Trying To Make Sense Of The Dream Betting Odds
(We know he can take a beating, but can he still give one?)
I admit it, I was shocked to see the betting odds for Dream.4 list Kazushi Sakuraba as a favorite over Melvin Manhoef. In his time, Sakuraba was a beautiful phenomenon. And yet, all things come to an end. He’s old, he’s banged up, and Manhoef plays to all his greatest weaknesses (crazy strikers with a hankering for blood).
Then I remembered Guy Mezger’s comments about the shenanigans that have been known to happen in Japan, and I thought twice. Could that be it? Could enough people be putting money down on Sakuraba as a sentimental favorite? Maybe. Or maybe all they remember are the good old days.
After going back and taking a look, I admit it, Sakuraba’s good old days were pretty good. Refresh your own memory with this fun highlight. After the jump, take a look at Manhoef’s. Should be an interesting weekend.
Kazushi Sakuraba Highlight Video – Watch more free videos
Kazushi Sakuraba’s Legacy
Kazushi Sakuraba, the “Gracie Hunter”, became a legend in Pride by beating Royler, Renzo, Royce and Ryan Gracie. His marathon 90-minute win over Royce Gracie in 2000 is one of the most famous fights in MMA history.
By 2008 the damage of years of fighting heavier opponents was showing, which is why fans debated whether he should still be competing against powerful strikers like Melvin Manhoef. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2017.