Who will be the first in PRIDE to beat Sakuraba?

[Mr. Miyagi]

If Frank vs Sak occurs in the USA then Sak would not be allowed to kick a downed opponent, even if they are butt scooting, which is a stupid rule. I know Sak can take Frank down anytime and can probably escape his guard but then what if he can't kick him from there? Sak won't fight in the USA and Frank doesn't want to fight any more anyway, he's just talking smack.

Miyagi:

I disagree. Frank will lay the smack-down on Sak, and THEN retire for good to spend more "quality-time" with his wife.

Bastard.

I hope Sak kills him.

Also, Sak is good at takedowns, but not to the point where he can take Frank down at will. It's hard to shoot when you're eating Thai-kicks and punches.

[Darren]

NAH!

Franks doesn't really match up that well with Sak. Frank is great so it is a toss up, but he certainly doesn't match up particularly well with Sak. Sak has been up against better strikers, and Frank's other great strength is his submission skill, but Sak is GREAT at subs and is not likely vulonerable there. In terms of wrestling skill Sak iis better and would probably be on top on the ground.

the fight that Sak would lose would be to Tito!!!

He matches up extremely well with Sak. It would look like Mezger expect that Tito is more dangerous and powerful. Tito would probably not get subbed and would pound out Sak.

Another guy with a chance would be Silva. He is probably good enough to not get subbed, at least long enough to have a good opportunity to hurt or KO Sak. Silva can beat ANYONE on a given night b/c he is SO dangerous and he can finish you quickly.

I also like a guy like Matt Hughes or Frank Trigg against Sak, just b/c these guys are SO DAMNED tough and powerful that it's hard to do anything to them...and they can hurt you badly. I think if Hughes bulked up he would probably not get Subbed and Sak might have a hard time doing anything much to him.

[Whtown]

I think Frank has the best chance. Everyone would like to see that fight.

[keithws]

Ronin, I can see you're point regarding Silva.

I just think Silva can keep it on their feet long enough to cause Sak some problems.

Darren, I agree that Sak has fought two better strikers (Vov and Vitor), and he didn't fair well on both occassions. Vitor had the misfortune to break his hands which I believed saved Sak's ass. Vov on the other hand put a hurtin on Sak.

Frank may not hit as hard as Vov or as fast Vitor, but he definitely strikes hard and he only gets better as the fight progresses. I think people down play Frank's ability because of bad position at times, but is there a more explosive finisher or better conditioned athlete in the sport?

Frank has the best overall weapons in the game. He's the only fighter that I've seen finish fights with knees, fist, throws, and subs. And the main point, is he always finishes regardless of time constraints.

In my opinion, this would be the premier match up in NHB without a doubt.

later.........

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

I find it funny people actually thing that Vitor would've beaten him that night had his "hand not been broken." Vitor Belfort is the MOST OVERRATED FIGHTER IN NHB EVER!

[Tony10]

Well, here's the tally so far:

Frank Shamrock - 7
Vitor - 2
Tito - 2
Goes - 1
Henderson - 1
Randleman - 1
Silva - 1
Royce - 1

While I voted for Frank, I will agree that I think Tito could take him too...

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

While we're in the voting spirit, I vote for Frank or Tito

Sak is too smart for Tito, although Tito is strong enough to have a chance for a decision (and that's all).

He is not too smart for Frank. Frank showed he can fight well from his back. Can Sak say the same? And Frank can defend kicks well, and throw better punches than Sak.

Throw in Frank's conditioning and he will KO Sak, providing he doesn't make a critical mistake like Renzo did.