Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Augusto Sakai
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Added to UFC Vancouver card
Sakai will face Marcin Tybura at UFC Vancouver on Sept. 14, Nolan King of Flocombat reports.
ANALYSIS
Sakai has gotten off to a good start to his UFC career, picking up wins via TKO and split decision in his first two fights with the promotion. The 28-year-old Brazillian has recorded 10 of his 13 victories via KO or TKO, so he'll likely look to keep Tybura -- who has won matches both via KO/TKO and submission -- at distance.
Sakai has gotten off to a good start to his UFC career, picking up wins via TKO and split decision in his first two fights with the promotion. The 28-year-old Brazillian has recorded 10 of his 13 victories via KO or TKO, so he'll likely look to keep Tybura -- who has won matches both via KO/TKO and submission -- at distance.
Catches a break against Arlovski
Sakai defeated Andrei Arlovski via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) at UFC Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Despite being over a decade younger than his opponent, Sakai looked to have trouble getting off combinations and threw significantly less volume than the UFC veteran. Most of his success came when targeting the head of Arlovski, whereas Arlovski was able to get off much more damaging shots to the body. This was a fight Sakai was supposed to win as a (-165) betting favorite, but he didn't inspire much confidence moving forward after barely escaping with the victory. Sakai clearly has some work to do, but is now 2-0 with the UFC after getting his opportunity via Dana White's Contender Series.
Despite being over a decade younger than his opponent, Sakai looked to have trouble getting off combinations and threw significantly less volume than the UFC veteran. Most of his success came when targeting the head of Arlovski, whereas Arlovski was able to get off much more damaging shots to the body. This was a fight Sakai was supposed to win as a (-165) betting favorite, but he didn't inspire much confidence moving forward after barely escaping with the victory. Sakai clearly has some work to do, but is now 2-0 with the UFC after getting his opportunity via Dana White's Contender Series.
Added to Fort Lauderdale card
Sakai (undisclosed) will take on Andrei Arlovski in a heavyweight matchup at UFC Fort Lauderdale on April 27, Alexander K. Lee of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sakai gets quite the opportunity here, as the 27-year-old Brazilian gets to face a fighter with plenty of name recognition that seems to be fading late in his career. He was dealt a medical suspension after his last UFC debut -- a KO/TKO victory over Chase Sherman -- but appears to have since been cleared. Sakai has won three in a row after exiting Bellator on the heels of a split-decision loss to Cheick Kongo. He picked up a finish on Dana White's Contender Series, and followed it up with that aforementioned stoppage. On the other side of the cage, Arlovski is 40 years old and has lost three in a row. Anything can happen when two heavyweights come out swinging, but look for the younger Sakai to potentially enter as a favorite.
Sakai gets quite the opportunity here, as the 27-year-old Brazilian gets to face a fighter with plenty of name recognition that seems to be fading late in his career. He was dealt a medical suspension after his last UFC debut -- a KO/TKO victory over Chase Sherman -- but appears to have since been cleared. Sakai has won three in a row after exiting Bellator on the heels of a split-decision loss to Cheick Kongo. He picked up a finish on Dana White's Contender Series, and followed it up with that aforementioned stoppage. On the other side of the cage, Arlovski is 40 years old and has lost three in a row. Anything can happen when two heavyweights come out swinging, but look for the younger Sakai to potentially enter as a favorite.
Receives 180-day medical suspension
Sakai was given a 180-day medical suspension Tuesday, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sakai defeated his opponent this past weekend by TKO (punches), but he apparently broke his right thumb in the process. He's still waiting on a doctor's decision as to whether or not it needs surgery, which could alter how soon he can get medically cleared. His situation should become clearer relatively soon.
Sakai defeated his opponent this past weekend by TKO (punches), but he apparently broke his right thumb in the process. He's still waiting on a doctor's decision as to whether or not it needs surgery, which could alter how soon he can get medically cleared. His situation should become clearer relatively soon.
Finds a way in UFC debut Saturday in Sao Paulo
Sakai defeated Chase Sherman via TKO (punches) at 4:03 of Round 3 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
ANALYSIS
147 significant strikes landed later, Sakai had a win in his UFC debut. It was far from a flawless effort. The Brazilian ate more than his fair of shots from Sherman and has gas tank was questionable - although not as bad as his Sherman's. A win is a win, but Sakai isn't going to be a threat moving forward if he fights like he did on Saturday. The former Bellator heavyweight now has 10 knockout wins in his career.
147 significant strikes landed later, Sakai had a win in his UFC debut. It was far from a flawless effort. The Brazilian ate more than his fair of shots from Sherman and has gas tank was questionable - although not as bad as his Sherman's. A win is a win, but Sakai isn't going to be a threat moving forward if he fights like he did on Saturday. The former Bellator heavyweight now has 10 knockout wins in his career.