Despite the negative mood surrounding Japanese mixed martial arts there is still some good news coming out of that country. Japanese fighter Kazuyuki Miyata (11-7) has inked a sponsorship deal Nike which shows that there is still a great interest in the sport in that country.
Miyata is a former Olympic wrestler riding a seven fight win streak. His first professional fight was in Hawaii back in 2004, a loss to Royler Gracie, but since then he has fought exclusively in Japan for K-1 Heroes events, DEEP, and DREAM. His last victory came on New Years Eve at the Dynamite!! 2010 event where he earned a unanimous decision over Caol Uno at the event.
This is good news and may signal a change in direction for mixed martial arts in Japan that has seen sponsors dry up, events canceled, and fighters unpaid. With rumors that that the UFC will hold an event in Japan sometime this year, likely December, this could be a signal of some stabilization for the sport as well as seeing multiple visits by big mma promotions to the country.
Here is the official Press Release.
21 February 2011: Fortuna PR are pleased to announce that former Olympian and current Japanese MMA star Kazuyuki Miyata has signed a groundbreaking mma sponsorship deal with Nike. As the world’s leading supplier of Athletic footwear and apparel, Miyata is proud to join an illustrious list of sponsored athletes that compiles a who’s who of sports leading figures. With Miyata closing in on the Dream Featherweight title the relationship appears to have arrived with perfect timing.
Japanese mma fighter, freestyle wrestler and former Olympian; Miyata represented Japan at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Now an accomplished MMA fighter Miyata is renowned for his amazing suplex attacks. He is currently on a 7 fight winning streak which puts him firmly in the Dream promotions title picture.
Miyata discusses the deal:
“I’m stoked! Nike is a world renowned and widely respected sporting company. I’m very honoured Nike decided to contact me and asked me to represent the label. It’s the history and what Nike represents, not only the sporting world, but also in the overall promotion and encouragement of health and fitness lifestyles for all people.
“I have agreed to work alongside Nike to encourage a level of excellence in the sporting arena, as well as promote health and fitness lifestyle in general. As an example, Nike and I have decided to forward the brand to my children’s wrestling team. We have incentives and prizes presented to children who are advancing and achieving goals. Nike will be working together with me to ensure this programs success, and offer their full support.
“In regards to myself and Nike, once again, I am truly honoured to be approached by such a large well established and well respected company as Nike.
“Having Nike’s interest and support inspires me to train to my best ability, and perform in the sporting arena at the highest level of excellence,
There’s nothing else to say now, except “Just Do it!” and I will”!