Sakuraba's Legacy?

[Digi]

Sakuraba has been an icon to many Japanese and American fans of MMA. Known as the "Gracie Hunter", he has proven that his pro wrestling skills (puroesu) can be effective against BJJ. In the next couple of years (or months), I think Sak's going to call it quits and get involved with the business aspects of MMA, ICCC, and maybe an anime series Kamen 39 Rider (http://www.sakuraba39.com). Who do you think could continue the legacy that Sakuraba has instilled in this sport? Here are some of mine:

1. Genki Sudo (the Neo Samurai): Out of all the Japanese fighters, Sudo has brought a combination of skill and enterntainment in all of his performances. Even though his style is unorthodox, he is a very skilll judoka and grappler. He currenty trains at the Beverly Hills JJ, but I think Takada should try and get Sudo to come to his Squad.

2. Rumina Sato (Moon Wolf). An expert of Shooto, I feel he was the first fighter to really used the "flying armbar" technique. He's explosive style brings in a lot of excitement to the arena. Training out of the K's Shooto Factory now.

3. Kazuhiro Hamanaka - He's a little wet behind the ears, but with a little bit of work you never know.

*There's also another fighter (i don't know his name) that is usually bald, with a mustache, and competes in a lot of ZST matches. He is an excellent grappler and could be a serious asset to the Dojo* What is his name? :bandit:
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My other question is: If Ken were to retire and concentrate full time on the Lion's Den camp, who would would be good candidates? Who will make the cut?

[AndrewSimonsen]

I read in an article that Ken actually planned on becoming a foster parent after he retired. Both he an Frank were foster brothers, and if he did adopt a kid through foster care I think we could bet that that kid would be a beast just like the rest of the family.

[Luebbers]

To me, Sakuraba has two great legacies. First, I feel he was the first fighter with a strong wrestling background (he wrestled at the collegiate level before going into "pro" wrestling) to effectively mix strong takedows, positional dominance, and excellent submission skills. Particularly in his early fights, you'll notice that Sakuraba has a very agressive ground game. He goes for the takedown, he frequently opts for reversals instead of working the guard, often gives up his back in order to work a submission or reverse position, and constantly puts pressure on his opponent.

The other thing I think he brought to the game was his entertaining and unorthodox styel. From his Mongolian chops to his flying stomps, Sakuraba knew from his pro wrestling experience that the crowd loves an exciting fight.

I think Genki Sudo is the closest fighter today to Sakuraba. He's very well-rounded, but has particularly wicked submissions, and is well-known for his peculiar antics in the ring.

[Antares33]

I agree with the Genki Sudo sentiment, though isn't genki a 155lb fighter? There isn't nearly as much attention on the lightweights as there is on the Middleweight and LHW divisions.

Interesting note... in japanese Genki means happy and full of youthful energy.

[Digi]

I kind of have to disagree with you there. Usually sons or daughters of famous people tend to have to deal with this pressure of being in their shadow. I wouldn't be surprised if ken's children got involved in something like science, music, or the arts just to avoid MMA.



I read in an article that Ken actually planned on becoming a foster parent after he retired. Both he an Frank were foster brothers, and if he did adopt a kid through foster care I think we could bet that that kid would be a beast just like the rest of the family.

[WhiteBeltJones]

I read in an article that Ken actually planned on becoming a foster parent after he retired. Both he an Frank were foster brothers, and if he did adopt a kid through foster care I think we could bet that that kid would be a beast just like the rest of the family.

How'd you go from Sakuraba to Frank Shamrock?

Edit: Ooops, I didn't see the second question. :o

[Luebbers]

I agree with the Genki Sudo sentiment, though isn't genki a 155lb fighter? There isn't nearly as much attention on the lightweights as there is on the Middleweight and LHW divisions.

Interesting note... in japanese Genki means happy and full of youthful energy.

Yeah, he's a lightweight. Not nearly enough attention is paid to this weight class, especially in America. I can't remember the last time I saw a light weight fight in the UFC. I don't understand why either. Even though they weight 155 lbs, they get KOs just as easily as anyone else, and LW fights are almost always exciting, action-packed fights. It's a real shame.

I didn't know that's what Genki meant. It's appropriate. In addition to his antics, he's always saying crazy stuff in interviews.

[Digi]

There's also another fighter (i don't know his name) that is usually bald, with a mustache, and competes in a lot of ZST matches. He is an excellent grappler and could be a serious asset to the Dojo* What is his name?

His name is Masakazu Imanari.

[Bad Karma]

Michael, I'm in agreement with the LW's. I wish we'd get to see the whole divisional layout and more often. You would think Dana or "Other" would want the whole product instead of just a portion. Figure, each UFC have three or four fights from each division per event - that would start to justify the higher costs for pay-per-view, IMHO.

Who's replacing or following Sak's legacy? Tough question because Sak earned my respect from the fights he's had. I mean, he's had some fricking war's in the ring!

Peace

[ezzthetic]

Sudo's probably the one, but I always liked Caol Uno. Sudo doesn't quite have the same poker face that Sak has.

[Bad Karma]

Gomi?! That cat has just been super impressive, but I'm thinking he needs to go up in weight. He has KO power, isn't afraid of the ground, good chin, and almost always moving forward.

I also like how most Japanese fighter's get some simple one-name nickname to help non-native's remember their name - LOL! I watched the Kid -vs- Genki match and the Kid is no joke with his strikes. Genki was outclassed against him and I'm still not certain if the stoppage was a little too early or not. I'm definitely not disputing who would've won!

The more I watch Gomi, the more I like him. He's too dominate in his current weight bracket, though. I wish he'd move up a bracket or two.

Peace