Sherdog’s Top 10: Middleweights of All-Time

7. Kazushi Sakuraba

Perhaps no fighter in mixed martial arts history has been as universally adored as the iconic Sakuraba, who belongs in any discussion regarding an MMA Mount Rushmore. A Nobuhiko Takada and Billy Robinson disciple, he paired immense physical talent and an unwavering competitive spirit with a remarkable ability to withstand punishment. Sakuraba lost to Kimo Leopoldo in his pro debut on July 14, 1996 and did not fall again for almost four years. Willing to fight anyone at any time at any weight, he competed in seven of the first 10 Pride Fighting Championships events in his native Japan and went on to partake in some of the sport’s grandest rivalries, as he battled various members of the Gracie Family and engaged the ferocious Wanderlei Silva in a failed but memorable trilogy. While Sakuraba never won a major MMA championship, wins over Royler Gracie, Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Ryan Gracie, Guy Mezger, Vitor Belfort, Quinton Jackson, Kevin Randleman, Ken Shamrock and Masakatsu Funaki ensured his legacy as an all-time great.

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