R. Gracie will return to MMA (Photo: Instagram Reproduction renzograciebjj)
One of the most famous fights of all time will have its rematch soon. Almost 18 years after facing each other for the first time at Pride 10, in August 2000, Renzo Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba will fight again, this time for One Championship, an Asian event that was one of the “substitutes” for Pride itself, dissolved after being acquired by UFC in 2007.
See too
Renzo himself announced the officialization of the duel, which should take place at One's debut in Japan, later this year. The first time he faced Sakuraba, the fighter and jiu-jitsu teacher was surprised with a kimura and his arm was broken. However, Renzo refused to give up and the duel was only interrupted by the central referee. After the duel, Gracie still fought with names like Dan Henderson e Matt hugs, but dedicated himself to founding a jiu-jitsu empire in New York, where he trained or helped train some of the biggest names in the history of the sport and MMA, such as Roger gracie, Frankie Edgar, Georges St Pierre, Among others.
Sakuraba kept the nickname “Caçador de Gracies”, as Renzo was the third in the family to be beaten by him – the Japanese had already surpassed Royce and Royler. Shortly afterwards, “Saku” still beat Ryan Gracie, Renzo’s brother. The Japanese was also known for facing opponents much heavier than him, cases of Wanderlei Silva, Ricardo arona and Kevin Randleman. He was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, despite having few fights for the company.
You need login To comment.