Issue 151

February 2017

SAKU BELT - 2000

Despite being the star of Pride, Kazushi Sakuraba never won its waist-wear – so he brought his own.



PRIDE - 2000-07

Even though two types of belt were up for grabs, only nine people ever got to own a prize from the iconic organization.



ELITE XC - 2007-08

Why were promoters so keen to put wings on their logos? This was the middleweight belt worn by Robbie Lawler.



WAMMA - 2008

MMA’s first global sanctioning body only awarded four belts. Probably for the best, since it produced this kind of eyesore.



DREAM - 2008 - 12

From the ashes of Pride, this promotion rose and stole the idea of silver belts for true titles and gold for tournaments.



SENGOKU - 2009 - 10

Like something from the wardrobe of a samurai from the future, this was a thing of rare belt beauty.



STRIKEFORCE - 2009

The first ever women’s belt in a major promotion, but again, what’s with the wings attached to the letter S?



DREAM SUPER HULK - 2009

Ikuhisa Minowa didn’t get a prize at first for winning a grand prix against giants, so a third-grader made him one.

...