Genki Sudo evolves from MMA world beater to J-Pop superstar

by Akimitsu Kuwabara on Oct 17, 2009 11:39 AM EDT

Genki Sudo

Genki Sudo has never receded from the spotlight in Japan after his untimely retirement from fighting at the ripe age of 28.

A veteran of Pancrase, UFC and K-1 Hero's and world-class eccentric, Sudo has become renowned for his grappling prowess, unorthodox fighting style, and extravagant choreographed ring entrance during his 21-fight career. On the heel of his victory over current WEC bantamweight, Damacio Page, at K-1 Premium 2006 Dynamite! -- he announced his retirement from fighting, citing his bout with a nagging neck injury.

Since then, he has achieved a remarkable metamorphosis from a fighter to author, actor, TV personality and MMA commentator. Having published eight books and appeared in several movies and dozens of Japanese TV shows, Sudo apparently has not had enough of stretching his schedule and capacity to max.

He has found yet another means to channel his creative energy, seen here after the jump.

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Genki Sudo fan for life.

by Brizzi on Oct 17, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

hahahaha. Yesterday out of nowhere, I made I post about how much I loved and missed Genki sudo…and now I see this thread…i ADORE THIS GUY! One of my favorite fighters of all time. I would love to see him come out of retirement and snatch the WEC Featherweight title!

by john G on Oct 17, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

He already beat Mike Brown, tapped out Marquardt. I think I would rather see a rematch with Kid but a Brown rematch would still be pretty cool to see as well.

by Cogito Ergo Sum on Oct 17, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I never heard of him till this post really. I just looked at some youtube highlights. What a character!!! Unreal
So funny and a great fighter
I think I remember mania’s post saying that he was retiring and not thinking much. But after seeing his highlights I’d love to see him fight again

by IrishKev on Oct 17, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn’t look him up until Mania posted he was retiring as well. Then when I became a fan, he’s a character for sure but someone you can be a fan of for life.

by Cogito Ergo Sum on Oct 17, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Look up the genki sudo highlight video by Genghis Con called: “The legend of the samurai”! THANK ME LATER! I watch this highlight video about once a month for the past 2 years!

by john G on Oct 17, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

What a character and a great fighter, got to love Genki. He represents everything great about Japanese MMA. Shame he’s no longer fighting, a rematch with MTB would be awesome.

by David W-S on Oct 17, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I use to love his we are all one flags especially hearing his reasoning for the moto. His interviews are quite a treat. Not exactly a legend but unequivocally unique and special piece of MMA history, but like so many greats he is forgotten in this new Zuffa era.

by NameNotRequired on Oct 17, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

fuck that NNR! LIke Sakuraba, he is a FOCKING LEGEND!!!! but I get what you are saying!

by john G on Oct 17, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions

From a resume perspective. But hey i was sad when he quit. As sad as when Igor quit. At least he went out on a winning note.

by NameNotRequired on Oct 18, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Awesome of Genki to do this. This should be MMAs official symbol.

by The5thBeatle on Oct 17, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha Genki is a legend

by Matt on Oct 17, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

Genki was definately one of the most entertaining fighters to watch.

I was looking at his record the other day – you know he’s even got submission wins over Mike Brown (#1 ranked featherweight) as well as Nate Marquardt (top 3 middleweight). I wonder where he’d be today if he hadn’t retired.

by Francis on Oct 17, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions