The debut event from the Dream promotion took place Saturday at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Much of the fan focus was on Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic's return to fighting in Japan. The 33 year old Croation fought his last three fights in the UFC's octagon with very limited success, losing two out of the three bouts.
During the Dream press conference Mirko seemed very pleased to be back fighting in Japan, saying "It has been a while since I fought in Saitama, I think they are the best audience in the world!"
However, most anticipated was the opening round of the promotion's Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament and the Main Event between Gesias "JZ" Calvancante and Shinya Aoki. With a gathering of five lightweight fighters, all ranked within the top ten lightweights in the world, I imagine one could almost literally see the excitement in the air.
Unfortunantly though, some of that anticipation and excitement was released when during the first round of the main event "JZ" landed an illegal elbow to the back of Aoki's head, resulting in the bout being ruled a "no contest."
Mirko "CroCop" emerged victorious in his triumphant return to Japan, taking care of the Pancrase fighter, Tatsuya Mizuno in 0:56 of the very first round. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai and Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa also finished off their opponents within the first round.
- DREAM RESULTS -
Ikuhisa Minowa defeats Kwan Bun Lee by Submission (Kneebar) at 1:25 of Round 1
Hayato Sakurai defeats Hidetaka Monma by TKO (Strikes) at 4:12 of Round 1
Joachim Hansen defeats Koutetsu Boku by Decision (Unanimous)
Luiz Firmino defeats Kazuyuki Miyata by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 7:37 of Round 1
Katsuhiko Nagata defeats Artur Oumakhanov by Decision (Unanimous)
Mitsuhiro Ishida defeats Jung Bu Kyung by Decision (Unanimous)
Mirko Filipovic defeats Tatsuya Mizuno by TKO (Strikes) at 0:56 of Round 1
Eddie Alvarez defeats Andre Amade by TKO (Strikes) at 6:47 of Round 1
Tatsuya Kawajiri defeats Kultar Gill by Decision (Unanimous)
Gesias Calvancante vs. Shinya Aoki ruled No Contest (Illegal Elbow) at 3:46 of Round 1
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
NEWS - Masakazu Imanari Victorious at Cage Rage 25
Saturday night Masakazu Imanari (pictured) put his Cage Rage featherweight title on the line when he faced Brazilian, Jean Silva at Cage Rage 25 in London. In front of a sold-out Wembley Arena, Imanari successfully defended his featherweight belt by defeating Silva via inside heel hook submission at 2:30 of the very first round.
Imanari started the round with a trio of hard leg kicks. However, it was his awesome grappling display on the ground that would be most impressive. After taking Silva to the ground, Imanari showed such fluid transition from submission to submission, leaving Silva in a defensive posture. From his rubber guard, to an omoplata, Imanari's flow of attack was an absolute grappling clinic. Eventually Imanari locked on to the inside heel hook, forcing Silva to tap in total agony and retaining his Cage Rage featherweight title.
Imanari started the round with a trio of hard leg kicks. However, it was his awesome grappling display on the ground that would be most impressive. After taking Silva to the ground, Imanari showed such fluid transition from submission to submission, leaving Silva in a defensive posture. From his rubber guard, to an omoplata, Imanari's flow of attack was an absolute grappling clinic. Eventually Imanari locked on to the inside heel hook, forcing Silva to tap in total agony and retaining his Cage Rage featherweight title.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
EVENT UPDATE - Dream: Heiwa Dream.1
Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) has added four more fights to it's March 15th debut of "Dream", taking place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Three of the four bouts will be additions to the 154 pound lightweight grand prix, including Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Bu Kyung Jung; Katsuhiko Nagata vs. Artur Oumakhanov; and Andre Amade vs. Eddie Alvarez.
Even though Mitsuhiro Ishida had only one bout in 2007, that bout was a big one. Besting Gilbert Melendez in a unanimous decision win at Yarennoka last New Year's Eve. South Korea's Bu Kyung Jung took home a silver medal in judo at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jung also fought in the Yarennoka event, having his MMA debut against Shinya Aoki and losing by decision, but nearly submitting Aoki twice.
Another Sydney Games silver medalist, Katsuhiko Nagata hasn't fought since July 16th's K-1 Hero's tournament, in which Caol Uno defeated him by unanimous decision. His Russian opponent, Artur Oumalhanov, was knocked out by Shoji in a effort to win the vacant lightweight King of Pancrase title.
Andre Amade was the runner-up of last year's K-1 Hero's tournament, defeating Caol Uno and advancing, only to lose to Gesias "JZ" Calvancante. Eddie Alvarez, who actually started his MMA career as a welterweight, had a big win against Ross Ebanez at January's Elite XC event.
Also announced, Hayato "Mach" Sakurai will take on Hidetaka Monma in a non-tournament bout at 168 pounds. Sakurai's last fight was an overwhelming unanimous decision win over Hidehiko Hasegawa, DEEP's welterweight king. And also scheduled, but without decided upon opponents, Mirko CroCop and Ikuhisa Minowa will also be doing battle at Dream.
More to follow as it develops...
Even though Mitsuhiro Ishida had only one bout in 2007, that bout was a big one. Besting Gilbert Melendez in a unanimous decision win at Yarennoka last New Year's Eve. South Korea's Bu Kyung Jung took home a silver medal in judo at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jung also fought in the Yarennoka event, having his MMA debut against Shinya Aoki and losing by decision, but nearly submitting Aoki twice.
Another Sydney Games silver medalist, Katsuhiko Nagata hasn't fought since July 16th's K-1 Hero's tournament, in which Caol Uno defeated him by unanimous decision. His Russian opponent, Artur Oumalhanov, was knocked out by Shoji in a effort to win the vacant lightweight King of Pancrase title.
Andre Amade was the runner-up of last year's K-1 Hero's tournament, defeating Caol Uno and advancing, only to lose to Gesias "JZ" Calvancante. Eddie Alvarez, who actually started his MMA career as a welterweight, had a big win against Ross Ebanez at January's Elite XC event.
Also announced, Hayato "Mach" Sakurai will take on Hidetaka Monma in a non-tournament bout at 168 pounds. Sakurai's last fight was an overwhelming unanimous decision win over Hidehiko Hasegawa, DEEP's welterweight king. And also scheduled, but without decided upon opponents, Mirko CroCop and Ikuhisa Minowa will also be doing battle at Dream.
More to follow as it develops...
Friday, March 7, 2008
FIGHTER PROFILE: Kazushi Sakuraba
He's known as "The Gracie Hunter", and for good reason. Kazushi Sakuraba has defeated more members of the famed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gracie family than anyone else in the history of mixed martial arts. This, combined with a very respectable record (23-9-1) has brought him great fame and respect within the sport. Having fought all around the world and on the biggest stages in MMA such as the UFC and K-1, he is known most from his long run in PRIDE.
Born in Akita, Japan on July 14th 1969, Sakuraba began wrestling early in high school and continued during his years in college. In 1992 Sakuraba put the amateur ranks of wrestling behind when he joined up with the Japan based "Union of Wrestling Force International" (UWFI). He also had a short stint with the rival wrestling organization "New Japan Pro Wrestling" at a time when it and the UWFI were feuding. Not long after the UWFI ended, Sakuraba joined most of the other former UWFI fighters in forming "Kingdom." But when that too collapsed after only one year, Sakuraba joined forces with Nobuhiko Takada and Naoki Sano in creating a stable of fighters called "Takada Dojo", with a goal of focusing on mixed martial arts events.
Sakuraba would make his official MMA debut on December 21, 1997 at UFC's Ultimate Japan 1, and would face former Extreme Fighting Champion Marcus Silveira. However the match ended prematurely when the referee mistook a single-leg takedown by Sakuraba as a knockout. The fight was ruled a no-contest and a rematch was scheduled for that very same night. In the rematch Sakuraba earned the victory with a submission by armbar. This would be the one and only time Kazushi Sakuraba would spend in the UFC's octagon.
On March 15th, 1998 Sakuraba would make his first appearance in what would be a long and fruitful career within the PRIDE Fighting Championship organization when he faced Vernon "Tiger" White at PRIDE 2. Once again winning the bout by armbar submission. Over the next two years Sakuraba would have eight more fights within PRIDE before receiving his first loss, beating notable fighters like Carlos Newton, Vitor Belfort, Royler Gracie, Guy Mezger, and Royce Gracie. Sakurabas' first loss would come at the hands of Igor Vovchanchyn at the 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix Finals. He would rebound three months later by defeating his third Gracie, when during PRIDE 10 he submitted Renzo Gracie by Kimura. Just four months later he would add yet another Gracie to his resume, taking Ryan Gracie by unanimous decision at PRIDE 12.
At the time this was absolutely unheard off, the Gracie family was legendry. Having created their own style of fighting known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu", the Gracies created a fighting challenge known simply as "The Gracie Challenge." It was an open call to all fighters of any style to test their skills against Gracie Jiu Jitsu in a practically rule-less environment. Eventually this would evolve when Rorion Gracie turned it into the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in 1993. When Sakuraba defeated Royler Gracie during PRIDE 8 the fight-world was shocked, as no man had defeated a Gracie in an actual legitimate match (Royce had one previous loss but only because he couldn't begin the match) in over five decades.
Kazushi Sakuraba had twenty-seven fights while in PRIDE, his last being a win against Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa during PRIDE Shockwave 2005 on December 31st, 2005. Since then Sakuraba has been fighting in the "K-1" organization and has continued to do well, losing only once in six fights. At nearly 40 years old, Sakuraba continues to fight with strength, honor, and courage. With any luck MMA fans will continue to enjoy his fighting spirit for years to come.
Sakuraba would make his official MMA debut on December 21, 1997 at UFC's Ultimate Japan 1, and would face former Extreme Fighting Champion Marcus Silveira. However the match ended prematurely when the referee mistook a single-leg takedown by Sakuraba as a knockout. The fight was ruled a no-contest and a rematch was scheduled for that very same night. In the rematch Sakuraba earned the victory with a submission by armbar. This would be the one and only time Kazushi Sakuraba would spend in the UFC's octagon.
On March 15th, 1998 Sakuraba would make his first appearance in what would be a long and fruitful career within the PRIDE Fighting Championship organization when he faced Vernon "Tiger" White at PRIDE 2. Once again winning the bout by armbar submission. Over the next two years Sakuraba would have eight more fights within PRIDE before receiving his first loss, beating notable fighters like Carlos Newton, Vitor Belfort, Royler Gracie, Guy Mezger, and Royce Gracie. Sakurabas' first loss would come at the hands of Igor Vovchanchyn at the 2000 PRIDE Grand Prix Finals. He would rebound three months later by defeating his third Gracie, when during PRIDE 10 he submitted Renzo Gracie by Kimura. Just four months later he would add yet another Gracie to his resume, taking Ryan Gracie by unanimous decision at PRIDE 12.
At the time this was absolutely unheard off, the Gracie family was legendry. Having created their own style of fighting known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu", the Gracies created a fighting challenge known simply as "The Gracie Challenge." It was an open call to all fighters of any style to test their skills against Gracie Jiu Jitsu in a practically rule-less environment. Eventually this would evolve when Rorion Gracie turned it into the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in 1993. When Sakuraba defeated Royler Gracie during PRIDE 8 the fight-world was shocked, as no man had defeated a Gracie in an actual legitimate match (Royce had one previous loss but only because he couldn't begin the match) in over five decades.
Kazushi Sakuraba had twenty-seven fights while in PRIDE, his last being a win against Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa during PRIDE Shockwave 2005 on December 31st, 2005. Since then Sakuraba has been fighting in the "K-1" organization and has continued to do well, losing only once in six fights. At nearly 40 years old, Sakuraba continues to fight with strength, honor, and courage. With any luck MMA fans will continue to enjoy his fighting spirit for years to come.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
EVENT - Dream: Heiwa Dream.1
On March 15th the MMA World will play host to another debut event from the brand new promotion "Dream." Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) will co-promote the event, entitled "Heiwa Dream.1", the 1st round of a lightweight grand prix. The completed fight card for the event is still in the works but there are already some really solid matchups slated for the night, including Shinya Aoki vs. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante, Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill, Koutetsu Boku (pictured) vs. Joachim Hansen, and Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Luiz "Buscape" Firmino. For Japanese MMA fans the new Dream promotion is truely a dream come true as many fans are still reeling from the loss of PRIDE Fighting Championships, the company the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bought out and then disbanded.
On New Year's Eve 2007 an alliance between FEG and the former PRIDE staff took place in order to produce the New Year's Eve event "Yarennoka", which was a huge success. "We've wanted to put on a new mixed martial arts event that would continue the great dream alliance of last years New Year's Eve event" said FEG President, Sadaharu Tanikawa. This alliance has lead to the creation of the "Dream" promotion. The inaugural event is being held at former PRIDE home, Saitama Super Arena. More information will follow as it's released.
- DREAM EVENT SCHEDULE -
March 15: Heiwa Dream.1 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 1st Round at the Saitama Super Arena
April 29: Olympia Dream.2 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 1st Round at the Saitama Super Arena
May 11: Heiwa Dream.3 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 2nd Round at the Saitama Super Arena
June (TBA): Olympia Dream.4 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 2nd Round in either Yokohama Japan or Korea
July 21: Heiwa Dream.5 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final at Osaka Castle Hall
September (TBA): Olympia Dream.6 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final at Saitama Super Arena
On New Year's Eve 2007 an alliance between FEG and the former PRIDE staff took place in order to produce the New Year's Eve event "Yarennoka", which was a huge success. "We've wanted to put on a new mixed martial arts event that would continue the great dream alliance of last years New Year's Eve event" said FEG President, Sadaharu Tanikawa. This alliance has lead to the creation of the "Dream" promotion. The inaugural event is being held at former PRIDE home, Saitama Super Arena. More information will follow as it's released.
- DREAM EVENT SCHEDULE -
March 15: Heiwa Dream.1 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 1st Round at the Saitama Super Arena
April 29: Olympia Dream.2 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 1st Round at the Saitama Super Arena
May 11: Heiwa Dream.3 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 2nd Round at the Saitama Super Arena
June (TBA): Olympia Dream.4 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 2nd Round in either Yokohama Japan or Korea
July 21: Heiwa Dream.5 - Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final at Osaka Castle Hall
September (TBA): Olympia Dream.6 - Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final at Saitama Super Arena
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
RESULTS - World Victory Road: Sengoku
With their inaugural event now in the books, World Victory Road (WVR) has been set into motion and according to Japanese fight fans "Sengoku" was a success. With all fourteen combatants successfully making weight the day before the event, there was a brief fireworks display during the press conference after the fighters weighed in. There was some obvious tension between Kazuyuki Fujita and his opponent Peter Graham and when the two men entered the room Fujita immediately took his seat, refusing to pose with Graham. When Graham was given the podium, he started the smack talk but before the translator finished translating what was said, Fujita cut her off and started his own verbal onslaught. Before Fujita could finish, both fighters were on their feet and going after each other as the other fighters stepped in to seperate them. In an effort to add levity to the tense situation, when Josh Barnett took the podium he asked Graham if he wanted to "attack" his opponent, Hidehiko Yoshida, to feel free.
However, the next day the event itself went on without a hitch. The show was very high quality and the production too was good. The only possible complaint could be the somewhat lean fight card with only seven bouts, but with more time before WVR's next event (5/18) that shouldn't be a problem.
- SENGOKU RESULTS -
Nick Thompson defeats Fabricio Monteiro by Decision (Unanimous)
Ryo Kawamura defeats Antonio Braga Neto by Decision (Unanimous)
Evangelista Santos defeats Makoto Takimoto by Submission (Heel Hook) at 4:51 of Round 1
Kazuyuji Fujita defeats Peter Graham by Submission (North/South Choke) at 1:23 of Round 1
Kazuo Misaki defeats Siyar Bahadurzada by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:02 of Round 2
Takanori Gomi defeats Duane Ludwig by TKO (Due to Cut) at 2:28 of Round 1
Josh Barnett defeats Hidehiko Yoshida by Submission (Heel Hook) at 3:23 of Round 3
However, the next day the event itself went on without a hitch. The show was very high quality and the production too was good. The only possible complaint could be the somewhat lean fight card with only seven bouts, but with more time before WVR's next event (5/18) that shouldn't be a problem.
- SENGOKU RESULTS -
Nick Thompson defeats Fabricio Monteiro by Decision (Unanimous)
Ryo Kawamura defeats Antonio Braga Neto by Decision (Unanimous)
Evangelista Santos defeats Makoto Takimoto by Submission (Heel Hook) at 4:51 of Round 1
Kazuyuji Fujita defeats Peter Graham by Submission (North/South Choke) at 1:23 of Round 1
Kazuo Misaki defeats Siyar Bahadurzada by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:02 of Round 2
Takanori Gomi defeats Duane Ludwig by TKO (Due to Cut) at 2:28 of Round 1
Josh Barnett defeats Hidehiko Yoshida by Submission (Heel Hook) at 3:23 of Round 3
Monday, March 3, 2008
NEWS - MMA in March
The month of March looks to be a very exciting month for mixed martial arts (MMA) in Japan. Kicking things off on March 5th is World Victory Road's highly anticipated debut event "Sengoku" in Tokyo, Japan (for more on this see below). Shooto Japan looks to have a huge showing in the month of March with five big events already scheduled. Shooto will start things off on March 15th with "GIG West 9" from Osaka, Japan. There will be five professional bouts on the night, including three rookie tournament bouts. Among those scheduled to battle are Shinji Sasaki, Junya Kudou, and Akira Kibe. The very next day Shooto will feature "GIG Central Vol. 14" from Nagoya, Japan. With eight fights on the night including two more rookie tournament bouts and one grappling bout, GIG Central Vol. 14 should be a great night for fights. Among the scheduled fights that night are Yoshitaro Niimi who will be taking on Hirosumi "C-Bozu" Sugiura, Takahiro Kajita will be going up against Yutaka Ueda, and Kenichi Hattori will be fighting Koichi Taguchi just to name a few. The other scheduled Shooto events for March will be held on March 21st, March 23rd, and March 28th. More information will follow on these events.
Also scheduled on March 15th is another debut event from the brand new promotion "Dream." Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) and Tokyo Broadcasting System will co-promote the event, entitled "Heiwa Dream.1." A complete fight card for the event is still in the works but there are already some really solid matchups slated for the night including Shinya Aoki vs. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante, Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill, Koutetsu Boku vs. Joachim Hansen, and Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Luiz "Buscape" Firmino. For Japanese MMA fans the new Dream promotion is truely a dream come true as many fans are still reeling from the loss of PRIDE Fighting Championships, the company the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bought out and then disbanded. Stay tuned for more information about the emerging Dream promotion.
Pancrase will be holding its second "Shining Tour" event of the year at the Korakuen Hall on March 26th in Tokyo, Japan. With eight bouts already scheduled the event is shaping up quite nicely. A Featherweight Championship fight between Miki Shida and Marlon Sandro will be headlining the card. In addition there will be a Semifinal Middleweight contest between Izuru Takeuchi and Hiromitsu Kanehara. The Russian fighter Alavutdin Gadzhiev will be coming into Tokyo to battle with Kikaru Sato, and Brazilian fighter Hacran Dias will be facing off with Takafumi Ito. I'll have more on this event as things take shape.
Also scheduled on March 15th is another debut event from the brand new promotion "Dream." Fight Entertainment Group (FEG) and Tokyo Broadcasting System will co-promote the event, entitled "Heiwa Dream.1." A complete fight card for the event is still in the works but there are already some really solid matchups slated for the night including Shinya Aoki vs. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante, Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill, Koutetsu Boku vs. Joachim Hansen, and Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Luiz "Buscape" Firmino. For Japanese MMA fans the new Dream promotion is truely a dream come true as many fans are still reeling from the loss of PRIDE Fighting Championships, the company the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bought out and then disbanded. Stay tuned for more information about the emerging Dream promotion.
Pancrase will be holding its second "Shining Tour" event of the year at the Korakuen Hall on March 26th in Tokyo, Japan. With eight bouts already scheduled the event is shaping up quite nicely. A Featherweight Championship fight between Miki Shida and Marlon Sandro will be headlining the card. In addition there will be a Semifinal Middleweight contest between Izuru Takeuchi and Hiromitsu Kanehara. The Russian fighter Alavutdin Gadzhiev will be coming into Tokyo to battle with Kikaru Sato, and Brazilian fighter Hacran Dias will be facing off with Takafumi Ito. I'll have more on this event as things take shape.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
EVENT - World Victory Road: Sengoku
World Victory Road (WVR) has it's debut event "Sengoku" on March 5th at the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The event was originally scheduled to have eight matchups, however when Phil Baroni pulled out they were left with seven. However all seven fights on the card are good solid matchups, no has-been "freak show" type fights. WVR was created in October, 2007 and has been touted as the replacement to the now disbanded PRIDE Fighting Championships. Naoya Kinoshita, CEO for WVR, introduced the name "Sengoku" saying it was selected from the 10,000+ fan suggestions for an event name. The word Sengoku consists of two Chinese characters, "Sen" and "Goku." "Sen" literally translating into "Fight" and "Goku" into "Master." The name suits perfectly with the concept of the event, which Kinoshita described as "a place for masters of martial arts to show their spirit and pride to compete for the strongest in the world."
- Sengoku Fight Card -
Josh Barnett vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
Takanori Gomi vs. Duane Ludwig
Kazuo Misaki vs. Siyar Bahadurzada
Makoto Takimoto vs. Evangelista Santos
Ryo Kawamura vs. Antonio Braga Neto
Nick Thompson vs. Fabricio Monteiro
Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Peter Graham
- Sengoku Fight Card -
Josh Barnett vs. Hidehiko Yoshida
Takanori Gomi vs. Duane Ludwig
Kazuo Misaki vs. Siyar Bahadurzada
Makoto Takimoto vs. Evangelista Santos
Ryo Kawamura vs. Antonio Braga Neto
Nick Thompson vs. Fabricio Monteiro
Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Peter Graham
Welcome
First of I'd like to welcome you to Japan MMA in the USA, thank you for stopping by. As the mission statement says, the goal here is to introduce the American fight fan to all the great fighting and fighters that Japan has to offer. You'll find information here about great Japanese fight promotions like Shooto, Pancrase, DEEP, K-1, Cage Force and more. You'll get up to date upcoming events, fight cards, fight results, and the latest news out of Japan. If you have any requests, questions or comments email me anytime at: mailto:mmaexpert@earthlink.net
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
