Sumo wrestlers are the world’s largest athletes and watching a sumo match where hundreds of pounds of men collide is an exciting spectacle.
How can normal sized men deal with these Goliaths?
What happens when these behemoths step into the MMA cage / ring?
In the early days of MMA (known as NHB at that time) and in Japan where they featured “freakshow” matches between fighters of huge weight disparity, we have see many sumo fights.
1) UFC 1 – Gerard Gordeau vs Teila Tuli
This is historically significant because it weas the 1st ever televised UFC fight.
The martial arts world held its breath…what would happen when kick boxer meets a huge sumo wreslter?!?
Watch for the tooth to go flying!
2) Keith Hackney vs Emmanuel Yarborough
Kempo striker faced the “world’s largest athlete” in Emmanuel Yarborough in one of the very first UFCs.
This is a famous match in the early UFC hilight reel.
3) Royce Gracie vs Akebono
MMA pioneer and legend Royce Gracie steps up to fight the gigantic Akebono in Japan.
Can Royce Gracie beat a 400lbs + opponent from off of his back?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv0Xi0kT6hU
4) Emmanuel Yarbrough vs Tatsuaki Nakano
The world’s largest athlete didn’t get many victories but against Japanese pro wrestler, his size did prevail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q_tpQwRzvo
5) Emmanuel Yarbrough Vs Daiju Takase at Pride 3
600lbs Sumo Vs 169lbs Japanese fighter. One of the biggest size mismatches in MMA history.
How does this fight go down?
6) Bob Sapp vs. Taro Akebono
In a matchup of huge men, the muscular Bob Sapp – no stranger to freakshow fights in Japan – punches it out with Chad “Akebono” Rowan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIEl–WYqWQ
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