A professional competitor since 2002, Sakara has also formerly competed for the UFC, Bellator MMA, Jungle Fight, Cage Warriors, and M-1 Global.
Born in Rome, Sakara began to compete in soccer at the age of five and was talented, playing the midfielder position.
At the age of 18 Sakara began training with Roberto Almeida[4] in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, later earning a black belt under former UFC veteran Marcus "Conan" Silveira.
Sakara turned to mixed martial arts after competing in amateur boxing matches because he did not think he would be able to support himself with the little money that boxers in Italy receive, and also did not prefer the tactical approach of the sport.
[5] Sakara made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2002, and compiled a record of 13–3 before being signed by the UFC.
[10] Sakara was submitted in his next bout at UFC 60 by decorated grappling specialist and former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion Dean Lister.
[16] At UFC 75 on September 8, 2007, Sakara lost for the third time in four fights, losing via first round TKO to Houston Alexander.
[25] Eventually, Palhares ended up withdrawing from the bout due to an injury and was replaced by former title challenger Thales Leites.
[27] The bout with Palhares was re-booked to take place on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, but Sakara had to withdraw after suffering an undisclosed injury while training.
[29] Sakara was forced to pull out of his fight with Nate Marquardt on July 3, 2010 at UFC 116 due to the death of his father.
[36] Sakara was expected to face Maiquel Falcão on March 3, 2011 at the UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann event.
[38] Then in early February, Natal pulled out of the bout due to a knee injury, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Chris Weidman.
[51] Subsequently in early October, Cedenblad was forced out of the Sakara bout with an injury and replaced by newcomer Nico Musoke.
[52] Sakara lost the fight by submission due to an armbar in the first round and was released from the promotion shortly after.
[53] After a nine-month delay, on July 24, 2014, Sakara signed a three-fight deal with the European promotion Final Fight Championship.
First Browarski was awarded the victory via TKO (injury), the result was later overturned to a No Contest by the Croatian MMA Federation.