Sherdog’s Top 10: Mismatches

9. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Shannon Ritch
Pride 11 “Battle of the Rising Sun”
Oct. 31, 2000 | Osaka, Japan
Sakuraba was a superstar in Japan at the time, having already beaten Carlos Newton, Vitor Belfort and three Gracies: Royler Gracie, Royce Gracie and Renzo Gracie. He would go on to become the greatest Japanese fighter in history in the minds of many.

Ritch lacked those qualities. A club fighter who spent much of his career travelling the regional circuit, he was on a two-fight losing streak and had already lost 16 times as a pro. “The Cannon” was far from an elite fighter, and most knew he could not compete with “The Gracie Hunter” inside Pride Fighting Championships.

As it turned out, everyone’s fears were realized. Ritch tried his best, but Sakuraba snatched his foot, wrenched an Achilles lock and forced the tapout 68 seconds into round one.

Number 8 » Silva-Irvin