One of my favorite fighters ever! He was crafty, creative and willing to fight people of higher weight classes like it was no problem! A UFC champion and PRIDE legend. An amazing Mixed Martial Artist and Pro Wrestler!
Sakuraba is definitely in my Top 3 all-time favorites. He was skilled, creative, entertaining, and humble. The fact that he relied heavily on Catch Wrestling was awesome! Had he spoken English and not been afraid to fly, he would have easily been a global sensation! Seeing him face a prime, juiced-to-the-gills, Vanderlei Silva was painful. Pride's matchups were also pretty amazing, even with the freakshow matches thrown in on occasion. So many of the all-time best matchups took place in Pride FC.
As a Japanese, I am proud of Real Fighter Sakuraba. I was still a baby when PRIDE was being held, I think how good it would be if I could feel the passion and excitement of PRIDE. Even now, when I look at the game Sakuraba and Hoiss, I get excited as if I am watching it in real time. RIZIN is now in Japan, but it's like a fight between Badboy. Unfortunately the pride of “PRIDE” is no longer in japan.
I love this man. Truth. But I can't help but feel that Genki Sudo should also get a mention. Saku is the bomb. Genki was a different level to Saku that I think still aligned.
One of the most creative, innovative fighters of all time. Beating Royce after 90 minutes of fighting then moving on to fight Igor Vovchanchyn, who was the most feared fighters in the world at the time, (while being out weighed by 50lbs), was/is the ballsiest move in MMA/NHB history.
I've said this hundreds of times and I will say it until I die: Sakuraba is one of, if not THE greatest mixed martial artist of all time. He was a natural lightweight that consistently fought at light heavyweight and heavyweight. To think that after he fought Royce for 90 goddamn minutes, this maniac came out and finished the first ground with IGOR VOVCHANCHYN before having to retire from the fight. Anyone who knows their shit about MMA knows how absolutely batshit insane that is, especially at that time.
He is wrestling-based, has a heavy back, is good at tackling, is good at bed techniques and joint techniques, and can also attack and defend with strikes. Kazushi Sakuraba had established a modern MMA style in the late 1990s that was 10 years ahead of its time, so it was no wonder he was so strong. He was not just strong by design, but he was very reasonable. Unfortunately, he suffered from physical problems (especially his knees) that continued to haunt him until the end of his career, a marked decline in his dynamic vision in his 30s (along with his knee problems, his ability to see out of his way on the swing became increasingly impaired), and he continued to compete at a weight that was beyond his proper weight class. I think his peak as a competitor was around 1999, when he finished Viktor and Braga. If he had competed in his proper weight class, middleweight or welter, instead of light heavyweight (PRIDE middleweight) in the UFC, he would have been one of the best in the world even after his peak. I think that his life was greatly shortened because he kept fighting heavier opponents due to his competitive spirit. His second fight against Silva and the Mirko fight were great performances, like the last spark of brilliance as his physical peak was passing (although both were crying from injuries ......). Especially the counter one-legged tackle in the second round against Silva was amazing with god-like timing.
The fact that he is not on any GOAT list is a travesty. He didn’t win any championships but he did more for the sport than most champions ever did. Fought the monsters of the Pride era that were two weight classes above him, he and Shinya were the most crafty grapplers in their prime
RIP pride. You were truly beautiful. How lucky some of us were to have witnessed the Pride Era. I don't think we will ever see it again. :( ONE is the closest I've seen, but it still lacks that... Hell, I don't even know where to start. You got to know the fighters, care about them. The fans were. A huge part of the show with how respectful and quiet they were. Absolutely beautiful. Professional fighters cried, DON FREAKING FRYE CRIED publicly when pride died... Absolutely crazy. Then they promptly fucked him over and never paid him...
When the Gracie family calls you an honorary member of their group after just beating them, tells you all that you need to know about Sakuraba. Especially when it's Royce and Renzo, straight up killers at that time.
It’s so weird growing up watching these fights and now seeing it all discussed as history and documentaries. Been watching mma since 1993 and it’s odd feeling getting “old”. 😂
UFC fighters regularly refuse to fight if their opponent comes in 2 lbs. overweight. Meanwhile, Sakuraba willingly takes on guys that outweigh him by 60 lbs.
I'm mexican and sakuraba is my all-time Hero,he was a skillful technician on the wrestling mat,a savage and creative artist in the art of fighting,a magician also,he is my inspiration on getting stronger but also enjoy life in the process, he's a living legend and Japan's national treasure
Well, he wasn't a great fighter. He was striker's sandbag. Sakuraba was just a half fighter. The great players were Fedor, Crocop, Shogun, Silva and Nogueira. Sakuraba was just sandbag.
Everytime modern fans talk about fighters not being afraid to move up in weight class, I want to point them to this man. So many people have no clue what an absolute warrior Sakuraba was.
Sakuraba was totally robbed with the last fight with Royce. The Gracies always wanted special treatment/rules for them. Sakuraba really is the GOAT of MMA. My favorite MMA fighter. He had it all except knockout power, could strike hands and feet, could grapple standing and floor, submit, athletic, amazing balance, stamina and endurance, more heart than anyone, persistence, humble, creative, charismatic....was good at it all the total package in skill, fight IQ and entertainment.
From what I remember Sakuraba had been training wrestling seriously ever since he was 15. I think thats the main reason he beat so many Gracies. Wrestling is like Kryptonite to Jitsu practitioners. By far the best base you can have in mma is wrestling
Man, Renzo is cool as hell. Ive never known a whole lot about Sakuraba, just that they called him the Gracie Hunter,his heart, and how he was the next MMA prototype after the dominance of all BJJ guys. I didn't know his funny personaliy
he might not be the best, but he had the biggest balls the sport has ever seen, especially considering at that time he was average and relatively small compared to his opponents who were mostly jacked to the gills with mexican pharmaceuticals whom he fought back to back in the duration of that event
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Sakuraba was a freaking genius. He was way ahead of his time.
One of my favorite fighters ever!
He was crafty, creative and willing to fight people of higher weight classes like it was no problem! A UFC champion and PRIDE legend.
An amazing Mixed Martial Artist and Pro Wrestler!
Sakuraba is definitely in my Top 3 all-time favorites. He was skilled, creative, entertaining, and humble. The fact that he relied heavily on Catch Wrestling was awesome! Had he spoken English and not been afraid to fly, he would have easily been a global sensation! Seeing him face a prime, juiced-to-the-gills, Vanderlei Silva was painful.
Pride's matchups were also pretty amazing, even with the freakshow matches thrown in on occasion. So many of the all-time best matchups took place in Pride FC.
Sakuraba is the real MMA GOAT, 0% doubt.
Long live Saku. One of the greatest warriors to ever fight in MMA. What a legend of the sport, what an athlete he was.
One of the best of all time and one of my favourite Top 10 GOAT's of MMA👍👍👍
As a Japanese, I am proud of Real Fighter Sakuraba.
I was still a baby when PRIDE was being held, I think how good it would be if I could feel the passion and excitement of PRIDE.
Even now, when I look at the game Sakuraba and Hoiss, I get excited as if I am watching it in real time.
RIZIN is now in Japan, but it's like a fight between Badboy.
Unfortunately the pride of “PRIDE” is no longer in japan.
Pride was muuuuuch better than UFC
Japanese fans are the best!
A real legend of MMA!
I love this man. Truth. But I can't help but feel that Genki Sudo should also get a mention. Saku is the bomb. Genki was a different level to Saku that I think still aligned.
One of the most creative, innovative fighters of all time. Beating Royce after 90 minutes of fighting then moving on to fight Igor Vovchanchyn, who was the most feared fighters in the world at the time, (while being out weighed by 50lbs), was/is the ballsiest move in MMA/NHB history.
And before the Royce fight he already fought that night. So that legendary night Saku fought three opponents.
No fear baby this man is amazing
Kazushi Sakuraba is one of the greatest and most unique fighters of all time. There may never be another like him.
The Gracie hunter. A legitimate legend who needs to be appreciated and honored. One of the absolutely greatest ever! All respect from 🇺🇲
fearless fuckin legend
I truly feel sorry for MMA fans who didn't grow up watching PRIDE and Sakuraba. It was such good fucking times 🥹 I miss PRIDE so fucking much... 💔
It's like the ecw of wrestling. Was hard to find but unbelievable when you seen it!
I've said this hundreds of times and I will say it until I die: Sakuraba is one of, if not THE greatest mixed martial artist of all time. He was a natural lightweight that consistently fought at light heavyweight and heavyweight. To think that after he fought Royce for 90 goddamn minutes, this maniac came out and finished the first ground with IGOR VOVCHANCHYN before having to retire from the fight. Anyone who knows their shit about MMA knows how absolutely batshit insane that is, especially at that time.
Igor had tombstones for hands.
I'm nowhere near being Japanese , but to this day , i get emotional When i watch one of his fights on RUclips . He will forevermore be my MMA hero .
I never missed a pride PPV in its heyday. It was mist watch TV.
I used to get vhs/cd mailed from Japan to Australia to watch Pride and K1.
❤❤❤❤❤
My favorite since the early 2000's. Lucky to have a photo taken with him in 2016. (Met him at Marina Bay Sands Singapore.)
Renzo is probably the best human being in the Gracie Family. Definitely the most honorable
One of my fav all time fighters ❤
The gracie killer himself
Renzo is such a legend for getting up and giving Saku that praise on the mic after popped his shoulder out with the kimura 🤣
It was his elbow. And glad Renzo had honor. The other Gracie’s weren’t so gracious in defeat.
@@shakebake2680 ah you’re right on second look it looks like elbow dislocation? Sore one 🤮 you’re spot on he was very gracious and rightfully so
Double wrist lock , what the funk is a kimura ?
@@Willrocs it was certainly a kimura grip above the wrist which caused it and according to tapology it was a spin around kimura finish 👍🏻
He is wrestling-based, has a heavy back, is good at tackling, is good at bed techniques and joint techniques, and can also attack and defend with strikes.
Kazushi Sakuraba had established a modern MMA style in the late 1990s that was 10 years ahead of its time, so it was no wonder he was so strong.
He was not just strong by design, but he was very reasonable.
Unfortunately, he suffered from physical problems (especially his knees) that continued to haunt him until the end of his career, a marked decline in his dynamic vision in his 30s (along with his knee problems, his ability to see out of his way on the swing became increasingly impaired), and he continued to compete at a weight that was beyond his proper weight class.
I think his peak as a competitor was around 1999, when he finished Viktor and Braga.
If he had competed in his proper weight class, middleweight or welter, instead of light heavyweight (PRIDE middleweight) in the UFC, he would have been one of the best in the world even after his peak.
I think that his life was greatly shortened because he kept fighting heavier opponents due to his competitive spirit.
His second fight against Silva and the Mirko fight were great performances, like the last spark of brilliance as his physical peak was passing (although both were crying from injuries ......).
Especially the counter one-legged tackle in the second round against Silva was amazing with god-like timing.
12:03 this whole sequence about saku trying to use the gi against gracie is hilarious ! xD
I remember I was like 11-12(20 years ago) & seeing Pride on late night.. ALWAYS left it on!
People don’t realize how insane it was at the time for someone to do that to Royce.
Sakuraba made Royce and his family "humbell" on that night.
The fact that he is not on any GOAT list is a travesty. He didn’t win any championships but he did more for the sport than most champions ever did. Fought the monsters of the Pride era that were two weight classes above him, he and Shinya were the most crafty grapplers in their prime
@@BigMacSoss is that even allowed?
Sadly, only ufc fighters get considered now A days
These videos need to be longer, great stuff.❤
Please make more fightlore videos. The series is so good!
Saku, the true GOAT
Can you do Hidehiko Yoshida? He is the Judoka that fought in Pride and various MMA. Faced Royce Gracie and won.
Legend and one of my favorite fighters ever.
This was so dope. That little mini animation at the end with the samurais got me fired up lol
The man that utterly shattered the Gracie family mystique beyond repair
The greatest Japanese fighter of all time
Saku. The real modern day Samurai.
Catch Wrestling 💪
The finest Japanese fighter to grace the planet. Respect to the legendary Saku!
The greatest Japanese MMA Fighter, OF ALL TIME!
RIP pride. You were truly beautiful. How lucky some of us were to have witnessed the Pride Era. I don't think we will ever see it again. :( ONE is the closest I've seen, but it still lacks that... Hell, I don't even know where to start.
You got to know the fighters, care about them. The fans were. A huge part of the show with how respectful and quiet they were. Absolutely beautiful. Professional fighters cried, DON FREAKING FRYE CRIED publicly when pride died... Absolutely crazy. Then they promptly fucked him over and never paid him...
When the Gracie family calls you an honorary member of their group after just beating them, tells you all that you need to know about Sakuraba. Especially when it's Royce and Renzo, straight up killers at that time.
I loved Pride. It was better than the UFC and Sakuraba was awesome!!
@Casteeyo... Japan still pays their athletes well, japanese or not. That's why you see many foreigners in their professional sports.
Enjoyable video.
RIP Pride.
This was great.
One of the all time greatest fighters If he would have fought in the early UFC we wouldn't even know who Gracie's were
5:37 Sakuraba came out as Don Frye 😂
Sakuraba's nickname of "The Gracie Hunter" is the highest honor in all of MMA
I really like these!!! Go on UFC who else does this!
“Buying a loaf a bread and fighting is the same to him” - Bas 😂😂😂😂
Amazing, more of this stuff!!
This was great, i would really like to see more of this for other pride fighters, fedor, crocop etc
Much love Sakuraba. All the way from Houston, Texas
There will never be another fight name better than "The Gracie Killer"
My hero in MMA as in our lifetime, we will never see another Sakuraba again.
Great video!!!!
Saku is my GOAT. Pro wrestling is in fact, very strong
Sakuraba deserves an anime or manga for his own!!
Love this series!
桜庭「プロレスラーは本当は強いんです！」
プロレスの延長線上にMMAがあった
彼は今でもプロレスラーです
A legend
Renzo implies that Sakuraba “fell” into it. It’s called Catch As Catch Can (CACC) and Sakuraba is a Master
"Kevin Randleman was known in Japan as Donkey Kong at the time" ☠☠☠☠☠☠☠ LMFAOOO
Sakuraba in the Hard Gay (yes a real japanese
pro wrestler) outfit was hilarious. 4:52
It’s so weird growing up watching these fights and now seeing it all discussed as history and documentaries. Been watching mma since 1993 and it’s odd feeling getting “old”. 😂
Finally UFC is acknowledging a legend
UFC fighters regularly refuse to fight if their opponent comes in 2 lbs. overweight. Meanwhile, Sakuraba willingly takes on guys that outweigh him by 60 lbs.
ここは日本人おらんのか？桜庭が世界に受け入れられて私も嬉しい。
I'm mexican and sakuraba is my all-time Hero,he was a skillful technician on the wrestling mat,a savage and creative artist in the art of fighting,a magician also,he is my inspiration on getting stronger but also enjoy life in the process, he's a living legend and Japan's national treasure
Well, he wasn't a great fighter. He was striker's sandbag. Sakuraba was just a half fighter. The great players were Fedor, Crocop, Shogun, Silva and Nogueira. Sakuraba was just sandbag.
Easily one of the GOATs. What a legend.
Everytime modern fans talk about fighters not being afraid to move up in weight class, I want to point them to this man. So many people have no clue what an absolute warrior Sakuraba was.
Sakuraba was totally robbed with the last fight with Royce. The Gracies always wanted special treatment/rules for them. Sakuraba really is the GOAT of MMA. My favorite MMA fighter. He had it all except knockout power, could strike hands and feet, could grapple standing and floor, submit, athletic, amazing balance, stamina and endurance, more heart than anyone, persistence, humble, creative, charismatic....was good at it all the total package in skill, fight IQ and entertainment.
But Royce was flaged for a too high level of testosterone after that fight
@@jfethier5604 Yeah and got away with it too. I don't recall that fight decision being changed to Royce losing.
@@DaBinChe Royce was in denial after the decision of the CSAC. Saying a "my fans they believe me"
@@jfethier5604 He wasn't in deniel. The Gracies are known cheaters.
Sakuraba’s reign is the most amazing story in all of sports.
From what I remember Sakuraba had been training wrestling seriously ever since he was 15. I think thats the main reason he beat so many Gracies. Wrestling is like Kryptonite to Jitsu practitioners. By far the best base you can have in mma is wrestling
I miss the days of watching pride! Gotta love the UFC but there was something special about watching pride fights
Great Warrior
Man, Renzo is cool as hell. Ive never known a whole lot about Sakuraba, just that they called him the Gracie Hunter,his heart, and how he was the next MMA prototype after the dominance of all BJJ guys. I didn't know his funny personaliy
Legend in sport, real fighter.
Very good
Sakuraba remains my hero to this day. Long live the king!!
My favorite fighter, Saku is great
Fucking legend. Renzo was a class act after that fight too
Você tem o coração do brasileiro, da América do Sul. Queria que você fosse de San Martin.
From pride 1 tils it was done! Pride held the best fighter stanle in the world!!
Sakuraba is my favorite
When you are given the name "Gracie Hunter," you know he was about that life. Such an epic warrior.
UFC has their very own Giorgio Tsoukalos with Mauro Ranallo
My favorite fighter everrrrr. Been watching the UFC since the very first one aired too. A true legend
The GOAT OF JAPANE’S FIGHTING WORLD🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Takanori Gomi is as much a legend as Saku..
Gomi was amazing and has his place in history 🔥
he might not be the best, but he had the biggest balls the sport has ever seen, especially considering at that time he was average and relatively small compared to his opponents who were mostly jacked to the gills with mexican pharmaceuticals whom he fought back to back in the duration of that event
Catch as catch can wrestling
Legend
This doc was insanely good. I don't hope they do one for Strikeforce but maybe
They forgot to say that Zuffa bought pride and dismantled it to bring back the ufc
Sakuraba 🤩
legend
when pride was around if never waste my time watching ufc
I actually think that PRIDE Fighting Championship was better than the Ultimate Fighting Championship in a lot of ways. I miss PRIDE FC.
Of course the UFC would stick in a bit of dialogue about how they're the best now in a video about Sakuraba and PRIDE.
Wish they had shown the lore of the fights with Wanderlei. I think his defeats to Wand were a critical part of his historic legacy.