Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Walkouts

1. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie | 2000 Pride Grand Prix Finals (May 1, 2000)

Tragically, the walkout that tops the list is the only one I can't find a good version of anywhere online. And believe me, I've scoured high and low, because this is one of my absolute favorites. Even videos that show the first Sakuraba-Gracie fight in its entirety—including the full event replay on UFC Fight Pass—cut out the entrances. That's an enormous shame, because Sakuraba's incredible walkout changed the game in the same way that his performance in the ring that night, an epic 90-minute epic over MMAs greatest pioneer, changed the sport. In fact, many of the great walkouts we've discussed earlier simply wouldn't have been possible without the originality of Sakuraba's entrance. With smoke billowing everywhere, red and purple lights give it a garish, mystical flair. Suddenly, a platform slowly carries a man up into a view, wearing a crazy, colorful mask that would be at home in the Kamen Rider franchise, or other tokusatsu. He is then flanked by two cornermen, also wearing the same masks. They make their way to the ring to a jubilant, deafening reception by the crowd, as Sakuraba was already Pride’s biggest star and standard-bearer. No entrance before this had been so elaborate, utilizing colored lights, smoke, and costumes, and it would become iconic for Sakuraba, one of the greatest fighters ever, who used the mask again and again. The crowd reaction was superb, and the ensuing fight was one of the most legendary in MMA history, with the most unique format and stakes we may ever see in the higher echelons of the sport. Truly a classic, and one that I dearly hope someone will post on YouTube.