How highly do you rate Sakuraba's wins over Rampage & Belfort?

Yeah, Rampage was so comfortable giving up take downs, and fighting off his back early in his career.

It's amazing how different he looks 4 months later:

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/-wI4OFl_iwo/

 

Rampage started with a massive punch, wasn't giving up subs and was slamming the hell out of him.

Sakuraba was just a very durable grappler who aggressively went for submissions and eventually Rampage got caught. An older Rampage would probably stay standing and try to ko him.

 

If like that sort of thing, then you'll love this fight.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoWVI1XY8qo[/ame]

 

This. I really dont see as any more complicated than that. Not that im making any excuses for fixed bouts that did occur, but its important to remember PRIDES roots in pro wrestling.
That said to my knowledge only Coleman was obviously guilty of a work.

 

The Saku v Jackson fight was not a 'work'. Not a chance!!

I love the way Saku fiished that fight. Classic stuff.

FFS there are lot easier ways to work a fight than that.

 

I never really bought into that Rampage vs Saku was a fix. Rampage was green however.

Great wins vs Rampage and Vitor.

 

It is clear that Rampage was green, didn't know how to pace himself and thought submission defence was slamming out of EVERY attempt!