Watch Taisei Sakuraba win MMA debut with 26-second knockout at Rizin Decade
Taisei Sakuraba’s MMA debut didn’t last long, but it was an epic moment for old school Japanese MMA fans.
With his father in the corner, legendary PRIDE veteran and UFC Hall of Fame Kazushi Sakuraba, “Saku Jr.” took on 41-fight veteran Yusuke Yachi in the early portion of Rizin Decade on Dec. 31 in Saitama. He shocked the MMA world with a stunning finish in a matter of seconds.
Yachi, a former title contender in RIZIN, traded head kicks with Sakuraba as soon as the featherweight match started, and caught a kick thrown by the young fighter. He didn’t expect, however, that “Saku Jr.” would immediately follow up with a left hand to the head, knocking him down. Sakuraba continue the damage until the referee stopped the bout.
Sakuraba is now 1-0 in professional MMA, snapping Yachi’s four-fight winning streak under the RIZIN banner.
Watch the finish below, and click here for complete Rizin Decade results.
There's going to be some talk of the quick stoppage, but that isn't on Taisei Sakuraba. THAT is how you make your debut against a 40+ fight veteran. Mere seconds. The legacy continues! #RIZIN_Decade (footage courtesy of RIZIN FF/RIZIN.tv) pic.twitter.com/bQyAc6pTnj
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) December 31, 2024
TAISEI SAKURABA WITH A 26-SECOND KO WIN‼️
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) December 31, 2024
Making his father proud with a perfect MMA debut ✨
[ #RIZIN_DECADE | LIVE on https://t.co/LChPUvqSqh ] pic.twitter.com/lOsqy54Urd