Meet Yuki Nakai, The Giant Killer Who Sacrificed His Eyesight For MMA’s Future

During the very early years of MMA, the sport had a reputation for being ‘barbaric.’ Condemning the sport as ‘human cock fighting,’ politicians and mainstream sports were dead against mixed martial arts.
Thanks to a deeper understanding, on the most part MMA is accepted in the modern age. Although not as embedded as pursuits such as football, basketball or baseball, MMA is doing great considering its young age. Although many new fans may not know it, mixed martial arts is built on sacrifice.
One particular man’s story shows just how far old school warriors were willing to go.
Few people know the real story of Yuki Nakai. Strong in heart, body and mind, Nakai’s story will give you goosebumps, as will the video at the bottom of this article. Back in 1995, MMA was a very different sport, and Nakai’s sacrifice was astounding.
Fighting three times in one night at Vale Tudo Japn 1995, Nakai gave what very few could ever match. During a horrific evening of gruelling attrition, the Shooto champion would quite literally give his eye to preserve MMA’s future.
acing three men who all outweighed him, Nakai’s valiant fighting spirit was on full display. Firstly, against 6 foot 5 kickboxer Gerard Gordeau, Nakai suffered a life changing injury. Gordeau purposely gouged Nakai’s eye, leaving it terribly swollen. Nakai would win the fight, and still had two more to go on the very same evening.