Life is slowly starting to return to something approaching normal in Japan. Shooto and Pancrase have cards booked and two MMA legends took the opportunity to train together after lockdown.
Earlier today Kazushi Sakuraba shared photos on Twitter of him training with former foe Ikuhisa Minowa:
【Restart】
久しぶりにみんなと練習しました。
まだまだ100%ではないので、気をつけながらやっていきましょう！ミノワマン!! そんなに俺を避けないでぇ〜。#桜庭和志 #ミノワマン 選手 #練習 pic.twitter.com/TsSYYHerXQ
— SAKU39 Official (@KS_SAKU39) June 20, 2020
Sakuraba and ‘Minowaman’ fought at Pride: ‘Shockwave’ 2005. The former emerged victorious, securing a kimura with just one second remaining in the opening round.
Sakuraba has long since retired from MMA while Minowa has only fought once in the last three years. The former rivals appear to now be friends and have competed together on several Quintet cards.
Both men took to Twitter to announce they were training again after a long break. Sakuraba retired from MMA with a record of 26-26-1-2 and the ‘Gracie Hunter’ is famous for his exploits in the Pride ring as well as winning a UFC tournament in 1997.
Minowa’s record currently stands at 65-43-8 making him one of the most experienced fighters in MMA history. He has also won a tournament, claiming the Dream Super Hulk Grand Prix in 2009.
The Japanese MMA calendar is starting to look busier with several cards booked next month. Pancrase 316 is set for July 24th, Shooto 0712 is set for July 12th and Deep-Jewels 29 is set for July 23rd.
