Olympian Satoshi Ishii picks up first career MMA victory in New Zealand

Satoshi Ishii, the Olympic judo gold medalist who garnered big attention when made his pro mixed-martial-arts debut in late 2009, picked up his first pro win this past weekend.

The 23-year-old Japanese fighter defeated  Tafa Misipati in the headliner of an X-polsion event in New Zealand.

Ishii, who signed a contract with World Victory Road’s Sengoku event series this past summer, made quick work of the Kiwi and submitted Misipati via first-round armbar.


Satoshi Ishii, the Olympic judo gold medalist who garnered big attention when made his pro mixed-martial-arts debut in late 2009, picked up his first pro win this past weekend.

The 23-year-old Japanese fighter defeated  Tafa Misipati in the headliner of an X-polsion event in New Zealand.

Ishii, who signed a contract with World Victory Road’s Sengoku event series this past summer, made quick work of the Kiwi and submitted Misipati via first-round armbar.