Hayato Sakurai

Quick Facts

Full Name	Hayato Sakurai
Occupation	Mma Fighter
Date Of Birth	Aug 24, 1975(1975-08-24)
Age	49
Birthplace	Ibaraki
Country	Japan
Birth City	Ibaraki Prefecture
Horoscope	Leo

Hayato Sakurai Biography

Hayato Sakurai is one of the most popular and richest MMA Fighter who was born on August 24, 1975 in Ibaraki, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Former Shooto welterweight Champion, who competed for PRIDE, Dream and the UFC.

On March 22, 2002, He suffered a TKO defeat caused by Matt Hughes strikes on March 22, 2002. strikes led to a TKO loss.

Joining Naoki Sakurada’s Gutsman team, Sakurai made his professional debut in Shooto on October 4, 1996 by submitting Caol Uno. Over the next five years he would go undefeated in eighteen bouts, representing the promotion in three consecutive victories at the renowned Vale Tudo Japan event, as well as French MMA promotion Golden Trophy 1999. Hayato would also win that organization’s Shooto Middleweight Champion from Jutaro Nakao, which he defended before Tetsuji Kato.

Sakurai began training in judo during middle school, gaining several championships and then also began training in karate. During high school, he became friends with fellow combat sportsmen Michihiro Omigawa and Kazuyuki Miyata. He later became interested in shootboxing and joined Caesar Takeshi’s dojo, competing for his promotion during years. In 1996, he wandered in mixed martial arts and entered Kiguchi Dojo, where he trained with Noriaki Kiguchi and Satoru Sayama’s apprentice Noboru Asahi. At the end, he ended joining the Shooto organization along with a young Takanori Gomi.

In 2008, he had a well-publicized extramarital affair.

Hayato Sakurai Net Worth

Hayato Sakurai is one of the richest Mma Fighter from Japan. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes & Business Insider, Hayato Sakurai 's net worth $5 Million. (Last Update: December 11, 2023)

His MMA debut was won by an armbar submission on October 4, 1996.

Before facing He was undefeated in his first 20 fights before facing Anderson Silva in 2001., he was undefeated in his 20 first fights.

Hayato Sakurai (桜井 速人 , Sakurai Hayato) also known as Mach (マッハ , Mahha) , born August 24, 1975, is a Japanese mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 1996, he has formerly competed for the UFC, PRIDE, DREAM, Shooto, Vale Tudo Japan, DEEP, and participated in the Yarennoka!, Dynamite!! 2008, Dynamite!! 2009, Dynamite!! 2010, and Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 events. Sakurai finished second (Silver) in the Absolute Class (no weight limit) ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in 1999 at just under 77 kg. During the height of his career in 2000 and 2001 he was considered to be one of the top pound for pound fighters in MMA. He is the former Shooto Middleweight Champion.

Height, Weight & Body Measurements

Hayato Sakurai height 5 ft 7 in Hayato weight 80 kg & body measurements will update soon.

Who is Hayato Sakurai Dating?

According to our records, Hayato Sakurai is possibily single & has not been previously engaged. As of December 1, 2023, Hayato Sakurai’s is not dating anyone.

Relationships Record : We have no records of past relationships for Hayato Sakurai. You may help us to build the dating records for Hayato Sakurai!

In 2005 Sakurai regained focus and went to the US to train with legendary Pancrase coach Matt Hume. It was announced that he would drop down to 160 lb (73 kg). in order to participate in the PRIDE Lightweight Grand Prix. Despite his revered and legendary early career some questioned if Sakurai could make an impact in the division. Sakurai silenced his critics when he defeated former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver and former Shooto Lightweight Champion Joachim Hansen on the same night to advance to the tournament finals.

Facts & Trivia

Hayato Ranked on the list of most popular MMA Fighter. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in Japan. Hayato Sakurai celebrates birthday on August 24 of every year.

Sakurai fought against former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion and future The Ultimate Fighter 6 Winner Mac Danzig at PRIDE 33. Sakurai won the fight via knockout in the second round. Sakurai was then defeated by David Baron by submission in the first round. Sakurai then defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka via unanimous decision. Sakurai then went on to defeat professional wrestler Katsuyori Shibata by TKO at Dynamite!! 2008. In a shocking start, Shibata charged across the ring and almost fell through the ropes when Sakurai dodged him, and then unloaded all his offensive with the intention to end the fight early, but Hayato took him down and punished him methodically until the stoppage.

Top Facts about Hayato Sakurai

1. Hayato Sakurai is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist.
2. He was born on September 24, 1975 in Yokohama, Japan.
3. Sakurai competed in various MMA organizations including PRIDE and UFC.
4. He held the Shooto Welterweight Championship from 1999 to 2000.
5. Sakurai also won the PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix in 2006.
6. His professional record stands at 42 wins, 14 losses, and two draws.
7. Sakurai is known for his striking skills and powerful kicks.
8. He retired from MMA competition in December 2015.
9. In retirement, he has worked as a coach and commentator for RIZIN Fighting Federation.
10. Sakurai is considered one of the greatest Japanese fighters of all time.