“It’s Not Vince McMahon, It’s Not Dana White” – Despite $10 Billion Status, UFC President’s Rival Reveals Muhammad Ali’s MMA Opponent Is His Biggest Inspiration

Founder of UFC’s rival promotion Rizin Fighting Federation, Nobuyuki Sakabipara has showered praise on Japanese wrestling legend, Antonio Inoki. Known as “Moeru Toukon” among his peers, Inoki was one of the biggest professional wrestlers in the 20th century. He is also one of the biggest sporting icons in his nation.

Antonio Inoki was New Japan Pro Wrestling’s greatest export, alongside Giant Baba. He had some great matches with some of the legends in wrestling history. Inoki has shared the ring against the likes of Andre the Giant, Jack Brisco, and Big Van Vader among other. He also competed in one of the earliest mixed-martial arts events in sports history against Legendary Boxer, Muhammad Ali.

The fight between Ali and Inoki was declared a draw despite the latter landing more shots with kicks than the former could with his hands. Inoki also ventured into the world of politics. He had a 30-year tenure as a politician in Japan.

Rizin’s founder admires Antonio Inoki and his ‘storytelling’ skills

Rizin Fighting Federation is one of Asia’s premier MMA promotions which was created in 2015. Rizin, along with ONE Championship serves as Dana White’s UFC rival from the eastern hemisphere.

Combat sports reporter Marc Raimondi tweeted about Rizin’s founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara sharing a few words of praise about Antonio Inoki. Raimondi tweeted, “Great quote from Rizin head Nobuyuki Sakakibara: ‘I’ve had many mentors to make me who I am today. But in terms of … making the storyline, it wasn’t Master Ishii from K-1, it’s not Scott Coker, it’s not Vince McMahon, it’s not Dana White. I learned the most from Antonio Inoki.'”

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Sakakibara worked in the wrestling business before starting his own MMA promotion. He has his fair share of experience with sports entertainment. Sakakibara understands the importance of storytelling in wrestling which helps create fan engagement. He believed Antonio Inoki was great at storytelling, apart from being an excellent technical wrestler.

Inoki had a great influence on wrestling after becoming one of the biggest wrestling stars during the 70s and 80s. His excellent storytelling skills also led him to a few movie stints. He has succeeded in almost all facets of the business of professional wrestling.

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