Naoki Sano was born on February 2,1965 and is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist most notable for being the generational rival of legendary Japanese pro wrestler Jushin Liger.
12 Facts About Naoki Sano
1.
2.
Naoki Sano was a member of the 1984 NJPW Dojo class, and in his first few years wrestled in preliminary matches.
3.
Naoki Sano went on to have numerous acclaimed matches against Jyushin Liger.
4.
Naoki Sano defeated Liger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on August 10,1989, but lost it to Liger on January 31,1990.
5.
In December 1991, Naoki Sano won the tournament for the SWS Light Heavyweight Championship.
6.
Naoki Sano returned to wrestling, entering Battlarts and feuding with Minoru Tanaka over the Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship.
7.
Naoki Sano won the belt from Tanaka in May 1999 and dropped it to him the following year.
8.
Naoki Sano became Takuma Sano, for a year wearing tights and wrestling junior heavyweights, but after fully turning heavyweight, he returned to the shinguards and trunks.
9.
Naoki Sano debuted at Pride 2, where he faced Rickson's brother Royler.
10.
Naoki Sano blocked a takedown, but was swept by Royler and the jiu-jitsu expert gained top position, though he was unable to finish him due to Yuhi's defensive skills.
11.
Naoki Sano resisted his punches and clinched knees and took Honma down, but the karateka kept hitting from the guard and nullified his offensive.
12.
Naoki Sano had his last fight for Pride at Pride 9, being submitted by Carlos Newton in a short bout.