Photo Credit: milossarcev/instagram
Hayato Sakurai MMA Profile Record, Stats, Biography, UFC Career & Fight History

Hayato Sakurai MMA Profile Record, Stats, Biography, UFC Career & Fight History

Nicholas Thompson 2ByNicholas Thompson Hours
Photo Credit: milossarcev/instagram
Hayato Sakurai

HAYATO SAKURAI

“Mach”
Japan Flag JAPAN • WELTERWEIGHT
W-L-D 38-13-2
(T)KO 12-5
SUB 10-4
BIOGRAPHY
COUNTRY Japan
WT CLASS Welterweight
HT / WT 5′ 7″, 168 lbs
BIRTHDATE 08/24/1975 (51)
STANCE Orthodox
REACH
TEAM / RESIDENCE Mach Dojo • Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, Japan
NICKNAME “Mach”
RESOURCE LINKS
Wikipedia Wikipedia UFC UFC ESPN ESPN Sherdog Sherdog Tapology Tapology Combat Registry Combat Registry
PERSONAL LINKS
Facebook Facebook X X
CAREER HONOURS & HISTORICAL RECORDS
🏆
Shooto Middleweight Champion Reigned Undefeated Across Historic 18-0-2 Run
🥈
2005 PRIDE Lightweight GP Runner-Up Defeated Jens Pulver & Joachim Hansen
🥋
ADCC World Championship Double Medalist 1999 Absolute Silver & -77 kg Bronze
🥊
UFC Welterweight Title Challenger Headlined UFC 36 Against Matt Hughes
Hayato Sakurai Record
WINS38
KO/TKO
12
SUB
10
DECISION
16
LOSSES13
KO/TKO
5
SUB
4
DECISION
4
DRAWS2
DR
2
NO CONTEST0
NC
0
Percentage Statistics

Calculated from 53 professional bouts (38-13-2).

Win Rate

38 wins · 53 bouts

Loss Rate

13 losses · 53 bouts

Finish Rate

22 finishes · 53 bouts

KO/TKO Rate

12 KO/TKOs · 53 bouts

Submission Rate

10 submissions · 53 bouts

Decision Rate

16 decisions · 53 bouts

HAYATO SAKURAI FIGHT HISTORY – PRO
RESULT
FIGHTER
EVENT
METHOD
DURATION/DATE
WIN
Wataru Sakata Japan Japan
Rizin World Grand-Prix 2016: Final Round
Dec / 31 / 2016
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:37) Dec / 31 / 2016
ROUND2
TIME2:37
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 RIZIN Special Feature Bout • Sakurai vs. Sakata
Feature Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Wataru Sakata
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup181 lbs vs 181 lbs
Wataru Sakata Record at Bout (Opponent)11-13-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout37-13-2
Officials
Ref: Ryogaku Wada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Returning to MMA after a three-year hiatus, Sakurai battered veteran Sakata with heavy boxing and ground-and-pound to secure a dominant second-round TKO.
LOSS
Jae Suk Lim South Korea South Korea
Mach Dojo / Gladiator: Mach Festival
Sep / 29 / 2013
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (5:21) Sep / 29 / 2013
ROUND1
TIME5:21
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Mach Festival Main Event • Sakurai vs. Lim
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jae Suk Lim
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Differ Ariake)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Jae Suk Lim Record at Bout (Opponent)11-5-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout37-12-2
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Lim caught Sakurai during a heated striking exchange in the opening round, landing accurate follow-up punches to force the referee’s stoppage at 5:21.
WIN
Phil Baroni United States United States
DREAM 18
Dec / 31 / 2012
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 31 / 2012
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM 18 Feature Welterweight Bout • Sakurai vs. Baroni
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Phil Baroni
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Phil Baroni Record at Bout (Opponent)15-15-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout36-12-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -210 (Favorite) vs Phil Baroni: +175 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai outworked Baroni over three full rounds, utilizing sharp leg kicks, takedowns, and dominant top control to secure a clear unanimous decision.
WIN
Ryo Chonan Japan Japan
Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011
Dec / 31 / 2011
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 31 / 2011
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Genki Desu Ka Omisoka Rematch • Sakurai vs. Chonan 2
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ryo Chonan
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Ryo Chonan Record at Bout (Opponent)20-12-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout35-12-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -165 (Favorite) vs Ryo Chonan: +135 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Samio Kimura
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Averaging superior striking and well-timed takedowns, Sakurai avenged his 2003 loss to Chonan by sweeping the scorecards across 15 minutes of action.
LOSS
Jason High United States United States
Dynamite!! 2010
Dec / 31 / 2010
Decision – Split
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 31 / 2010
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Dynamite!! Welterweight Bout • Sakurai vs. High
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jason High
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Jason High Record at Bout (Opponent)12-3-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout35-11-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Jason High: -140 (Favorite) vs Hayato Sakurai: +110 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Kenichi Serizawa
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
High utilized heavy wrestling pressure against the ropes to edge out a contentious split decision against Sakurai.
LOSS
Nick Diaz United States United States
DREAM 14
May / 29 / 2010
Submission
Rnd 1 (3:54) May / 29 / 2010
ROUND1
TIME3:54
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM 14 Welterweight Main Card • Diaz vs. Sakurai
Non-Title Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Nick Diaz
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Nick Diaz Record at Bout (Opponent)21-7-0 (1 NC)
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout35-10-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Nick Diaz: -280 (Favorite) vs Hayato Sakurai: +220 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai initiated a judo takedown and entered Diaz’s guard, but Diaz worked his jiu-jitsu from the bottom, locking in a slick armbar to force the tap at 3:54.
LOSS
Akihiro Gono Japan Japan
Dynamite!! The Power of Courage 2009
Dec / 31 / 2009
Submission
Rnd 2 (3:56) Dec / 31 / 2009
ROUND2
TIME3:56
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Legends Clash • Sakurai vs. Gono
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Akihiro Gono
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Akihiro Gono Record at Bout (Opponent)30-15-7
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout35-9-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -160 (Favorite) vs Akihiro Gono: +130 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Samio Kimura
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated early standing and from top position, but Gono scrambled during round two and trapped Sakurai in an armbar to claim a comeback win.
LOSS
Marius Zaromskis Lithuania Lithuania
DREAM 10
Jul / 20 / 2009
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (4:03) Jul / 20 / 2009
ROUND1
TIME4:03
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM Welterweight GP Semifinal • Sakurai vs. Žaromskis
Tournament Semifinal
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Marius Žaromskis
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 167 lbs
Marius Žaromskis Record at Bout (Opponent)10-2-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout35-8-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -350 (Favorite) vs Marius Žaromskis: +260 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Žaromskis landed a devastating left head kick that rocked Sakurai, following up with a barrage of punches to cause the tournament upset stoppage.
WIN
Shinya Aoki Japan Japan
DREAM 8
Apr / 05 / 2009
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (0:27) Apr / 05 / 2009
ROUND1
TIME0:27
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM Welterweight GP Opening Round • Sakurai vs. Aoki 2
Tournament Opening Round
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Shinya Aoki
Fight LocationJapan Nagoya, Japan (Nippon Gaishi Hall)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Shinya Aoki Record at Bout (Opponent)20-3-0 (1 NC)
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout34-8-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Shinya Aoki: -240 (Favorite) vs Hayato Sakurai: +190 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Daisuke Noguchi
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Aoki rushed in looking for an immediate takedown; Sakurai stuffed it, landed devastating knees to the head and finished with rapid punches in just 27 seconds.
WIN
Katsuyori Shibata Japan Japan
Fields Dynamite!! 2008
Dec / 31 / 2008
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (7:01) Dec / 31 / 2008
ROUND1
TIME7:01
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Dynamite!! NYE Showcase • Sakurai vs. Shibata
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Katsuyori Shibata
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration1 x 10, 1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup185 lbs vs 185 lbs
Katsuyori Shibata Record at Bout (Opponent)2-4-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout33-8-2
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Shibata charged wildly out of the gates, but Sakurai absorbed the initial flurry, took down the pro-wrestler, and battered him with ground punches until the stoppage.
WIN
Kuniyoshi Hironaka Japan Japan
Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round
Sep / 23 / 2008
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00) Sep / 23 / 2008
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM 6 Welterweight Showcase • Sakurai vs. Hironaka
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Kuniyoshi Hironaka Record at Bout (Opponent)12-5-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout32-8-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -280 (Favorite) vs Kuniyoshi Hironaka: +220 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Kenichi Serizawa
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated the exchanges on the feet, picking apart UFC veteran Hironaka with precise counter-punching and heavy low kicks to take a unanimous verdict.
LOSS
David Baron France France
Shooto: Shooto Tradition 1
May / 03 / 2008
Submission
Rnd 1 (4:50) May / 03 / 2008
ROUND1
TIME4:50
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Tradition Main Event • Sakurai vs. Baron
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs David Baron
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (JCB Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
David Baron Record at Bout (Opponent)12-1-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout32-7-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai controlled the pace with striking before shooting in, where French grappler Baron caught him in a deep guillotine choke just 10 seconds before the bell.
WIN
Hidetaka Monma Japan Japan
Dream 1: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round
Mar / 15 / 2008
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (4:12) Mar / 15 / 2008
ROUND1
TIME4:12
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DREAM 1 Lightweight Bout • Sakurai vs. Monma
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Hidetaka Monma
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Hidetaka Monma Record at Bout (Opponent)14-7-3
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout31-7-2
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai punished Monma on the feet before knocking him down and delivering unanswered ground strikes to earn a first-round stoppage at DREAM’s inaugural show.
WIN
Hidehiko Hasegawa Japan Japan
Yarennoka!
Dec / 31 / 2007
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 31 / 2007
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Yarennoka! Welterweight Feature • Sakurai vs. Hasegawa
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Hidehiko Hasegawa
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Hidehiko Hasegawa Record at Bout (Opponent)14-8-5
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout30-7-2
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Returning to welterweight, Sakurai dismantled DEEP champion Hasegawa across 15 minutes with dynamic boxing, inside leg kicks, and takedown defense.
WIN
Mac Danzig United States United States
PRIDE 33
Feb / 24 / 2007
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (4:01) Feb / 24 / 2007
ROUND2
TIME4:01
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE 33 Catchweight (164 lbs) Bout • Sakurai vs. Danzig
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Mac Danzig
Fight LocationUnited States Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Thomas & Mack Center)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup164 lbs vs 164 lbs
Mac Danzig Record at Bout (Opponent)16-3-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout29-7-2
Disclosed Fighter Purse$10,000 USD
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Hayato Sakurai: -320 (Favorite) vs Mac Danzig: +240 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai timed Danzig with a devastating right hand in the second round, flattening the future TUF winner for a highlight-reel knockout in Las Vegas.
WIN
Luciano Azevedo Brazil Brazil
Pride – Bushido 12
Aug / 26 / 2006
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (4:35) Aug / 26 / 2006
ROUND1
TIME4:35
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 12 Feature • Sakurai vs. Azevedo
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Luciano Azevedo
Fight LocationJapan Nagoya, Japan (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Luciano Azevedo Record at Bout (Opponent)10-4-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout28-7-2
Officials
Ref: Minoru Toyonaga
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
After Azevedo pursued top position, Sakurai worked back up and sliced Azevedo over the left eye with a sharp knee strike, causing a doctor stoppage TKO.
WIN
Olaf Alfonso Mexico Mexico
Pride – Bushido 11
Jun / 04 / 2006
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (1:54) Jun / 04 / 2006
ROUND1
TIME1:54
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 11 Feature • Sakurai vs. Alfonso
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Olaf Alfonso
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Olaf Alfonso Record at Bout (Opponent)6-4-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout27-7-2
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai delivered one of PRIDE’s most memorable one-punch knockouts, catching Alfonso with a thunderous counter right hand at 1:54 of the first round.
LOSS
Takanori Gomi Title Fight Japan Japan
Pride FC: Shockwave 2005
Dec / 31 / 2005
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (3:56) Dec / 31 / 2005
ROUND1
TIME3:56
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
Belt Inaugural PRIDE Lightweight Championship • Gomi vs. Sakurai
Lightweight GP Final
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Takanori Gomi
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration1 x 10, 2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Takanori Gomi Record at Bout (Opponent)22-3-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout27-6-2
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Compromised by a pre-fight ACL tear, Sakurai traded ferocious leg kicks before a failed throw attempt allowed Gomi to take top position and finish with heavy punches at 3:56.
WIN
Joachim Hansen Norway Norway
Pride: Bushido 9
Sep / 25 / 2005
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00) Sep / 25 / 2005
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Lightweight GP Semifinal • Sakurai vs. Hansen
Tournament Semifinal
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Joachim Hansen
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Ariake Coliseum)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Joachim Hansen Record at Bout (Opponent)11-2-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout26-6-2
Officials
Ref: Minoru Toyonaga
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
High-paced battle between Shooto world champions. Sakurai utilized spinning kicks, sharp combinations, and crisp hip throws to outpoint Hansen over two rounds.
WIN
Jens Pulver United States United States
Pride: Bushido 9
Sep / 25 / 2005
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (8:56) Sep / 25 / 2005
ROUND1
TIME8:56
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Lightweight GP Opening Round • Sakurai vs. Pulver
Tournament Opening Round
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jens Pulver
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Ariake Coliseum)
Duration1 x 10, 1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Jens Pulver Record at Bout (Opponent)19-5-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout25-6-2
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Instant classic brawl. After absorbing early left hooks, Sakurai rallied with heavy body strikes and finished former UFC champion Pulver with a crushing knee to the body.
WIN
Shinya Aoki Japan Japan
Shooto: Alive Road
Aug / 20 / 2005
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Aug / 20 / 2005
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Main Event • Sakurai vs. Aoki 1
Main Event Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Shinya Aoki
Fight LocationJapan Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Shinya Aoki Record at Bout (Opponent)4-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout24-6-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai neutralized undefeated submission wizard Aoki from top position, landing crisp strikes and stuffing leg lock setups across three gruelling rounds.
WIN
Milton Vieira Brazil Brazil
Pride: Bushido 7
May / 22 / 2005
Decision – Split
Rnd 2 (5:00) May / 22 / 2005
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 7 • Sakurai vs. Vieira
Lightweight Debut
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Milton Vieira
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Ariake Coliseum)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup160 lbs vs 160 lbs
Milton Vieira Record at Bout (Opponent)4-2-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout23-6-2
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Dropping to 160 lbs for the first time, Sakurai fended off Vieira’s signature anaconda choke attempts and landed the heavier punches to claim a split decision.
LOSS
Crosley Gracie Brazil Brazil
PRIDE Bushido 5
Oct / 14 / 2004
Submission
Rnd 2 (1:02) Oct / 14 / 2004
ROUND2
TIME1:02
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 5 • Sakurai vs. Gracie
Middleweight Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Crosley Gracie
Fight LocationJapan Osaka, Japan (Osaka Castle Hall)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup183 lbs vs 183 lbs
Crosley Gracie Record at Bout (Opponent)1-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout23-5-2
Officials
Ref: Minoru Toyonaga
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai defended well in the first round before Gracie swept from guard in round two, securing an armbar at 1:02.
WIN
Brady Fink United States United States
PRIDE Bushido 4
Jul / 19 / 2004
Submission
Rnd 1 (4:08) Jul / 19 / 2004
ROUND1
TIME4:08
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 4 Welterweight Bout • Sakurai vs. Fink
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Brady Fink
Fight LocationJapan Nagoya, Japan (Nippon Gaishi Hall)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Brady Fink Record at Bout (Opponent)2-2-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout22-5-2
Officials
Ref: Minoru Toyonaga
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated the grappling exchanges and locked up a tight guillotine choke to elicit a first-round tap at 4:08.
LOSS
Rodrigo Gracie Brazil Brazil
PRIDE Bushido 2
Feb / 15 / 2004
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00) Feb / 15 / 2004
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Bushido 2 Feature • Sakurai vs. Gracie
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Rodrigo Gracie
Fight LocationJapan Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Arena)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup183 lbs vs 183 lbs
Rodrigo Gracie Record at Bout (Opponent)4-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout22-4-2
Officials
Ref: Yuji Shimada
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Gracie pushed Sakurai into the ropes and utilized ground control and knees to the head in the second round to take the decision victory.
WIN
Daiju Takase Japan Japan
PRIDE Shockwave 2003
Dec / 31 / 2003
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 31 / 2003
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 PRIDE Debut • Sakurai vs. Takase
PRIDE Debut
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Daiju Takase
Fight LocationJapan Saitama, Japan (Saitama Super Arena)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup183 lbs vs 183 lbs
Daiju Takase Record at Bout (Opponent)6-7-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout21-4-2
Officials
Ref: Moritaka Oshiro
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
After getting bloodied early by Takase, Sakurai took over with superior striking combinations and top control to claim a unanimous decision in his PRIDE debut.
LOSS
Ryo Chonan Japan Japan
Deep – 12th Impact
Sep / 15 / 2003
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (2:10) Sep / 15 / 2003
ROUND3
TIME2:10
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DEEP 12th Impact Main Event • Sakurai vs. Chonan 1
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ryo Chonan
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Ota City General Gymnasium)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Ryo Chonan Record at Bout (Opponent)5-2-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout21-3-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
A grueling stand-up clash ended when Chonan landed a slicing elbow/punch that caused a severe cut on Sakurai, forcing the ringside doctor to halt the fight at 2:10 of round three.
WIN
Dave Menne United States United States
Deep – 10th Impact
Jun / 25 / 2003
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:02) Jun / 25 / 2003
ROUND2
TIME2:02
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DEEP 10th Impact Main Event • Sakurai vs. Menne
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Dave Menne
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Differ Ariake)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup183 lbs vs 183 lbs
Dave Menne Record at Bout (Opponent)35-10-2
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout20-3-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai sliced former UFC middleweight champion Menne open with sharp knee strikes from the clinch, forcing the cageside doctor to stop the bout in round two.
WIN
Ryuki Ueyama Japan Japan
Deep – 8th Impact
Mar / 04 / 2003
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Mar / 04 / 2003
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 DEEP 8th Impact Main Event • Sakurai vs. Ueyama
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ryuki Ueyama
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup180 lbs vs 180 lbs
Ryuki Ueyama Record at Bout (Opponent)8-6-4
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout19-3-2
Officials
Ref: Samio Kimura
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated positional exchanges and landed crisp striking combinations across fifteen minutes against DEEP champion Ueyama to earn a unanimous decision.
LOSS
Jake Shields United States United States
Shooto: Year End Show 2002
Dec / 14 / 2002
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Dec / 14 / 2002
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Year End Main Event • Sakurai vs. Shields
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jake Shields
Fight LocationJapan Chiba, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Jake Shields Record at Bout (Opponent)7-2-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout19-2-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Shields utilized American folkstyle wrestling to ground Sakurai early in each round, maintaining smothering top control to claim a unanimous decision.
LOSS
Matt Hughes Title Fight United States United States
UFC 36: Worlds Collide
Mar / 22 / 2002
KO/TKO
Rnd 4 (3:01) Mar / 22 / 2002
ROUND4
TIME3:01
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
Belt UFC Welterweight Championship • Hughes vs. Sakurai
Challenger for UFC World Title
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Matt Hughes
Fight LocationUnited States Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Duration5 x 5 min
Weights Matchup169 lbs vs 170 lbs
Matt Hughes Record at Bout (Opponent)31-3-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout19-1-2
💰 Pre-Fight Betting Odds
Matt Hughes: -145 (Favorite) vs Hayato Sakurai: +115 (Underdog)
Officials
Ref: John McCarthy
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai challenged for the undisputed UFC welterweight championship; Hughes utilized explosive slam takedowns and heavy ground-and-pound to finish Sakurai at 3:01 of round four.
WIN
Dan Gilbert United States United States
Shooto: To The Top Final Act
Dec / 16 / 2001
Submission
Rnd 1 (1:52) Dec / 16 / 2001
ROUND1
TIME1:52
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Main Event • Sakurai vs. Gilbert
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Dan Gilbert
Fight LocationJapan Chiba, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Dan Gilbert Record at Bout (Opponent)7-2-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout18-1-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai bounced back in emphatic fashion, dropping for a swift heel hook to submit American wrestler Gilbert in under two minutes.
LOSS
Anderson Silva Title Fight Brazil Brazil
Shooto: To The Top 7
Aug / 26 / 2001
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Aug / 26 / 2001
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
Belt Shooto Middleweight Championship • Sakurai vs. Silva
Lost World Title
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Anderson Silva
Fight LocationJapan Osaka, Japan (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Anderson Silva Record at Bout (Opponent)5-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout18-0-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Future UFC middleweight GOAT Anderson Silva ended Sakurai’s undefeated 20-fight career streak by utilizing sharp clinch knees and precise muay thai striking to claim the Shooto world championship.
WIN
Jean Louis Alberch France France
Golden Trophy 2001
Mar / 01 / 2001
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (3:00) Mar / 01 / 2001
ROUND2
TIME3:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Golden Trophy 2001 Feature • Sakurai vs. Alberch 2
Superfight Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jean Louis Alberch
Fight LocationFrance Orléans, France (Palais des Sports)
Duration2 x 3 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Jean Louis Alberch Record at Bout (Opponent)1-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout17-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Traveling back to France, Sakurai systematically controlled Alberch across two rounds on the feet and on the canvas to take a comfortable decision.
WIN
Frank Trigg United States United States
Shooto: R.E.A.D. Final
Dec / 17 / 2000
KO/TKO
Rnd 2 (2:25) Dec / 17 / 2000
ROUND2
TIME2:25
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto R.E.A.D. Main Event • Sakurai vs. Trigg
Superfight Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Frank Trigg
Fight LocationJapan Chiba, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Frank Trigg Record at Bout (Opponent)7-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout16-0-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai met the wrestling pressure of undefeated American Frank Trigg with ferocious muay thai knees, knocking Trigg out in the second round to solidify his status as the pound-for-pound #1 welterweight.
WIN
Luiz Azeredo Brazil Brazil
Shooto: R.E.A.D. 8
Aug / 04 / 2000
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) Aug / 04 / 2000
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Feature • Sakurai vs. Azeredo
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Luiz Azeredo
Fight LocationJapan Osaka, Japan (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Luiz Azeredo Record at Bout (Opponent)3-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout15-0-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai neutralized the aggressive Chute Boxe striking of undefeated Brazilian Luiz Azeredo, using crisp technical counters and timely takedowns to win a unanimous decision.
WIN
Tetsuji Kato Title Fight Japan Japan
Shooto: R.E.A.D. 2
Mar / 17 / 2000
Decision – Split
Rnd 3 (5:00) Mar / 17 / 2000
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Split
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
Belt Shooto Middleweight Championship • Sakurai vs. Kato
Defended Shooto World Title
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Tetsuji Kato
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Tetsuji Kato Record at Bout (Opponent)8-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout14-0-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In a razor-thin tactical title defense, Sakurai edged undefeated top contender Tetsuji Kato by split decision to retain his Shooto world championship.
WIN
Haroldo Bunn Brazil Brazil
VTJ 1999: Vale Tudo Japan 1999
Dec / 11 / 1999
KO/TKO
Rnd 3 (1:31) Dec / 11 / 1999
ROUND3
TIME1:31
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Vale Tudo Japan 1999 Feature • Sakurai vs. Bunn
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Haroldo Bunn
Fight LocationJapan Chiba, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 8 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Haroldo Bunn Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout13-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dismantled Carlson Gracie black belt Bunn with blistering standup punches and ground strikes, forcing the referee to halt the bout in the third round.
WIN
Brad Aird Australia Australia
Shooto: Renaxis 2
Jul / 16 / 1999
Submission
Rnd 1 (0:37) Jul / 16 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:37
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Main Event • Sakurai vs. Aird
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Brad Aird
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Brad Aird Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout12-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai executed an immediate takedown, passed straight to mount, and secured a lightning armbar in only 37 seconds.
WIN
Marcelo Aguiar Brazil Brazil
Shooto: 10th Anniversary Event
May / 29 / 1999
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) May / 29 / 1999
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto 10th Anniversary Rematch • Sakurai vs. Aguiar 2
Superfight Rematch
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Marcelo Aguiar
Fight LocationJapan Yokohama, Japan (Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Marcelo Aguiar Record at Bout (Opponent)2-0-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout11-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Avenging their 1997 draw, Sakurai controlled Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout Aguiar with throws and dominant ground-and-pound to take a unanimous decision.
WIN
Jean Louis Alberch France France
Golden Trophy 1999
Mar / 20 / 1999
Submission
Rnd 1 (0:33) Mar / 20 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:33
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Golden Trophy 1999 Final • Sakurai vs. Alberch 1
Tournament Final
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jean Louis Alberch
Fight LocationFrance Orléans, France
Duration1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Jean Louis Alberch Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout10-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai captured the Golden Trophy tournament crown in France by submitting Alberch with an armbar in only 33 seconds.
WIN
Damien Riccio France France
Golden Trophy 1999
Mar / 20 / 1999
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 1 (5:00) Mar / 20 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Golden Trophy 1999 Semifinal • Sakurai vs. Riccio
Tournament Semifinal
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Damien Riccio
Fight LocationFrance Orléans, France
Duration1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Damien Riccio Record at Bout (Opponent)2-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout9-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai outgrappled French pioneer Damien Riccio to advance to the tournament finals.
WIN
James Schiavo United States United States
Golden Trophy 1999
Mar / 20 / 1999
Submission
Rnd 1 (0:26) Mar / 20 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:26
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Golden Trophy 1999 Quarterfinal • Sakurai vs. Schiavo
Tournament Quarterfinal
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs James Schiavo
Fight LocationFrance Orléans, France
Duration1 x 5 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
James Schiavo Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout8-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai wasted no time, dropping immediately into a submission and securing a toe hold at 0:26 of the opening round.
WIN
Ademir Oliveira Brazil Brazil
Shooto: Devilock Fighters
Jan / 15 / 1999
KO/TKO
Rnd 1 (0:34) Jan / 15 / 1999
ROUND1
TIME0:34
METHODKO/TKO
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Devilock Fighters Main Event • Sakurai vs. Oliveira
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ademir Oliveira
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Ademir Oliveira Record at Bout (Opponent)0-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout7-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai scored a highlight-reel knockout with a spectacular flying knee just 34 seconds into the first round.
WIN
Sergei Bytchkov Russia Russia
VTJ 1998: Vale Tudo Japan 1998
Oct / 28 / 1998
Submission
Rnd 1 (4:59) Oct / 28 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME4:59
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Vale Tudo Japan 1998 Feature • Sakurai vs. Bytchkov
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Sergei Bytchkov
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 8 min
Weights Matchup170 lbs vs 170 lbs
Sergei Bytchkov Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout6-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated position on the canvas before securing an armbar with only one second left in the opening round.
WIN
Ronny Rivano Netherlands Netherlands
Shooto: Las Grandes Viajes 4
Jul / 29 / 1998
Submission
Rnd 1 (1:10) Jul / 29 / 1998
ROUND1
TIME1:10
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Main Event • Sakurai vs. Rivano
Main Event
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ronny Rivano
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Ronny Rivano Record at Bout (Opponent)1-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout5-0-2
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai swiftly took the back of Dutch kickboxer Rivano, sinking in a tight rear-naked choke at 1:10 of the first round.
WIN
Jutaro Nakao Title Fight Japan Japan
Shooto: Las Grandes Viajes 3
May / 13 / 1998
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 3 (5:00) May / 13 / 1998
ROUND3
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
Belt Inaugural Shooto Middleweight Championship • Sakurai vs. Nakao
Won Inaugural Shooto Title
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Jutaro Nakao
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Jutaro Nakao Record at Bout (Opponent)4-1-1
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout4-0-2
Officials
Ref: Yoshinori Umeki
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai outworked submission ace Jutaro Nakao over three technical rounds, earning a unanimous decision to become the inaugural Shooto Middleweight World Champion.
DRAW
Marcelo Aguiar Brazil Brazil
VTJ 1997: Vale Tudo Japan 1997
Nov / 29 / 1997
Draw
Rnd 3 (8:00) Nov / 29 / 1997
ROUND3
TIME8:00
METHODDraw
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Vale Tudo Japan 1997 Superfight • Sakurai vs. Aguiar 1
Superfight
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Marcelo Aguiar
Fight LocationJapan Chiba, Japan (NK Hall)
Duration3 x 8 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Marcelo Aguiar Record at Bout (Opponent)2-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout4-0-1
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
A grueling 24-minute no-holds-barred war against Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout Marcelo Aguiar concluded in a hard-fought time limit draw.
WIN
Alex Cook United States United States
Shooto: Reconquista 4
Oct / 12 / 1997
Submission
Rnd 1 (1:09) Oct / 12 / 1997
ROUND1
TIME1:09
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Reconquista 4 Feature • Sakurai vs. Cook
Main Card Feature
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Alex Cook
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Alex Cook Record at Bout (Opponent)1-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout3-0-1
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai dominated the clinch, transitioned to Cook’s back, and sunk in a rear-naked choke at 1:09 of round one.
WIN
Ali Elias United States United States
Shooto: Reconquista 3
Aug / 27 / 1997
Submission
Rnd 1 (1:23) Aug / 27 / 1997
ROUND1
TIME1:23
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Reconquista 3 Feature • Sakurai vs. Elias
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Ali Elias
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Ali Elias Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout2-0-1
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai executed a crisp judo throw and effortlessly transitioned into an armbar to secure the submission tap at 1:23.
WIN
Hiroyuki Kojima Japan Japan
Shooto: Gig
Jun / 25 / 1997
Decision – Unanimous
Rnd 2 (5:00) Jun / 25 / 1997
ROUND2
TIME5:00
METHODDecision – Unanimous
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto: Gig Feature • Sakurai vs. Kojima
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Hiroyuki Kojima
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration2 x 5 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Hiroyuki Kojima Record at Bout (Opponent)2-0-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout1-0-1
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai controlled the striking exchanges on the feet and repeatedly scored takedowns to claim a unanimous decision across two rounds.
DRAW
Takuya Kuwabara Japan Japan
Shooto: Reconquista 1
Jan / 18 / 1997
Draw
Rnd 3 (3:00) Jan / 18 / 1997
ROUND3
TIME3:00
METHODDraw
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Shooto Reconquista 1 • Sakurai vs. Kuwabara
Featured Bout
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Takuya Kuwabara
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 3 min
Weights Matchup168 lbs vs 168 lbs
Takuya Kuwabara Record at Bout (Opponent)3-1-0
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout1-0-0
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
Sakurai and submission specialist Kuwabara traded reversals and leg lock attempts over three fast-paced 3-minute rounds to fight to an official draw.
WIN
Caol Uno Japan Japan
Shooto: Let’s Get Lost
Oct / 04 / 1996
Submission
Rnd 1 (2:52) Oct / 04 / 1996
ROUND1
TIME2:52
METHODSubmission
Bout Specifications & Fight Financials View Dossier arrow
🥊 Professional MMA Debut • Sakurai vs. Uno
Pro Debut
Fighter MatchupHayato Sakurai vs Caol Uno
Fight LocationJapan Tokyo, Japan (Korakuen Hall)
Duration3 x 3 min
Weights Matchup155 lbs vs 155 lbs
Caol Uno Record at Bout (Opponent)0-0-0 (Debut)
Hayato Sakurai Record at Bout0-0-0 (Debut)
🥊 Action & Knockdowns:
In a historic clash of future Japanese MMA legends making their professional debuts, Sakurai brought Uno to the canvas and locked up a textbook armbar at 2:52 of round one.
HAYATO SAKURAI NEWS
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