One of the legends and pioneers of the sport of mixed martial arts is now paralyzed from the neck down.
PRIDE legend Yoshihiro Takayama is now paralyzed following a professional wrestling match in Japan.
Back in May, Takayama was competing at a DDT Pro Wrestling event. During his match, he attempted to do a wrestling move, the sunset flip, and landed on his head. After attempting the move, Takayama couldn’t move.
The sunset flip is considered to be a safe wrestling move, and very few people have got injured from it. However, Takayama has a history of neck injuries that may have contributed to his injury.
At age 50, Takayama is beloved by both the MMA and professional wrestling communities. In MMA, Takayama had legendary battles in PRIDE against UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye and Bob Sapp.
