Today is the 15 year anniversary of Sakuraba vs. Rampage. I wrote all about it, would love for you guys to give it a read: https://respectthefighters.com/2016...look-back-at-sakuraba-rampage-15-years-later/
Rampage didn't realize that Sakuraba was a pro wrestler that was used to taking slams over and over again Anyway do you guys think any version of GSP would have beaten rampage in 2001? If not why do people rank GSP above Sakuraba? Sakuraba is a natural welterweight..
I believe Rampage has implied that fight was a work. I'm not saying it was, but it's a relevant part of the history.
I don't know for sure but I think it was that they said they'd bonus rampage if he got KOd or choked out. I think he just ignored it though based on the fact he tapped. Who knows though.
Rampage is full od BS. Sakuraba took quite a bit of punishment in that fight. Sak was thrown to prime Mirko, Wandy (twice) and Rampage in 17 months. They seemed to wanted him dead, and they did manage to destroy him.
They for sure made him cut extra weight and he claims they poisoned him. Other orgs I'd say a story like that is bullshit but with early Pride and Sakuraba it's possible.
They offered Rampage money to throw the fight by getting KO'd or to get subbed and not tap (go unconscious), he refused. http://www.mmanews.com/pride-tried-bribing-rampage-to-lose-to-sakuraba/
