this is an interesting highlight showing the punishment Sakuraba endured throughout his career. although it is difficult to watch, i believe it is a testament to his warrior spirit. here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpfL9jizf_0&feature=channel_page watching this HL, i'm reminded how i was introduced to Kazushi Sakuraba. out of high school i remember downloading this Sherdog HL off of Limewire and have been a fan ever since http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dZSlTk_1iM
another testament to his warrior spirit. he won't die without a fight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvwG4attE1c&feature=channel_page
All i have to say about Kasushi Sakuraba is he was the first true innovator of MMA, before him you had people who didnt try anything accept basically ktfo guy out in the first round or guys who won with pure BJJ or wrestling, Sakuraba was the first guy to try things, he broke the Gracie dominance and moved the sport of MMA further than anyone has ever done before or after him. no one ever uses a cartwheel downward kick because Sakuraba tried it in a real fight and it didn't work, the guys fights are a mma textbook. Because the sport is 10-15ish years old now there wont be a pioneer like Sakuraba again. the best complement I can give Sakuraba is he is one of the most iconic MMA fighters of all time.
Sakuraba is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history regardless of weight or era. I rank him in the top 5 fighters ever p4p... easy.