Birthdate - 3/8/78
5'9" 155 lbs - Tokyo, Japan
Team - Pancrase Grabaka
Style - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Career Highlights - n/a

Striking - Genki Sudo is one of the most bizarre fighters to ever compete in MMA, but that is in no way a knock on his ability. His striking game is pretty good as he's competed in K-1 several times. Though he's not an excellent technician, his unorthodox style always makes him amongst the most exciting fighters to watch. He is a tough customer and can absorb a lot of punishment while getting in quick kicks (everything from Bruce Lee sidekicks to solebutts). As for punching, he's capable there and has a wicked backfist that scored him an amazing KO win once. In MMA, those skills translate well as he uses his strange stances and constant motion (striking or otherwise) to keep opponents off guard. His ground n' pound is very good as well. Perhaps his favorite striking position is when he applies a triangle, which is odd yet effective.

Wrestling - Sudo isn't quick, he's sudden. His grappling is solid with a fast shot and when he's against people his size he will do some nice throws. Basically his approach depends on his opponent, but if he wants things to go to the mat he'll get the action there. He is strong for his size and has the balance and speed to be a very sound wrestler. His background isn't here though, so experienced wrestlers tend to have an edge.

Hooking - Though he's not displayed a huge variety of submissions, this is probably Genki's strongest area. To think he's gone into K-1 where he can't use them is quite remarkable as well. Firstly, he loves triangles. He'll toss his feet up in the air to get them and works hard for them. Secondly, he likes rear naked chokes, where he can use his speed and technique to apply it instantly and effectively. Thirdly are armlocks and leglocks, which he'll do, as a Pancrase veteran, but they seem to not be his preferred weapons.

Strengthes - Genki Sudo seems like he'd be an unstoppable fighter with all his ability and well-roundedness. And he is quite good and seems like he'll be a great fighter before it's all said and done. He is a commanding fighter, who likes to dictate his fight. However, he isn't overly aggressive and is a patient fighter. Genki is finally delving into full MMA with the UFC and he seems to be ready to be a major player in the lightweight division.

Weaknesses - Though an unorthodox approach has its consequences. In fights, Genki often does odd things and will get caught. He'll give his back, use an odd stance or whatever and his opponent eventually gets him. If a fight goes the distance, he tends to lose. So really he needs to finish his opponents, this largely has to do with his methodical approach where he waits for an opening and if it never comes he'll be punished for non-aggression. Another flaw of Sudo's is that he takes matches, namely those in K-1, that are somewhat ill-advised. Furthermore he's leaned towards K-1 over UFC, for undisclosed reasons, which will certainly affect his status and physical condition in the future.

Outlook - Genki Sudo seems like he's got potential to be the biggest lightweight star in MMA. His exciting style, well-roundedness and work in both MMA and K-1 are all factors in making him a major star. It seems Genki's choice of K-1 over UFC was a big, but seemingly sudden direction change in his career. If K-1 is to develop an MMA division, he may very well be a man to rally smaller fighters around. 2004 will be a very telling year for Genki coming off his New Year's Eve show win and if they put him in the right matches with the right people he could become a superstar in Japan.