Kazushi Sakuraba

Kazushi Sakuraba, born on July fourteenth, nineteen sixty-nine, is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter. He has made a significant impact in the world of combat sports, performing primarily as a freelancer for Pro Wrestling Noah. There, he achieved notable success as one-half of the GHC Tag Team Champions alongside Takashi Sugiura. His career has also seen him compete in traditional puroresu with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as well as in shoot-style competitions for UWFi and Kingdom Pro Wrestling.

In the realm of mixed martial arts, Sakuraba has fought in prestigious organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride Fighting Championships, Hero's, Dream, and most recently, Rizin Fighting Federation. He has earned the nickname 'Gracie Hunter' due to his remarkable victories over four members of the legendary Gracie family: Royler, Renzo, Ryan, and Royce Gracie. His fighting prowess is further highlighted by his ability to defeat fifteen champions across various top MMA organizations, often against opponents who were significantly larger than him.

Known for his exceptional skills in catch wrestling and an unorthodox fighting style, Sakuraba is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His impressive record includes victories over seven UFC champions, three Pancrase champions, a DREAM champion, and a King of the Cage champion. Notable opponents he has triumphed over include former Welterweight Champion Carlos Newton, former Light Heavyweight champions Vitor Belfort and Quinton Jackson, and former Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman.

Sakuraba's influence extends beyond the ring as he is the founder of the submission wrestling promotion Quintet, where he has been an active competitor since two thousand eighteen. His fights in Pride were immensely popular, routinely attracting over twenty million viewers in Japan, solidifying his status as a national icon in the sport.