Best fights of Kazushi Sakuraba
Over 19 years as a professional, Kazushi Sakuraba has compiled a 26-17-1 (23) record, including three title fights across four weight classes. Here are his best fights.
1. Kazushi Sakuraba KOs Guy Mezger
On January 30, 2000 Kazushi Sakuraba faced Guy Mezger in a lightweight bout. Sakuraba was 30 years old with a record of 7-1-1, and Mezger was 32 with a record of 22-8-2. Sakuraba was on a 4-fight winning streak, while Mezger was on a 2-fight losing streak. Sakuraba stopped Guy Mezger via TKO in the 1st round.
2. Kazushi Sakuraba chokes out Ikuhisa Minowa
On December 31, 2005 Kazushi Sakuraba faced Ikuhisa Minowa in a welterweight bout. Sakuraba was 36 years old with a record of 18-9-1, and Minowa was 29 with a record of 30-22-8. Sakuraba was coming off a win, while Minowa was coming off a loss. Sakuraba submitted Ikuhisa Minowa via choke-out in the 1st round.
3. Kazushi Sakuraba KOs Royce Gracie
On May 1, 2000 Kazushi Sakuraba faced Royce Gracie in a heavyweight bout. Sakuraba was 30 years old with a record of 8-1-1, and Gracie was 33 with a record of 12-0-1. Sakuraba was on a 5-fight winning streak and Gracie was coming off a win. Sakuraba stopped Royce Gracie via TKO in the 6th round.
4. Kazushi Sakuraba defeats Yoshihiro Akiyama
On December 31, 2006 Kazushi Sakuraba faced Yoshihiro Akiyama in a middleweight bout. Sakuraba was 37 years old with a record of 20-9-1, and Akiyama was 31 with a record of 9-1. Sakuraba was on a 3-fight winning streak and Akiyama was on a 8-fight winning streak. Sakuraba won via no contest.
5. Kazushi Sakuraba submits Kęstutis Smirnovas
On August 5, 2006 Kazushi Sakuraba faced Kęstutis Smirnovas in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuraba was 37 years old with a record of 19-9-1, and Smirnovas was 30 with a record of 18-5. Sakuraba was on a 2-fight winning streak and Smirnovas was on a 3-fight winning streak. Sakuraba submitted Kęstutis Smirnovas via armbar in the 1st round.