Kazushi Sakuraba: Say MMA Hall of Fame
Ht: 6’0”
Wt: 183
26 Career MMA Victories
Specializes in Catch Wrestling
UFC Ultimate Japan Winner 1997*
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards include:
2001 Best Box Office Draw
2001 Feud of the Year (vs. Wanderlei Silva)
2000 Best Shootfighter
2000 Best Shoot Match (vs. Royce Gracie)
*UFC Ultimate Japan – Sakuraba’s story:
In order to gain attention for the Japanese Kingdom Pro Wrestling, Hiromitsu Kanehara and Yoji Anjoh signed on for competition in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Ultimate Japan tournament to be held December 21, 1997. However, Kanehara was injured during training for the tournament, and Sakuraba came up as his late hour substitute. The tournament was for heavyweights, and Sakuraba, at 183 pounds, was seventeen pounds beneath the UFC’s 200 pound description for the weight class. Reporting himself as 203 pounds in order to gain entry, Sakuraba was matched off against 243 pound Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt, Marcus Silveira.
Following a barrage of blows by Silveira, Sakuraba dropped for a low-single, only for the fight to be prematurely ended on a KO. Referee John McCarthy had incorrectly considered Sakuraba to have been knocked out. A noisy protest followed from the crowd and Sakuraba attempted in vain to take the microphone and address the Japanese audience. After reviewing tape, McCarthy changed his decision to a no-contest. Tank Abbott, who had earlier defeated Yoji Anjoh, was forced to drop out of the tournament due to a broken hand, allowing Sakuraba and Silveira to face off once again that night in what was to be the championship bout of the tournament. Sakuraba earned the victory, submitting Silveira with an armbar. Afterwards, Sakuraba famously stated, “In fact, professional wrestling is strong”.
Kazushi Sakuraba Links
Kazushi Sakuraba Fighter Profile at sherdog.com
Kazushi Sakuraba YouTube Search Page
Tags: catch wrestling, Kazushi Sakuraba, MMA, UFC Ultimate Japan
December 24, 2009
It’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when fighters didn’t have to be weighed in & could simply report what they weighed. You gotta love the guy for stepping into a heavyweight tournament at 183.
December 31, 2009
Another guy you don’t see on alot of All Time Greatest lists – and he is certainly deserving! Kudos!
December 31, 2009
TonyC – It is petty cool to think of the Wild West days of MMA…
January 6, 2010
Outstanding writing. I thank you posting that. I ask you accept my for my weak English talking, I am from Austria and English is kind of new to me.
May 31, 2010
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Christian,Diet Guide!
June 6, 2010
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
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Christian,Earn Free Vouchers / Cash
June 15, 2010
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