Hayato Sakurai is one of the most exciting lightweight fighters from who has been fighting for over 11 years since 1996. While his best fighting years were in Shooto during late 90's and early 2000's, he came back strong in 2005 during Pride Bushido 9 - The Lightweight Tournament (one of the best MMA shows to date btw) and defeated former UFC Lightweight champion Jens Pulver and former Shooto Lightweight champion Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen on the same night!!! It was truly an amazing night where Sakurai was at the top of his game twice to advance to the tournament final to face also amazing Takanori Gomi. While Sakurai lost to Gomi in the final, he went on a 3 KO/TKO win streak against some tough opposition including latest Ultimate Fighter 6 winner Mac Danzig. Sakurai has sharp aggresive striking game, great, often high amplitude, takedowns and also aggressive ground and pound, and a great ability to smoothly transition between all the aspects of his MMA game. So I was really looking forward to his return to MMA after almost a year long layoff. He was facing a very average journeyman Hasegawa. It should have been an easy fight where he could put a great show for the fans.

I initially overlooked him looking kind of soft as the first 30 seconds he was landing some snappy body kicks and some punches. For about a minute after Sakurai looked great, but then I could not believe my eyes. I thought I was watching the guy who beat two tough champions on the same night and just put together 3 vicious TKO victories. What I was seeing though was barely a shadow of Sakurai's even worst moments in some of his losses. He looked lethargic, his punches had zero power standing up or on the ground. I mean he was landing punches standing up and doing no damage, taking Hasegawa down and just laying on top and not doing any real damage.

During the break after round 1 Hasegawa, I'm sure of it, couldn't believe that he was hanging in there with Sakurai and was still in the fight. His corner literally slapped, see the screenshot, some more confidence into him and in Round 2 he came out swinging at Sakurai with his chin up. Ya, with his chin up against Sakurai with the sloppiest striking out there.  But he wasn't worried one bit because even when Sakurai hit him, there was zero power behind the punches. When Sakurai would take Hasegawa down, Hasewaga would just start playing the famous rubber guard until the ref would stand them up.

I was completely shocked and disappointed by Sakurai's worst performance ever. So I apologize not even really reviewing the fight itself, it was just too painful to watch what was happening. I only hope that Sakurai had some serious injury coming into the fight as an excuse for the poor performance and not finishing his way lesser opponent. I just can't imagine that his poor preparation for the fight was to blame.

I hope Sakurai comes back, where ever he ends up fighting, and at least somewhat resembles an exciting and agressive fighter he was just a meer 10 months ago.