With their influence and rich history in everything martial arts, combat sports is an easy answer in guessing which sport Japanese will most likely excel in.
As the world of MMA progressed like crazy in the 2000s, the industry and its fans saw Japan as one of the nations to own some of the most exciting fighters.
Despite being disbanded for almost 9 years now, Japan's premier MMA promotion, Pride FC, is still one of the most respected and loved MMA brands of all-time.
In this list, we'll talk about individuals that proved themselves to be true warriors in the MMA arena. Although not everyone has entered the UFC, the sport's holy grail, their place in Japan's hall of MMA greats is unquestionable.
Kazushi Sakuraba
Hometown: Akita
Don't let his record fool you (26W-17L), Sakuraba is a gift to MMA. Among all fighters from Japan, he is, by far, the most impactful. The man was a modern-day gladiator; he was quickly able to establish that he was a guy who's ready to battle anyone in any given time.
The ability to endure the power and pressure of his opponents made him a "made man," while his multiple wins over the hallowed Gracie Family, and resounding victories against Vitor Belfort and Ken Shamrock among others, helped solidify his place in the all-time list.
Takanori Gomi
Hometown: Kanagawa
Known as "The Fireball Kid," Gomi became a pro at the tender age of 20. He quickly racked up his win column as he won 29 out of his first 32 bouts.
His identity as a fighter was a classic brawler. The one-punch knockout power he had went well with his iron-like chin, allowing him to stand toe-to-toe with every opponent, providing fans performances that will be remembered for years and years.
Shinya Aoki
Hometown: Shizuoka
Among everyone in this list, Aoki's nickname, "Tobikan Judan / The Grand Master of Flying Submissions," is arguably the greatest, but that's just a small part of where he's ahead between these guys.
Aoki is an artist of the "ground and pound" style - the 60+ percent submission finish rate is one of the most astonishing stats in MMA. His wrestling skills can compete with the best of them and once he gets that split-second chance, he is bound to give punishment.
Norifumi Yamamoto
Hometown: Kanagawa
Although he started as a kickboxer, "Kid" is a fighter that's very "MMA." The way he brawled and pick up wins were art to everyone. He fought with a ruthless agression, it's as if winning isn't enough and that he must destroy his opponents, it was a trait that made his years in the business quite memorable.
Hayato Sakurai
Hometown: Ibaraki
Mr. "Wild Charisma" is the classic "do-it-all" fighter. He can cause his opponents a ton of problem with his striking and wrestling prowess. If we compile all Japanese fighters' highlights, Sakurai has a good case to have the absolute best.
He and Takanori Gomi closed out Pride FC's 2005 with arguably one of the greatest one-round finishes in
the history of MMA.
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