Best fights of Yuji Sakuragi
Over 15 years as a professional, Yuji Sakuragi has compiled a 16-24-2 (14) record, including four title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Yuji Sakuragi loses to Yuki Kondo via unanimous decision
On October 14, 2007 Yuji Sakuragi faced Yuki Kondo in a heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 30 years old with a record of 8-9, and Kondo was 32 with a record of 46-20-6. Both Sakuragi and Kondo were on a 2-fight losing streak. Sakuragi lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Kondo.
2. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Ryo Kawamura
On September 5, 2010 Yuji Sakuragi faced Ryo Kawamura in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 33 years old with a record of 11-16-1, and Kawamura was 29 with a record of 12-5-2. Sakuragi was coming off a loss, while Kawamura was on a 2-fight winning streak. Sakuragi stopped Ryo Kawamura via TKO in the 1st round.
3. Yuji Sakuragi draws with Ryo Kawamura in their 2nd fight
On December 5, 2010 Yuji Sakuragi fought Ryo Kawamura for the Pancrase light heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Sakuragi was 33 years old with a record of 12-17-1, and Kawamura was 29 with a record of 12-6-2. Both Sakuragi and Kawamura were coming off a loss. The fight ended in a unanimous decision.
4. Yuji Sakuragi loses to Kazuhiro Nakamura via KO
On November 24, 2013 Yuji Sakuragi faced Kazuhiro Nakamura in a middleweight bout. Sakuragi was 36 years old with a record of 14-21-2, and Nakamura was 34 with a record of 19-11. Sakuragi was on a 2-fight losing streak, while Nakamura was on a 4-fight winning streak. Nakamura submitted Sakuragi via arm-triangle choke in the 3rd round.
5. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Sanae Kikuta in 35 seconds
On October 27, 2012 Yuji Sakuragi faced Sanae Kikuta in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 35 years old with a record of 13-19-2, and Kikuta was 41 with a record of 30-7-3. Sakuragi was coming off a win and Kikuta was on a 2-fight winning streak. Sakuragi stopped Sanae Kikuta via KO in the 1st round.
6. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Hikaru Sato in 55 seconds
On January 26, 2006 Yuji Sakuragi faced Hikaru Sato in a heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 28 years old with a record of 5-3, and Sato was 25 with a record of 13-14-3. Sakuragi was coming off a win. Sakuragi stopped Hikaru Sato via TKO in the 1st round.
7. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Kenichi Shinohara
On February 2, 2008 Yuji Sakuragi faced Kenichi Shinohara in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 30 years old with a record of 8-10-1, and Shinohara was 0 with a record of 0-0. Sakuragi stopped Kenichi Shinohara via TKO in the 1st round.
8. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Alavutdin Gadjiev in 30 seconds
On October 17, 2009 Yuji Sakuragi faced Alavutdin Gadjiev in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 32 years old with a record of 10-15-1, and Gadjiev was 0 with a record of 0-0. Sakuragi was coming off a loss. Sakuragi stopped Alavutdin Gadjiev via KO in the 1st round.
9. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Kang Chul Yoon
On December 5, 2015 Yuji Sakuragi faced Kang Chul Yoon in a heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 38 years old with a record of 15-23-2, and Yoon was 0 with a record of 0-0. Sakuragi was coming off a loss. Sakuragi stopped Kang Chul Yoon via TKO in the 2nd round.
10. Yuji Sakuragi KOs Minoru Kato
On April 17, 2009 Yuji Sakuragi faced Minoru Kato in a light heavyweight bout. Sakuragi was 31 years old with a record of 9-14-1, and Kato was 0 with a record of 0-0. Sakuragi was on a 4-fight losing streak. Sakuragi stopped Minoru Kato via KO in the 2nd round.