Sakuraba's Standup

Tyler · 03-05-2006

I swear Sakuraba could do stand-up, standup comedy that is

I was just remembering a few of his famous hilarious jokes/stunts he pulls during a fight.

One I didn't see, but heard Bas talk about, was apparantly (and correct me on this) he had a kick to his legs I believe, and he had a horrible look of pain on him and was showing pain. Then after a while, he looked at the camera and smiled and was like "Haha, fooled you!" and he did, lol!

Can anyone filll me in on that?

Also, post other memorable hilarious things Sak's done in the past

Bryan · 04-01-2006

To be honest, I'm not really a fan of Sakuraba. Though he does come off as "funny", as a fighter, he's terrible.

He's got a 20-10 record (or something like that) and is a submission style wrestler. Not that I have a problem with submission style wrestlers...

I read somewhere that his favorite "idol" was indeed a comedian. He watched him as a boy, and I guess that comedic persona carried on with him the rest of his life.

Tyler · 04-01-2006

Bryan, do you even follow MMA, or do you just look up 'stats' online? Sakuraba is one of the best fighters, if not the best, for his weight class EVER.

Bryan · 04-02-2006

A lot of people think that. And I agree to some point...but in my opinion, he's over rated. He's overly liked, and for the wrong reasons. He's got great charisma, and style, and his submission technique is probably one of the best around...

But in my opinion, there are other fighters who could give him a run for his money. And yes - stats do matter. Why wouldn't they? Why wouldn't consider stats as part of his reputation and competence?

He's an old school fighter, who, maybe in his prime was the best fighter in his weight class, but now, I don't think would stand a chance. Even in his prime.

But who knows, just my opinion.

Tyler · 04-02-2006

Stats don't matter because look at who he fights. He's a Gracie-hunter for crying out loud. He's not taking on unknown amateurs, he's taking on the best of the best.

I have absolutely no problem if you don't like Sakuraba, I really don't, but what got me worked up is when you said:

Quote:

Though he does come off as "funny", as a fighter, he's terrible.

You don't really think he's terrible, do you?

Bryan · 04-02-2006

I agree. I guess terrible was a little harsh. I guess I'm just pretty biased against him. I've always been an "anti-Sakuraba"...I never hopped on the band wagon, and never really cared much for him.

I've always seen fighting as a serious sport, and though a comedic personality is sometimes refreshing, it just doesn't appeal to me too much. It's just not up my alley. I will admit though, that I didn't know the calibre of the fighters he fought. I've just recently gotten into the sport, and I haven't done as much research as I maybe should've before I said something like that.

Thanks for puttin' it straight.

yossarian1979 · 04-02-2006

I know there are a few "anti-Sakuraba" fans, I myself love him, I think alot of people try to say that he is overrated, but he really evolved the sport, he was the first person to expose Royce Gracie's weakness, He pulls off crazy moves in the ring, and the most important thing is, he is always coming at you 3 moves ahead, he truly plays MMA like an intense physical chess game, always having a strategy and out-thinking his opponents.

I feel he is passing his prime now, and for me my new favorites from pride are Luiz Azeraldo, Ricardo Arona, and Sergei Kharitonov.

Tyler · 04-02-2006

Yeah, well he's old, don't know his exact age, but I believe he's in his early 40s?

yossarian1979 · 04-02-2006

I think hes 41, not sure though either.

rogue · 04-05-2006

I am a huge fan of Sakuraba also. Its a shame to see someone is actually "anti-Sakuraba". Hes a great guy with a great personality, and hes a really great fighter.

I do agree to some point that he is a bit over rated, but he's earned his status and legendary respect in the community.

As for some other funny stunts, nothing comes to mind, but I have seen him doing footwork during a fight and just bouncing all over the place and smiling like it was all fun to him.

Thats why I love him. He knows how to have fun and enjoy the sport.