Kazushi Sakuraba has entered an interesting challenge. He’s set to grapple Frank Shamrock at Rizin.
Friday it was announced that Kazushi Sakuraba will face Frank Shamrock in a grappling match on the company’s next show . Shamrock is a late replacement for Dan Henderson – who pulled out due to a neck injury.
Shamrock confirmed himself shortly after the press conference.
He started training about a week ago and confirmed the match this week.
Back in the day Sakuraba vs Shamrock was considered the biggest possible match – Shamrock had retired as the UFC champion after many great finishes and Sakuraba was huge fighting star in Japan at the time.
Shamrock challenged Sakuraba at the time at Pride however the match never happened.
Sakuraba is currently 48 years old and had grappled Renzo Gracie and also he’s been in a tag team challenge against Wanderlei Silva and Tamura.
Rizin grappling rules mean 15 minute matches without points – this effectively means sub only or the fight is declared a draw.
Shamrock last grappled Henderson in 1997 to a victory. Shamrock is currently 44 years old.
