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Sagat first appeared in the original ''Street Fighter'' game released in 1987 as the final opponent. He later became a regular character in the series, starting with ''[[Street Fighter II]]'' in 1991. In the earlier games, Sagat was shown as a rival to [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] and a member of the Shadaloo group. In later titles, his story focused more on his personal growth. He has been featured in several main installments of the series including the ''[[Street Fighter Alpha]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter IV]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter V]]'', and ''[[Street Fighter 6]]'', as well as the spin-off ''[[Street Fighter EX]]'' series. He also made crossover appearances in games such as the ''[[Capcom vs. SNK]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter X Tekken]]'', ''[[Street Fighter X Mega Man]]'', ''[[Teppen]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', and ''[[Granblue Fantasy]]''. Sagat was also planned to be included in the Capcom crossover title ''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]'', based off his appearance in the first ''Street Fighter'', however, he was ultimately cut from the final game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/131688?lang=en |website=[[Capcom]] |first=Takayuki |last=Nakayama |title=Mementos #012: Images of Sagat |access-date=2025-06-22 |archive-date=2021-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401035010/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/131688?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
Sagat first appeared in the original ''Street Fighter'' game released in 1987 as the final opponent. He later became a regular character in the series, starting with ''[[Street Fighter II]]'' in 1991. In the earlier games, Sagat was shown as a rival to [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] and a member of the Shadaloo group. In later titles, his story focused more on his personal growth. He has been featured in several main installments of the series including the ''[[Street Fighter Alpha]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter IV]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter V]]'', and ''[[Street Fighter 6]]'', as well as the spin-off ''[[Street Fighter EX]]'' series. He also made crossover appearances in games such as the ''[[Capcom vs. SNK]]'' series, ''[[Street Fighter X Tekken]]'', ''[[Street Fighter X Mega Man]]'', ''[[Teppen]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', and ''[[Granblue Fantasy]]''. Sagat was also planned to be included in the Capcom crossover title ''[[Capcom Fighting Evolution]]'', based off his appearance in the first ''Street Fighter'', however, he was ultimately cut from the final game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/131688?lang=en |website=[[Capcom]] |first=Takayuki |last=Nakayama |title=Mementos #012: Images of Sagat |access-date=2025-06-22 |archive-date=2021-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401035010/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/131688?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== In other media ===
Sagat has appeared in various media outside the games. He was featured in animated adaptations like [[Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie]], the anime series [[Street Fighter II V]], and the American animated ''[[Street Fighter (TV series)|Street Fighter]]'' television series. He was portrayed by [[Wes Studi]] in the 1994 live-action [[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]] film and mentioned in the live-action web series [[Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist]]. He also made a cameo in the animated film [[Wreck-It Ralph]]. In print, Sagat appears in [[Malibu Comics]], [[Udon Entertainment]]'s [[Street Fighter (UDON comics)|comic series]], [[Street Fighter Alpha#Related media|Street Fighter Alpha]], Street Fighter III: Ryu Final, Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers, and Street Fighter: The Novel Where Strength Lies.
Sagat has appeared in various media outside the games. He was featured in animated adaptations like [[Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie]], the anime series [[Street Fighter II V]], and the American animated ''[[Street Fighter (TV series)|Street Fighter]]'' television series. He was portrayed by [[Wes Studi]] in the 1994 live-action [[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]] film and mentioned in the live-action web series [[Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist]]. He also made a cameo in the animated film [[Wreck-It Ralph]]. In print, Sagat appears in [[Malibu Comics]], [[Udon Entertainment]]'s [[Street Fighter (UDON comics)|comic series]], [[Street Fighter Alpha#Related media|Street Fighter Alpha]], Street Fighter III: Ryu Final, Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers, and Street Fighter: The Novel Where Strength Lies.


Revision as of 15:13, 27 June 2025

Sagat
Street Fighter character
Sagat in Street Fighter II (1991)
First appearanceStreet Fighter (1987)
Designed byHiroshi Matsumoto
Akira "Akiman" Yasuda (SFII)[1]
Hiromi "Mori" Kotobuki (sprites, SFII)[2]
Takayuki Nakayama (SFV)[3]
Voiced by
Portrayed byWes Studi (1994 film, game)
In-universe information
OriginThailand
Fighting styleMuay Thai

Sagat (Japanese: サガット, Hepburn: Sagatto) is a character from the Street Fighter video game series made by Capcom. He first appeared in the original Street Fighter (1987) as the final boss. He is shown as a tall Muay Thai fighter from Thailand, characterized by his eye patch and a large scar on his chest. Sagat became a playable character in later games and appeared in multiple Street Fighter titles in addition to comics, animations, and movies based on the series.

Concept and design

Standing 226 cm (7 ft, 5 in) tall, Sagat is a large bald man with an eyepatch over his right eye, dressed in shorts and wearing wraps over his lower arms, hands, ankles, and feet.[3] A master Muay Thai fighter, his design was shaped by Hiroshi Matsumoto, also known as Finish Hiroshi, the designer of the original Street Fighter game, who drew inspiration from the surge of Kickboxing and Muay Thai films popular during that era. A special element of Sagat's character is the recurring tiger motif featured in his special moves. This symbolism is believed to be influenced by legends of the Siamese Tiger King, a mythical Muay Thai fighter who was known for his love for fighting.[5]

When developing Street Fighter II, the developers decided to reintroduce Sagat from the original Street Fighter as a key returning character competing against the series' protagonist Ryu. Drawing inspiration from storytelling conventions in which past rivals reappear unexpectedly, Sagat was brought back to serve as a familiar adversary. To emphasize his history and prior defeat at the hands of Ryu, the developers gave him a large scar across his chest,[1] something suggested by animator Hiromi "Mori" Kotobuki.[6] According to character designer Akira "Akiman" Yasuda, the scar was meant to represent his earlier loss and strengthening his narrative role as a returning rival for the protagonist.[1] Sagat was also designed as another of Ryu's rivals as both have similar uppercut in the form of Ryu's Shoryuken and Sagat's Tiger Uppercut.[7] Sagat's eye injury is detailed in his backstory from Street Fighter Alpha. As a young fighter, Sagat had long hair and had not yet adopted his bald appearance and eyepatch. He received serious damage to one of his eyes during an early fight, resulting in partial blindness in one eye. Later, he challenged martial artist Gou Hibiki, who purposely exploited Sagat's weakened eye during their fight and broke it. Enraged by this tactic, Sagat killed Hibiki in revenge, a key event that became an essential part of his characterization.[8][9]

Sagat's character design for Street Fighter V was handled by Naoto "Bengus" Kuroshima under the direction of director Takayuki Nakayama, who decided to change little in regards to the character outside of adding a torn cape to give his character a "story-like feel". Nakayama wanted the cloak to represent his life after Street Fighter II, now living in a village in hiding but at the same time still "exudes an emperor's consideration",[3] hiding his scars to not frighten others.[10] However, as in the series he is considered the "Emperor of Muay Thai", Nakayama still wanted Sagat to have an intimidating air,[3] and in this manner the cloak made him look larger and put pressure on the design from a higher place.[11] For his gameplay and motion, the motion capture actor was an expert in Muay Thai, and further made technique suggestions that helped develop Sagat for the title.[3]

Appearances

Sagat first appeared in the original Street Fighter game released in 1987 as the final opponent. He later became a regular character in the series, starting with Street Fighter II in 1991. In the earlier games, Sagat was shown as a rival to Ryu and a member of the Shadaloo group. In later titles, his story focused more on his personal growth. He has been featured in several main installments of the series including the Street Fighter Alpha series, Street Fighter IV series, Street Fighter V, and Street Fighter 6, as well as the spin-off Street Fighter EX series. He also made crossover appearances in games such as the Capcom vs. SNK series, Street Fighter X Tekken, Street Fighter X Mega Man, Teppen, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Granblue Fantasy. Sagat was also planned to be included in the Capcom crossover title Capcom Fighting Evolution, based off his appearance in the first Street Fighter, however, he was ultimately cut from the final game.[12]

In other media

Sagat has appeared in various media outside the games. He was featured in animated adaptations like Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, the anime series Street Fighter II V, and the American animated Street Fighter television series. He was portrayed by Wes Studi in the 1994 live-action Street Fighter film and mentioned in the live-action web series Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist. He also made a cameo in the animated film Wreck-It Ralph. In print, Sagat appears in Malibu Comics, Udon Entertainment's comic series, Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter III: Ryu Final, Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers, and Street Fighter: The Novel Where Strength Lies.

Promotion and reception

In January 2018, Saga Prefecture in Japan teamed up with Capcom to launch a promotional campaign called Street Fighter Saga, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Street Fighter II. Sagat was the central part of this collaboration, chosen not only for his popularity but also for the connection between his name and the region of Saga. Acting as a tourism ambassador, he was used to display Saga's local specialties and cultural appeal, especially to Thai visitors, whose numbers had been rising in recent years. The campaign included the opening of the Sagatto Shop in Tokyo's Ginza district, a limited-time store selling exclusive collaboration products featuring Sagat and other Street Fighter II characters. The shop also showcased rare original artwork from the game with regional pride in a creative effort to connect tourists.[13]

Sagat, as Gavin Jasper from Den of Geek describes it, walks a path similar to Ryu's, but his growth comes from tough choices and personal struggles rather than inner peace. Jasper explains that Sagat starts out as a proud and angry man, chasing power and revenge, which leads him to join the criminal group Shadaloo. Over time, he realizes that hatred only takes him so far. Jasper points out how Sagat tries to guide Dan Hibiki, someone he once hurt deeply, away from making the same mistakes. He slowly becomes more thoughtful and disciplined but still keeps his tough and serious nature. Jasper also mentions moments that show how much Sagat has changed, like turning down godlike power in Street Fighter X Tekken and taking bullets to save orphans in the manga Ryu Final. While he shares Ryu's determination to grow stronger, Jasper says Sagat is more direct, intense, and demanding, staying true to his title as "The King of Muay Thai".[14]

Jasper further explains Sagat's journey as one fueled by anger and vengeance, ultimately leading to personal growth and redemption. Originally, Ryu left a deep scar on Sagat with his Shoryuken move during their first encounter, which drove Sagat into a blind fury and obsession with getting a rematch; he even developed his own version of Ryu's move, the Tiger Uppercut. However, Capcom later retconned this origin in the Street Fighter Alpha series, showing Sagat as the stronger fighter who only lost when Ryu, consumed by dark energy called the Satsui no Hado, landed a surprise powerful attack. Jasper points out that while this victory haunted Ryu with doubt, Sagat remained driven by hatred until his former student Adon defeated him, forcing him to reconsider. Jasper emphasizes Sagat's redemption when he helps break Ryu free from M. Bison's brainwashing, proving there is still honor beneath his anger. Their rivalry evolved into mutual respect, and as Jasper notes, the chance to face Ryu again is one of the few things that motivates Sagat.[7]

Michael Grimm of GamesRadar+ criticized one of Sagat's alternate costumes in Super Street Fighter IV as the weakest in comparison to others. Intended to show a younger version of the character, the design falls flat due to its awkward execution, particularly the addition of hair. Grimm points out that Sagat has been bald since his debut, and giving him hair feels as unnatural as shaving Guile's head, making it look more like a horrible wig than a believable style. Aside from removing the eyepatch and scar, the rest of the outfit remains almost identical to Sagat's usual design, leading Grimm to conclude that instead of offering something new, the costume simply seems like a worse version of the original one.[15] In a 2022 Portuguese academic study, scholar Renan Kenji Sales Hayashi discussed how Sagat demonstrates common stereotypes associated with Southeastern Asian countries. He noted that Sagat's Thai background, utilization of Muay Thai, disproportionate height, and intimidating presence all help construct an image that feels exotic and unusual compared to many other fighters in the series.[16]

The authors of the book "Undisputed Street Fighter", Steve Henderstot and Tim Lapetino described Sagat's adoption of the Muay Thai fighting style in Street Fighter as a forward-thinking decision by Capcom when the character debuted in 1987. At the time, Muay Thai was still relatively unknown to many audiences outside of Southeast Asia, particularly in Japan and the West. Over time, however, it became a foundational discipline in professional mixed martial arts (MMA), giving Sagat a lasting sense of realism. MMA fighter Angela Hill, who once cosplayed as Sagat, has likened the character's concept to "a yoga master taking on a Muay Thai kickboxer who throws a fireball", capturing the authenticity that defines Sagat's popularity among both fighting game and combat sports fans.[17] The Spinoff magazine's Don Rowe expressed frustration over Sagat's absence from the base roster of Street Fighter V, heavily criticizing the game's producer, Yoshinori Ono, for the exclusion. He described Ono's reasoning for leaving out Sagat as nonsensical.[18]

Sagat was cosplayed by a UFC mixed martial artist, Angela Hill. She performed this during a weigh-in against Jéssica Andrade, although the cosplay only consisted of two major parts: an eyepatch and white hand wraps. Hill received positive attention from both the gaming community and combat sports enthusiasts. The official Street Fighter Twitter account praised the gesture, publicly congratulating Hill on earning her post-fight bonus.[19]

Real-world comparisons

Over the years, some have speculated that Sagat's design was also inspired by the 1970s Japanese manga Karate Baka Ichidai, or that his tallness is the result of gigantism, although these claims remain unconfirmed.[5] In particular, real-life Muay Thai fighter Sagat Petchyindee has publicly claimed that the character was modeled after him. According to Petchyindee, at the time of the character's creation, he was one of the only well-known Thai fighters named Sagat and had gained popularity through international matches, including baht (Thai currency) in the United States and Japan. Petchyindee alleged that during a fight in the United States, he sustained an eye injury that required surgery and a protective film to be placed over one eye, an attribute visually similar to the character's eyepatch. He further noted that during the period of his rising fame in Japan, a Japanese promoter involved in his matches later became a major shareholder at Capcom, the developer of Street Fighter, and purportedly contributed to the game's conceptualization.[20]

Despite these claims, Petchyindee stated in an interview with the Thai newspaper Khaosod that he never received any form of compensation or recognition from Capcom for the alleged use of his likeness. He reported being advised by acquaintances to sue Capcom and its producers but was unable to secure the financial backing required to pursue legal action while living in Japan. He estimated that the potential copyright compensation, had he pursued and won a case, could have been worth up to $100 million. In later years, Petchyindee experienced personal and financial difficulties, reportedly depleting his savings of 30 million baht due to excessive spending. These challenges contributed to his decline in public visibility within the Thai boxing community.[20]

Sergio Hidalgo of Código Espagueti explored the possible connection between Sagat and the former professional Muay Thai fighter Sagat Petchyindee, who believes the character was inspired by him and takes pride in that idea. However, Hidalgo noted that Capcom has never officially confirmed the link. He also pointed out major differences between the two, such as Petchyindee's height of 1.65 meters, his full head of hair during fights, and his leaner build at just 63 kilograms, making him significantly shorter and lighter than the character.[21]

References

  1. ^ a b c Capcom (2012). Street Fighter X Tekken: Artworks. Udon Entertainment. ISBN 9781926778518. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  2. ^ Yasuda, Akira [@akiman7] (November 4, 2024). これ作った人、モリガンのドットアニメも担当してるしサガットのドットアニメも担当してる なんならキャミィのドットアニメを担当してる 作った人がXをはじめたらしい ↓ 寿ひろみ @FluOUGWNM997870 [The person who made this is also in charge of Morrigan's pixel animation and Sagat's pixel animation. I'm in charge of Cammy's pixel animation. Apparently the creator started X. ↓ Hiromi Kotobuki @FluOUGWNM997870] (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b c d e How To Make Capcom Fighting Characters: Street Fighter Character Design. UDON Entertainment. October 2020. pp. 198–201. ISBN 978-1772941364.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Sagat Voice". Behind The Voice Actors. Inyxception Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Carvalho, Mario (July 2, 2019). "Sagat: tudo sobre o Imperador do Muay Thai" [Sagat: everything about the Emperor of Muay Thai]. GameBlast (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  6. ^ Nishitani, Akira [@nin_akira] (November 4, 2024). サガットの胸の傷もこの方の発案だったはず。アレがなければ今でもサガットの胸は無傷だったかも。 (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 8, 2024 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ a b Jasper, Gavin (August 3, 2022). "Street Fighter: Ryu's Many Multiverse Rivalries Explained". Den of Geek. DoG Tech LLC. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  8. ^ All About Street Fighter Zero. Vol. 11. Denpa Shinbunsha Co,. Ltd. October 25, 1995. p. 10. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  9. ^ Nakayama, Takayuki. "Character Guide 019: Sagat". Capcom. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  10. ^ Nakayama, Takayuki. "Early Development Ideas: Sagat". Capcom. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  11. ^ Street Fighter V Climax Arts + Zero to 6 (in Japanese). Futabasha. January 2023. p. 84–85. ISBN 9784575317794.
  12. ^ Nakayama, Takayuki. "Mementos #012: Images of Sagat". Capcom. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  13. ^ "『ストII』×佐賀県コラボでサガットが佐賀県の観光大使に。銀座に"佐賀ット商店"がオープン" [Sagat becomes the tourism ambassador for Saga Prefecture in collaboration with Street Fighter II and Saga Prefecture. "Sagatto Shop" opens in Ginza]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). January 12, 2018. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  14. ^ Jasper, Gavin (February 22, 2019). "Street Fighter Characters Ranked – 1. Sagat". Den of Geek. DoG Tech LLC. Archived from the original on June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  15. ^ Grimm, Michael (September 24, 2010). "Super Street Fighter IV gets its new batch of DLC costumes, Sagat gets a wig". GamesRadar+. Future plc. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  16. ^ Renan Kenji Sales Hayashi (2022). "Psicanálise e língua japonesa: interfaces entre sujeito, linguagem e desejo" [Psychoanalysis and Japanese language: interfaces between subject, language and desire]. Estudos Japoneses (in Portuguese). 47. University of São Paulo: 113. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  17. ^ Henderstot, Steve; Lapetino, Tim (November 15, 2017). Undisputed Street Fighter: The Art And Innovation Behind The Game-Changing Series. Dynamite Entertainment. p. 208. ISBN 9781524104696. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  18. ^ Rowe, Don (February 18, 2016). "Where the hell is Sagat?". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  19. ^ Taylor, Tom (February 7, 2017). "Street Fighter wants to reward Angela Hill for her Sagat weigh-in outfit". BJPenn.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  20. ^ a b "ไขความจริง : "Sagat" ตัวละครเกม Street Fighter มีต้นแบบมาจากนักมวยไทยที่มีตัวตนจริงหรือไม่?" [Truth Revealed: Is Street Fighter Character Sagat Based on a Real-Life Muay Thai Boxer?]. Sanook.com (in Thai). April 12, 2019. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  21. ^ Hidalgo, Sergio (July 13, 2017). "El hombre que inspiró al maligno Sagat de Street Fighter se siente orgulloso del personaje" [The man who inspired Street Fighter's evil Sagat is proud of the character]. Código Espagueti (in Spanish). Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
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