UFC: Who is Sokoudjo?
December 27, 2007
Rameau “The African Assassin” Sokoudjou has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. He joined Japans Pride organization for Pride 33 as a complete underdog in a fight against then number 10 ranked light heavyweight Antonio Nogueira. Sokoudjou was favored to lose, needless to say it turned the spotlights on him pretty quickly when he managed to knock out Nogueira within 30 seconds of the very first round.
Thought to be a lucky punch, Sokoudjou was challenged again this time in Pride 34 and again given underdog status. He was to fight number nine ranked light heavyweight Ricardo Arona. This time, Sokoudjou managed to take down his opponent with a knockout in less then 2 minutes of the first round.
His opponent this time is Lyoto Machida who remains undefeated in the UFC. Lyotos last three matches were all unanimous decisions so he will be hoping for an impressive win over Sokoudjou. Not only does Rameau have to face a undefeated and again impressive opponent but he has to do it in the octagon this time.
Many Pride fighters have indicated difficulty getting used to the octagon after fighting in a ring for so long. Famous fighters from Pride like Mirko Crocop, Dan Henderson, Nogueira and even Mauricio Rua have all experienced loss in the octagon. Many fans and even the fighters themselves believe it is a significant disadvantage after having fought so long in a ring. When asked about this Sokoudjou is unfazed and is dead set to give an impressive fight no matter what he is fighting in, according to him, “A fights a fight”
If Sokoudjou manages to win this match he will be very near the top of the light heavyweight division. If he can prove his effectiveness in the UFC like he did in Pride he will surely be the next up and coming UFC champion. This is a fighter to watch folks as he came out of nowhere and made very short work of top ranked fighters.
Look for more on Rameau Sokoudjou as it develops and watch him in his premier UFC match this Saturday the 29th at UFC 79 Nemesis on pay per view.
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