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The Sakuraba name is legendary in MMA, thanks to the iconic Kazushi Sakuraba, known worldwide as "The Gracie Hunter." Now, his son, Taisei Sakuraba, is ready to step into the spotlight, making his MMA debut on December 31 at RIZIN DECADE in Saitama, Japan. Facing seasoned veteran Yusuke Yachi, Taisei is eager to honor his family’s legacy while carving his path in combat sports.
Excitement and nostalgia surround this moment for Taisei, who reflects on his father’s illustrious career. Interestingly, his favorite memory isn’t one of Kazushi’s legendary victories but a whimsical walkout.
“My favorite moment is when my father walked out as Mario,” Taisei shared, smiling. “I don’t remember the fight itself, but I remember that walkout.”
That unforgettable entrance led to a third-round armbar victory over Kevin Randleman in 2003, a moment etched in PRIDE history.
Kazushi Sakuraba gained his moniker "The Gracie Hunter" by defeating four members of the legendary Gracie family in the PRIDE ring. Taisei has no hesitation about continuing this rivalry, even suggesting a potential clash with Kron Gracie, the current torchbearer of the Gracie name.
“If there’s a demand and if people want to see this fight, I’m down,” he said confidently.
While Kazushi last competed in 2015, Taisei jokes that retirement isn’t in his father’s vocabulary. “My father is invincible, so he’s saying that he’s never going to retire,” Taisei quipped, hinting at the possibility of sharing a card someday. Perhaps even in a tag-team setting, an idea that fits perfectly with RIZIN’s penchant for spectacle.
Looking ahead, Taisei’s ambitions go beyond the Japanese ring. He’s open to international opportunities and sees Quintet, the grappling promotion founded by his father, as an exciting avenue for unique matchups.
“Quintet is a team-versus-team concept, and there’s a high probability of something happening there,” he noted. “But for me, I want to travel abroad. Whenever this happens, I hope it happens outside of Japan.”
As Taisei Sakuraba prepares for his debut, the weight of a legendary name and the excitement of a new chapter converge. Will "Saku Jr." become the next great hunter in MMA? Time will tell.