Issue 145
September 2016
A mixed martial arts pioneer who single-handedly elevated the sport into a Japanese national obsession
Battle scarred
‘Ikeru Densetsu’ (Living Legend) had a hard time escaping fights unscathed. As well as being knocked out numerous times, he had his eye socket smashed, collar bone broken and ear almost completely ripped off.
Square circle style
The former pro wrestler was a born entertainer and added flair to his fights with techniques that should have had no place in a MMA contest. He usually got away with them, but once or twice, he paid for his unorthodox approach.
Old-school submisisons
Trained in the art of catch wrestling, he wasn’t that athletic, but was a student of the game. He learned from English wrestling OG Billy Robinson to master slick grappling skills.
Intelligence quota
They didn’t call him the ‘IQ Wrestler’ for nothing. Sakuraba used incredible grappling acumen to outsmart opponents that were often much bigger than he was.
Tough but not buff
Sakuraba was notorious for being lazy in the gym and tried to skip a lot of physical work, but he never gave up. He endured brutal punishment from some opponents, but also beat Royce Gracie in the longest ever MMA match after 90 minutes.
Family feud
If one thing defined Sakuraba, it was his long battle with jiu-jitsu’s first family. He earned the ‘Gracie Hunter’ moniker by defeating Royler, Royce, Renzo and Ryan. None came close to holding him down and making him tap.
Kazushi Sakuraba is a true icon. He embodied the true spirit of mixed martial arts in its early days, taking on all comers under all manner of rule sets and overcoming the odds to become one of the first pound-for-pound greats. Though he didn’t win a world championship, he was Pride Fighting Championship’s biggest star throughout its boom period and without him, many MMA icons may not have had their chance to break out on the big stage.
8 Things You Need To Know About...
Stephen Thompson
Early start
Thompson started training martial arts aged three at his father’s dojo in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Sibling rivalry
His high-kicking older sister, Lindsay used Stephen as a sparring partner, and beat him up regularly.
Teen dream
‘Wonderboy’ started competing in kickboxing matches when he was 15 years old.
Drought’s end
In 2005, he became the first American to win a WAKO championship gold medal in 18 years. Undefeated
Thompson ended his kickboxing career with a 57-0 record, with 46 knockouts.
Family ties
His transition to MMA was made easier with the help of his BJJ brother-in-law, Carlos Machado.
Money shot
His ‘KO of the Night’ one-two-head-kick combo he used to stop Dan Stittgen is known as ‘The Moneymaker’.
Matchmaker
When Thompson trained with Chris Weidman, his brother Tony met ‘The All-American’s sister, Colleen. They’re now married.
Upset Special
Press play for 10 songs that heralded underdog glory
1) Like That/Gonna Fly Now
Memphis Bleek/Bill Conti
What allows an underdog to upset the odds and win a UFC title? The ability to seize an opportunity and strike at exactly the right time? Absolutely. A bit of luck? Sure. But Fighters Only likes to think some of the greatest shocking wins have come because the winner has been inspired to greatness on their way to the cage. And there’s no better example than the sport’s ultimate Rocky story – Matt Serra, who took the title from GSP after walking in to this mix of the Italian Stallion’s theme and Brooklyn rap.
2) Song 2
Blur
A mainstay for Michael Bisping, who rocked UFC 199 before his amazing KO of Luke Rockhold.
3) Won’t Back Down
Tom Petty
And he didn’t. Chris Weidman took the fight to Anderson Silva and his belt.
4) Can’t Stop
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Renan Barao couldn’t halt TJ Dillashaw’s offense when he was backed by the LA rockers.
5) Simple Man
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Mike Brown ripped WEC gold from Urijah Faber with a simple strategy: punch him in the face.
6) The Landlord’s Walk Blair Douglas
Celtic pride filled Holly Holm’s heart before she filled Ronda Rousey’s face with her foot.
7) Kick in the Door
Notorious B.I.G.
Frankie Edgar came in to crush so-called willies, thugs, and BJ Penn in Abu Dhabi.
8) Back in the Saddle Aerosmith
UFC 68. Randy Couture. Back in the UFC. Back with a vengeance. Back with the belt
9) O Grito De Um Guerreiro MC Sapao
Rafael dos Anjos looked relaxed as he bounced to the cage, then thrashed Anthony Pettis at UFC 185.
10) The Day the Hawaiians Took Over Sudden Rush
Just one Hawaiian, actually – BJ Penn, who choked Matt Hughes’ championship from him.
Summer Of Soccer
MMA stars showed their colors for the European Championships
Iceland 2-1 England
Beautiful work boys. You are getting more vicious each game. Can’t wait to see you strike on Sunday.
Gunnar Nelson
Albania 0-2 France
With the best fans in the world I’m looking forward to a win against France tonight! Go Albania!
Ilir Latifi
MMA 1-0 Soccer
Man I got some homies that play bball and soccer. But I must say they are THE SOFTEST GROUP OF ATHLETES I’VE EVER SEEN. They should be actors
Corey Anderson
Ireland 1-0 Italy
YEESSSS GET IN THERE!!!!
McLean is an ANIMAL! Ref is a rat. Brady what a f**king header!!! BUZZING!!!! COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN!!!!
Conor McGregor
Poland 1-0 Ukraine
Brawooooo! Amazing Kuba Blaszczykowski
Joanna Jedrzejczyk
