411’s Countdown to Dynamite USA Report: Episode Three – Gracie vs. Sakuraba
Posted by Larry Csonka on 06.01.2007
The final special counting down to this Saturday’s Excite XC/K1 Dynamite show! And unlike the other previews, THIS match is actually happening!
Countdown to Dynamite: Episode Three – Gracie vs. Sakuraba
Gracie vs. Sakuraba
-Stephen Quadros begins saying that these guys would be on the Mt. Rushmore of MMA. 7-years ago these men stepped into a ring. Loretta Hunt and Goldberg starts to discuss the match going an insane 90-minutes. Goldberg says that is legendary, everything the stories of legends are made of.
-Royce is part of the famed Gracie family, Sakuraba is one of the greatest in MMA history. They discuss how Sakuraba did things that no one did in MMA. Eventually Gracie's corner threw in the towel as he couldn't continue due to leg damage. That was seen as a passing of the guard.
-Takiama says the fight was the best fight he has ever seen. They all call it epic and a rematch that people have wanted to see.
-We get a history of the Gracie family and their Jujitsu. They all say that if you are a Gracie, you go into the "family business." Ellio Gracie had 6-sons: Royce, Relson, Royler, Rolker, Rickson, and Rorion. Royce says his family brought this to the table, to see who was the best between fighters of different disciplines. We get clips of Royce vs. Akebono. We get Ken Shamrock discussing that they were the first true MMA feud. He said Royce understood things on a different level. Royce could take anyone down and submit anyone. They all discuss that Jujitsu is a huge part of current day MMA.
-We now move onto Sakuraba, a catch wrestler from Japan. Ken says he is good all around. He would do things no one would do and be a showman while doing it. Takiama says he has such heart and personality, and makes people enjoy the fights. He first beat Royler Gracie, Royce and eventually beat 4 Gracie's. He is a God is Japan.
-We see Royce training. His boxing coach puts him over as a cardio machine. Royce says he is always training, eating, sleeping, it is all a part of it.
-Sakuraba is taking an improvised approach. He has no plan. He goes hard when he is good, when tired, rests. Sakuraba is a partier apparently. He loves his wine. Royce doesn't drink or smoke, he is an athlete. He feels 7-years later, he is younger than Sakuraba due to the way he lives. Royce's Chiropractor says he may be 40, but is in the shape of a 30-year old. Royce wishes he could be a kid like Sakuraba at times.
-They all think we'll get another spectacle. They say Sakuraba will try to avoid the ground again, and work standing submissions, like shoulder locks. Royce respects him, he knows Sakuraba is dangerous. He knows he won't quit, he will have to put him to sleep or break an arm. The winners will be fight fans. These guys are legends, and they will be trying to recreate some magic. This could be their last fights, and to do it together, it only adds to the legend.
Jake Shields vs. Ido Pariente
-This match is slotted to be on the Showtime card.
-This is these guys big shot. Shields is the more experienced. IDO says he can do it all, and while he is stepping up in weight class, he is hungry. Shields has fought a lot in Japan and did well and is ready to show what he can do. IDO doesn't have a lot of exposure, but he has a ton of potential and is ready to step it up.
-Shields is 17-4, and had a lot of experience and feels he is very well rounded. He is relentless and is totally prepared. He just hasn't gotten the chance he needs and this is that chance. Nick Diaz says you have to put him away early.
-IDO is known as the Hebrew Hammer. Shields has the weight advantage, but IDO has great boxing and will keep it on the feet. Shields has no weaknesses, but on the feet he isn't as effective. IDO is coming to take care of business. Shields says games won't affect him and he says IDO won't make it through the fight.
Melvin Manhoef vs. Yoon Dong Sik
-They discuss Korea town in LA and the fact that they will turn out in force o support the Korean fighters, well, that changed a bit, but Sik is still on the card. He hopes for a great turn out. He is a Judo legend, 47 wins in a row in Judo and now is going into MMA. Judo is a gentleman's sport he feels, but in MMA you have to have that killer instinct.
-We see Sik train in LA and they discuss switching to MMA, which is a challenge. He is 0-4 in MMA thus far. They say he has not adapted thus far, and right now is a disappointment.
-Manhoef is known for no mercy. Manhoef trains kids in his home country. We see clips and he is devastating. He wants to knock heads off. He is a powerful Dutch kick boxer, he aims to hurt with every shot. He has adapted to MMA and slams well, but prefers to stay off the ground. He feels he is the best and knows he will win. Quadros wonders how you beat a guy like this. We see Manhoef train. He is 18-3 in MMA, and he is totally motivated. He loves training and feels it is another discipline. You constantly have to push yourself and if he fails at getting better, he is angry. If you give up in training, you will give up in a fight. He wants to be the best. His training in very intense, straight from weights to throwing hands and kicks, there is no rest. It is everything to him.
-When at home he has time to spend with his kids. He gives his 5-year old some kick boxing gladiator shorts! He trains these kids, damn. He wants to prove himself and all of the work will pay off. He likes to stand and bang, but Sik will get inside and throw him around. Sik feels that this is his power, and he spent a year training with Sakuraba. He has a plan, but you'll have to see the fight. Manhoef says everyone has a plan until they get hit. Yeah, Cro Cop said that as well.
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