VIDEO: Son of 'Gracies Hunter' makes MMA debut with knockout in just 26 seconds

Son of legendary fighter Kazushi Sakuraba, Taisei Sakuraba secured his father's legacy with a remarkable victory at Rizin. Photo: Reproduced from Instagram

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Like father, Rizin's special end-of-year card, which took place this Tuesday (31) in Saitama, Japan, marked the MMA debut of the son of legendary fighter Kazushi Sakuraba, known as the 'Gracies' Shoemaker'. Taisei Sakuraba needed just 26 seconds to secure his first career victory.

With his father watching closely from the corner, Taisei faced veteran Yusuke Yachi, who has over 40 professional fights under his belt. However, experience alone was not enough to take on the 26-year-old.

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As soon as the fight began, Taisei had his leg grabbed, but he retaliated with a cross that sent Yusuke to the canvas. Sakuraba's son went for the ground and pound to settle the score until the referee stopped him. (see video below)

There's going to be some talk of the quick stoppage, but that isn't on Taisei Sakuraba. THAT is how you make your debut against a 40+ fight veteran. Mere seconds. The legacy continues! #RIZIN_Decade (footage courtesy of RIZIN FF/RIZIN.tv) pic.twitter.com/bQyAc6pTnj

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) December 31, 2024

With over 40 fights under his belt, Kazushi Sakuraba became a Pride legend between the late 90s and early 2000s. The Japanese fighter defeated four members of the Gracie family: Royler, Royce, Renzo and Ryan, earning him the nickname 'The Gracie Hunter'. At 55 years old, Sakuraba has 26 wins, 17 losses, one draw and two no contests in his career.

And based on his son's promising start, Kazushi may have an even more lasting legacy.