They broke the mold when they made Kazushi Sakuraba.
An MMA royal in every sense of the word, Sakuraba was willing to meet any challenge, anywhere, any time. No other fighter in Japan has had more of an impact on the sport of mixed martial arts than “The Gracie Hunter,” a man who paired immense physical talent with once-in-a-lifetime charisma and an inhuman ability to withstand punishment. Sakuraba embodied courage and the warrior spirit, embracing his role as a torchbearer for an entire people. He filled his resume with a number of high-profile victories, including wins over Vitor Belfort, Guy Mezger, Kevin Randleman, Ken Shamrock and Quinton Jackson.