Could any Gracie have beaten Sakuraba?

[Scimowser]

Rickson, who lets face it was a complete different level than any other member of his family, would have been the only one to have stood a chance IMO. I think that had he been on his game he could have subbed him, sure as hell wouldnt have KO'd him and would possibly have played right into Saks hands had he tried to exchange blows. Its a hell of a shame that Rickson didnt come along 10-15 years later than he did, this is the time to really test yourself. Not against 1 dimensional fighters

[torquemada]

Sak beat every other Gracie.  Ever see his fight w/ Renzo?  After the fight, Gracie said he was the Japanese Gracie.  Very respectful...

[BigNBloated]

Saku would beat him hands down. Hes one of the best mixed martial artists ever, beyond any grappling or gracie guy couldnt understand.

[Earl1972]

rickson would've destroyed him

E

[Scimowser]

i wouldnt go that far mate, it would have been one hell of a fight without a doubt but as i said, if Rickson had decided to trade with him he would have been KO'd. His best best would have been to get him down and sub him early

[BigNBloated]

I dont think you understand guys, there were very few times where saku was in trouble when fighting any of the gracies. He beat the best of the best in MMA the gracies had to offer. We're not talking about whos submission game was the best. Saku was a pro wrestler and has great takedown defense and submission skills. He absolutely dominated Ryan Gracie who is the youngest of the bunch he got in the ring with. I cant see him losing.

[americanbulldog]

Rickson would give him the hardest fight. 

[BigNBloated]

Rickson would give him the hardest fight. 

Fair enough.

[Thin Lizzy]

Saku always had a size/strength advantage. It would be interesting to see how he would do against 6'4" 220lb Roger Gracie.

[americanbulldog]

Royce was larger than Saku (taller).  Renzo is similarly sized, as is Ryan.  Conan was much larger (not a Gracie, but part of Carlson's team), Ebenezer Braga is similarly sized, and although a Lutra Livre fighter, he is a member of Gracie Barra.  Rickson, if he could get the fight to the ground would have had a DEFINITIVE advantage.  Saku's wrestling was so good, and if it were to go to the ground, Saku would be in top position and probably sit in Rickson's guard knees to elbows and await the stand up.  Altough his standup isn't anything to write home about, Saku is better than Rickson here.  So even match, whomever can dictate where the fight takes place mostly wins.  BTW, the rumors of Rickson's ground abilities are grossly UNDERESTIMATED.  I attended a seminar years ago, and as is customary, he rolled with everyone there and submitted everyone within 3 minutes.  Over 85+ rolled with him including Egan and Enson Inoue. 

[BigNBloated]

I still dont think he could beat saku. Saku's standup may not be technically sound but its very effective, unorthodox and hard to deal with.