Kazushi Sakuraba’s son Taisei Sakuraba secured a knockout victory in his first K-1 amateur fight after being mentored by K-1 founder Kazuyoshi Ishii on Saturday.
Sakuraba Jr, 25, who has a background in judo, represented the K-1 Kamata gym – where he has been training three times a week - at the 62nd K-1 Amateur All Japan Tournament which took place at the GEN Sports Palace.
The judo black belt, who is 180cm and weighs 75kg, stopped a young fighter from Reversal Gym Tokyo.
Sakuraba announced his arrival on the combat stage by defeating Japan’s disgraced double Olympic judo champion Masato Uchishiba in QUINTET in September.
Taisei Sakuraba, who is a southpaw, connected with shots including a left middle kick, a strong right hand and a left high kick.
The contest was waved off in round two as the son of the UFC Hall of Famer had built a five-point advantage which is scored as a KO stoppage victory.
Sakuraba ran over to his father post-match at ringside in celebration.
The Gracie Hunter, who was seemingly inspired by his son’s success, said: “I want to be in there too!”
K-1 founder Kazuyoshi Ishii (below), who was recently installed as an advisor for the relaunched Japanese kicking promotion, spent with time Sakuraba Jr pre-fight and offered him tactical advice.
The K-1 newcomer received advice on crescent kicks from Ishii.
Sakuraba Jr said: “If I have a chance, I would like to try a K-1 match again.”
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