Genki Sudo (Koto-ku, Tokyo, born March 8, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Japanese based fight organization K-1 HERO'S. He is notable for his elaborate ring entrances and unorthodox fighting style. His philosophy is 'We are all one.' Signature move is the flying triangle.

Biography

Although he is seen as a fighter with good striking ability and has won fights by knockout in both mixed martial arts and kickboxing, Genki Sudo's skill set seems primarily focused on grappling and submission wrestling techniques. Among the rather unorthodox techniques that he favors and can use effectively are the spinning backfist, a flying leg-triangle choke and flying armbar, as well as dancing and turning his back to opponents in order to taunt or distract in mixed martial arts.

Sudo currently fights for K-1 HERO's, the mixed martial arts branch of the most popular Japanese combat sports circuit. Sudo is well known for his particularly flashy choreographed ring entrances that often include costumed dancers. One entrance featured Sudo doing the robot and operating levers that released a column of smoke from the top of his head while wearing a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket as a hat and a white plastic mask, in an homage to the musician, Buckethead.

On a side note, Genki Sudo is a practicing Buddhist and although many think his antics in the ring are disrespectful and arrogant, he explains that it is simply his way of relaxing and having fun with what he is doing. After the fight is over he always kindly smiles and bows to his opponent, makes sure they are not injured, and holds up a sign with every nation's flag on it with the words "We are all one".

Genki Sudo recently was defeated by K-1 HERO's lightweight champion Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto. The fight was won by a controversial referee stoppage after Sudo was knocked down by a right hand and was hit by a couple of punches on the ground. There is still some disagreement from fans on whether or not the match was ended prematurely and unfairly by the referee involved, and it has been said that this same referee has a history of making controversial calls.