Ricardo Arona put a savage beating on Kazushi Sakuraba. | Photo: Stephen Martinez/Sherdog.com
1. Ricardo Arona vs. Kazushi Sakuraba
Pride Fighting Championships “Critical Countdown 2005”
June 26, 2005 | Saitama, Japan
As part of arguably one of the best tournaments ever staged by Pride Fighting Championships, the quarterfinal of the 2005 Pride middleweight grand prix featured an anticipated fight that wound up turning into one of the most one-sided beatings in history.
Sakuraba tried his best to take down Arona, but each time “The Gracie Hunter” shot in for a leg, he paid the price by eating vicious knees. Sakuraba’s ear began to bleed, and soon after, the rest of his face followed suit. The fight was stopped by Sakuraba’s corner in the second round. Following the bout, Sakuraba took four months off before going on a four-fight winning streak. The infamous image of his face following the encounter with Arona provides a lasting reminder of one of Pride’s most enduring moments.