sakuraba Quotes

MMA fighter
Japan
1969

Kazushi Sakuraba is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, having competed in both Pride Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is known for his unique style of grappling and submissions, and is credited with popularizing the “leg lock” submission. He is a former Pride Middleweight Champion and has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, including Royce Gracie, Wanderlei Silva, and Mirko Cro Cop. He is also a successful professional wrestler, having won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2003.Read Less

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- Kazushi Sakuraba

MMA fighter

· Japan

Career Highlights

Sakuraba began his professional wrestling career in 1993 and quickly gained recognition for his unique style and technical abilities.
In 1997, he made his MMA debut in the Japanese promotion Pancrase and quickly became known for his unorthodox fighting style and ability to defeat much larger opponents.
Sakuraba’s most notable rivalry was with the Gracie family, who were considered the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He defeated four members of the Gracie family, including Royler, Renzo, Ryan, and Royce Gracie.
In 2000, Sakuraba became the first non-Brazilian to win the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.
He also had a successful career in the Japanese promotion PRIDE, where he defeated notable fighters such as Quinton Jackson, Kevin Randleman, and Ken Shamrock.
Sakuraba’s last MMA fight was in 2015, where he defeated Shinya Aoki in a grappling match.

Key Contributions

Sakuraba’s unorthodox fighting style, which combined elements of catch wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and pro wrestling, revolutionized the sport of MMA in Japan.
He was known for his incredible endurance and ability to withstand punishment, earning him the nickname “The Gracie Hunter.”
Sakuraba’s victories over the Gracie family helped to break the myth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s invincibility and opened the door for other fighters to challenge and defeat them.
He also played a crucial role in the growth and popularity of MMA in Japan, helping to pave the way for future Japanese fighters such as Takanori Gomi and Shinya Aoki.

What Sets Them Apart

Sakuraba’s unique fighting style and ability to adapt to any situation made him a formidable opponent in both MMA and professional wrestling.
He was known for his showmanship and entertaining entrances, often wearing elaborate costumes and masks.
Sakuraba’s willingness to take on any opponent, regardless of size or reputation, made him a fan favorite and earned him the respect of his peers.
He was also known for his sportsmanship and respect towards his opponents, even in the midst of intense rivalries.

Takeaways

Kazushi Sakuraba’s contributions to the world of MMA and professional wrestling cannot be overstated. He helped to popularize the sport in Japan and paved the way for future generations of fighters.
His unorthodox style and ability to defeat much larger opponents showed that size and strength were not the only determining factors in a fight.
Sakuraba’s legacy continues to live on, with many fighters citing him as an inspiration and role model. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential fighters in the history of MMA.

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