*How would prime Sakuraba perform against Woodley? And against Maia?*

[Seiryoku Zenyo]

1. I know Sakuraba had a much better striking arsenal than Maia, but how do you imagine his performance if he was the guy facing Woodley at UFC 214?
Sakuraba would've got the TD?
Good enough to strike with Woodley?

2. What about Sakuraba Vs Maia?
Maia by RNC?
Sakuraba by kimura?
Sakuraba by UD?

 

[RhoneKill]

Lose to both but the Maia fight would be more competitive. This is assuming that Woodly(The stand up chip damage version of GSP) actully displays the skills that got him the belt.

Also, Saku does not have better striking than Maia per se, rather, Saku uses more tools than Maia. Maia does not land much but he doesn't get punched often on the fee either. Saku had no real concept of defense outside of walking backwards.

 

[knspiracy]

Sakuraba would "FIGHT". Win or lose, there would be engagement.

 

[njgrappler]

I would think they would both be a bit too strong for Saku, and would be able to grind him out. And thats not a knock on Sakuraba at all, I love Saku. You're comparing fighters from vastly different worlds though. Training level, cardio and overall skills are much higher on average now, and Woodley and Maia are the cream of the crop at this point in the evolution of the sport.

 

[emiraga]

Go watch Saku vs Cro Cop. The guy didn't give a flying saucer in the sky that Cro Cop was a world class kickboxer and about 2 weight classes above him. There are very few fighters in the world, Cerrone being 1 of the few, who was a pure, bring on anyone badass. Not saying that is smart, but it would be nice to have a few more of those type of fighters around in this day and age. Understanding the risks you are taking by doing that but not giving a crap is why we are talking about almost the same loses to wins record Saku to this day and will do so for years to come.

 

[Summoning]

PRIME Saku has wins over far better LHW and HW.

Woodley and Maia are crap next to the people´s GOAT Saku.

 

[Typrune Goatley]

Before yesterday everyone would laugh and say Maia and Woodley kill him.

But after last night you can see that Sakuraba actually had better takedowns than Maia. He would have actually got Woodley to the ground. Saku took down far bigger men. Just not sure If he could keep him down for more than a minute.

Sakuraba is not afraid to get hit. He fought Wand, Cro Cop, Igor.

Not saying Sak would win every time but I definitely give him a chance. As a matter of fact, it would probably look like all of Woodley's fights. Very hesitant, slow, lackluster and one guy barely squeaking by. Likely to go to the judges unless Woodley landed a KO shot or if Saku pulled off a nice sub.

Sakuraba vs Maia would be a far more interesting grappling battle.

Woodley would try to do the same thing to Sak that he just did to Maia. Its actually very predictable what everyone will try to do. I just want to know if Sakuraba could even get a chance to go for a sub, because Woodley would be trying to explode back to his feet the entire time.

It would likely be very boring TBH

 

[Thepaintbucket]

He would have a great chance. The guy fought some of the scariest LHWs in MMA history. Saka wouldn't be gun shy at all. He's fought Vitor, Kevin Randleman, Crocop, Rampage, Igor Vovchanchyn, and Antônio Rogério Nogueira for Christ sakes.