a few years too late, but it looks like rickson is going to fight sakuraba..

dlofnep

Small things I'm picking up. Rickson training with Paulo Filho, a ton of Rickson's students saying he's making alot of trips to brazil for some real heavy training in preperation for a fight. K1 signs Sakuraba and rumours have it that Rickson is in contract negotiations to fight him.

Also, Wallid Ismail made a comment about Rickson & Sakuraba fighting very recently., indicating Rickson would win.

In spite of his famous worldwide rivalry with the Gracie family (Helio's side), Wallid stated that "Rickson is going to kill Sakuraba", when questioned about the rumored fight between these two MMA stars.

" Of course Rickson will avenge the family. Sakuraba is a phenom, you got to be a phenom to do what he did when you drink and smoke. But Rickson will win"

"I haven't yet talked with Paulao about his secret training sessions with Rickson. I'd very much like to see it myself".

It's very possible that this fight is eventually going to happen.

Andrew_M

Where did you get this info?

It's a few years too late alright, sure Rickson has got to be around 45 and Sak is no spring chicken either. I must admit i do like the myth of Rickson Gracie, but in reality Sakuraba would beat him, sure who has Rickson fought that was on par with the top fighters around today, where as sakuaba fought everyone...

Will definately be an interesting watch, but my money is on the gracie hunter

dlofnep

The only notable name Rickson has fought is Funaki. People say Funaki's best days were behind him, but in fairness, Rickson wasn't exactly in his prime either.

Also, Paulo Filho was training with Rickson recently and admitted he was in awe at his ability. Paulo Filho is one of the worlds best 185lbs fighters. Take it for what it's worth.

Valmont

pah, no way would rickson kill sakuraba. Rickson has great BJJ but he doesn't know much striking. Sakuraba is the more rounded fighter and the quality of opponents he has fought are soooooo much better than the guys rickson fought.

Isn't rickson like 50 or something?

Clive

Rickson by armbar

damo

I honestly think this fight will never happen, rickson likes to let on every so often that he will be fighting, but never does. The amount of attention he gets in the mma community is ridiculous, he doesnt deserve it. He never put his reputation on the line and stepped up to fight a top quality opponent. He didnt step up and fight sakuraba when sak was sh1t kicking his brothers and making an absolute mockery of the familys invincibile reputation. He has come out and criticised todays fighters on occasion for no apparant reason (calling nogs guard 'weak' - hah!) when he should be using his reputation to speak up for the sport and help its evolution. He's a joke and if this fight ever does take place, itll just be so he can pick up a couple of million dollars without damaging his legend too much because hes 48 - everyone will say he lost because of his age, but in his prime yada yada yada....

dlofnep

Rumours on the brazilian MMA forums is that Rickson has accepted the fight for 3 million. Only time will tell.

goo

See I've never seen Pride, so I didn't even know who Sakuraba was.
Did a bit of reading, though.

Lot of pressure on Rickson...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazushi_Sakuraba#Sakuraba_versus_the_Gracies

90 minutes!

dlofnep

Some student from Royler Gracie confirmed the fight is taking place. Rumours here, rumours there - Rumours friggin' everywhere! I think this fight is actually going to happen.

Valmont

Elytron wrote:

In fairness, HOW DO YOU KNOW?

Rickson could train MT an hour a day every day for the last 20 years. Rickson is a nobody to me. But I'd still pay 50 euro to see him fight. Cos he's the coolest nobody I know. Rickson by RNC.

I know because I use what is often called 'common sense'.I've seen about seven of ricksons fights and I don't think he threw more than 3 punches. Fighters rarely if never change their fighting styles. Rickson won't come out like a kickboxer Just like we're not going to see Chuck Liddell start pulling guard and working his triangles. Rickson is from a completely different era. I still think he is great though.

It would be awesome if this happened, wonder when it will be?

Valmont

Clive wrote:

Rickson by armbar

I can't believe I didn't think of that one earlier, lol