Augusto Sakai

Augusto Sakai: The Brazilian UFC Heavyweight Contender and Knockout Specialist

Augusto Sakai, born May 19, 1991 in Curitiba, Brazil, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the UFC's heavyweight division. Sakai is known for his powerful striking, his ability to put pressure on opponents, and his strong Muay Thai skills. An experienced fighter with a background in kickboxing, Sakai has established himself as one of the solid fighters in the UFC's toughest division.

Early Life and Career

Sakai was born and raised in Curitiba, a city known for its strong martial arts culture. He began practicing martial arts at a young age, including Muay Thai and kickboxing, and quickly developed a passion for MMA. Sakai began his professional MMA career in 2011, initially fighting in regional promotions in Brazil, where he made a name for himself with his strong striking and ability to finish fights quickly.

Sakai got his big break in 2018 when he competed on Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil, where he scored an impressive victory that earned him a UFC contract and opened the door to international fame.

UFC Career

Augusto Sakai made his official UFC debut in September 2018 at UFC Fight Night 137, where he defeated Chase Sherman via third-round TKO. From there, Sakai quickly built momentum in the heavyweight division with a series of wins over tough opponents such as Andrei Arlovski, Marcin Tybura and Blagoy Ivanov.

Sakai's breakthrough moment came in May 2020 when he defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski via split decision. He followed this up with a unanimous decision win over Blagoy Ivanov that solidified his position as a top contender in the division.

Although Sakai has suffered several losses since then against top fighters such as Alistair Overeem and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, he remains a dangerous force in the heavyweight division. His ability to pressure opponents with powerful punches and his solid Muay Thai style make him a constant threat to anyone in the division.

Style and Technique

Augusto Sakai is best known for his powerful striking, which comes from his background in Muay Thai and kickboxing. He is adept at combining powerful punches and kicks, and his ability to apply constant pressure makes him dangerous in a standup fight. Sakai is effective in the clinch, using knees and elbows to inflict damage when he can keep opponents against the cage.

While his strength lies primarily in his striking, Sakai has also worked on his grappling and defense against takedowns, making him a more well-rounded fighter. However, he relies primarily on his striking to dominate and finish fights.

Future Ambitions

Augusto Sakai remains focused on his rise in the UFC heavyweight division. With his experience and impressive striking skills, he has the potential to return to the top of the division. His goal is to re-establish himself as a top contender and challenge for UFC gold. Sakai continues to work on improving his overall fight game in order to return to the winners column.

Conclusion

Augusto Sakai is a dangerous heavyweight fighter in the UFC, known for his powerful striking and ability to pressure opponents. While he has had some challenges throughout his UFC career, he remains a consistent threat in the division thanks to his solid Muay Thai skills and determination to continue to grow as a fighter. As he continues to improve, Sakai will remain a name to watch in the UFC heavyweight division.