So, it was good to see him secure quick a slick submission win over the “Kung Fu Fighter”, when he trapped the arm and used his legs to apply pressure, with Lee’s face trapped and open to strikes. While the old boy might be 2-8 in his last ten fights, the man is a veteran warrior and fought some of the best names of the ‘90s, such as Ken Shamrock (0-2), Bas Rutten (0-1), Masakatsu Funaki (0-1), Minoru Suzuki (1-0), Semmy Schilt (0-3), and even in the following decade he would face the likes of Igor, Heath Herring and Melvin Manhoef. His opponent is an old warhorse – Pancrase alumni Yoshiki Takahashi. In his case, it was coming out to “Kung Fu Fighting” while dancing around throwing what were universally – and ironically – termed “karate kicks” across the internet, and wearing a yellow jumpsuit. “Korean Ultimate Fighter” winner Chang Seob Lee provided the “epic” factor in the usual “epic entrance” stakes that J-MMA never fails to provide. This bout ever so beautifully demonstrated the spirit of Japanese MMA, with both men taking risks and laying it all on the line in the name of Bushido and warrior spirit. Ishiwatari/Nakahara put on a stellar scrap grappling and striking exchanges, reversals and counters, a 5* opening round and a split decision win for the latter man. A Tamura/Inoue final would be FANTASTIC, albeit major mixed feelings on the outcome yet again for me personally…

But Tamura is a solid fighter, at both Bantamweight and feather, and it is great to see Shooto fighters do well in other orgs. Perhaps surprisingly, I had mixed feelings on that fight, given that I like his opponent Shoko Sato too. He will be joined in the semis by Tamura representative of the wonderful org known as Shooto. Criticised in some quarters for lacking a killer instinct, he makes up for it with skill and the ability to impose his will on weaker fighters and lesser talents. Yet World Victory Road had to climax with their darling hometown favourite Izumi Olympic champion, and beneficiary of one of the worst decisions of all time, marring an otherwise excellent event.Īs a supporter of Pancrase, watching the BWKOP Manabu Inoue dominate and advance to the semi-finals was brilliant. With some stellar performances and a solid card, the night should have ended with the knockout-of-the-year contender provided by the irrepressible Maxi Blanco. In fact, it sounds like the best fun you can have with your clothes on.

Published on by Daniel Fletcher:Ī Japanese fight card featuring rounds from two separate Grand Prix’s at Bantamweight and Welterweight sounds like fun.

Sengoku rance mars