Asashoryu Retires, MMA Next?!

[Zimmer]

Reported here: http://www.mmamania.com/2010/2/4/129...cently-retired

So basically Asashoryu got drunk and bitch slapped someone at a club during the January Basho. Obviously instead of getting fired he has decided to retire. Rumor has it that the bad boy ex-Yokozuna is going to transition into MMA. I've read a possible first opponent would be Hidehiko Yoshida. I know sumo wrestlers don't exactly have the best record when it comes to transitioning into MMA, but Asashoryu is only 29 and I'm pretty sure he has some heavy hands.

Should Asashoryu try MMA?

[feral00]

Im not sure if MMA is the right move for a strictly sumo trained person. But I that view is based mostly of UFC 1, and the rules have changed since then.

[CoffeeFan]

Well I know of three sumo guys who have competed in MMA: Teila Tulli, Emmanuel Yarborough, and Akebono. Let's just say sumo has never done well in MMA

[Whacker]

Well I know of three sumo guys who have competed in MMA: Teila Tulli, Emmanuel Yarborough, and Akebono. Let's just say sumo has never done well in MMA

I can still see that tooth flying in vivid detail.

[feral00]

Don't forget the two teeth that stuck in Gerard Gordeau's foot for the rest of the night

[kenikim]

Asashoryu isn't strictly sumo though. he's done mongolian wrestling and judo before. i remember watching one of his interviews and he said that he originally wanted to go to the olympics and win gold in judo. and his brother is already an MMA fighter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolgors...n_Sumiyaabazar

[Conde Koma]

I think he has the attitude to do well in the sport, but he would have to completely change his training, which would probably change him from looking like a sumotori, which would be the main draw to his "freakshow" fight.

Cardio would be number one, since sumo matches are only about ten seconds long. If he can develop that endurance, I think he might stand a chance.

Edit: In regards to his brother: His brother is not a great MMA or K-1 fighter. If that's an indication of what Asashoryu would look like in the ring, he should stay out.

[Goju - Joe]

Well I know of three sumo guys who have competed in MMA: Teila Tulli, Emmanuel Yarborough, and Akebono. Let's just say sumo has never done well in MMA

Machida uses Sumo

How I don't know but he credits it as part of his training

[Conde Koma]

Machida's sumo seems to really influence his clinch game, and it's pretty awesome. Watch the Tito fight again, and it's pretty apparent how he uses it to prevent the takedown.

[Holy Moment]

he's done mongolian wrestling

That's pretty cool. It's the only grappling style more hardcore than Turkish oil wrestling: