Gracie VS Sakuraba far from done deal??

[Howie]

By Loretta Hunt (loretta@thefightnetwork.com)

SAKU-GRACIE FAR FROM A DONE DEAL

The official announcement that Japanese fighting legend Kazushi Sakuraba will step into the ring once more to meet UFC legend Royce Gracie at June 2’s K-1 “Dynamite USA!!” at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was met with understandable interest worldwide. The Fight Network’s Japan correspondent Gino Mongelli reports that no less than seven mainstream sports newspapers covered the announcement of the rematch of one of the most momentous fights in mixed martial arts’ history.

Behind the scenes, the fight is far from a sure thing, especially after Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) promoters sent a schedule to the California State Athletic Commission yesterday proposing to bring Sakuraba, 37, to the States on May 31, a day before the weigh-ins.
As I reported in yesterday’s AM UPDATE, the CSAC has required all foreign fighters come onto U.S. soil to complete their medical work by a resident physician under the supervision of a Commission-approved doctor.
Going forward, the CSAC says they have requested FEG bring all of its foreign athletes to the U.S. by May 24 to complete the requisite tests for June 2. For Sakuraba, they have asked he make his way to the States by May 21.

“We are concerned FEG and K-1 get the ample time they need to get this card approved,” said a CSAC representative. “This timeline allows K-1 to find a suitable replacement opponent for any bout if needed.”

It’s obvious the CSAC means business. They meet with FEG officials again today to continue the regulation process for the event.

[smoogy]

Yep, Sakuraba has to pass a complete physical, word has it that he was checked in Japan and they found damage to his spinal column or something that was restricting the blood flow to his brain. We'll see what happens.

[Howie]

I phoned the CSAC. The guy i needed to speak with was in a meeting and is suppose to call me back. So hopefully i can get some info

[Beatts35]

Saku is going to be subject to one of the tougher physicals the CSAC can preform. I guess if he gets cleared it is a good thing and shows that Saku is in good health.

Saku doesn't travel much. i think bringing him in early to get used to the time and get through his medicals will be good for him. coming in the day before the weigh in (2days before the fight) and to have to make a 12 hour time shift is not easy.

i'm going to vegas from 6/7-6/11 and have been thinking very hard about going to the west coast early to go to this event. you can get field level seats for 250.

[chuteboxechamp]

Originally Posted by smoogy

Yep, Sakuraba has to pass a complete physical, word has it that he was checked in Japan and they found damage to his spinal column or something that was restricting the blood flow to his brain. We'll see what happens.

jesus I hope not