Filed under: Sengoku, interview, Japan
TOKYO — Jorge Santiago’s second title defense against Kazuo Misaki at Sengoku Raiden Championship 14 was a definite candidate for the fight of the year.
The rematch of their thrilling January 2009 title fight featured technical ground exchanges and back and forth stand-up but as both fighters had predicted, it really came down to a test of heart as both fighters found themselves on the brink of defeat at multiple points throughout the bout.
“I expected to fight this way with him,” Santiago said post fight. “He always fights like this. He is great fighter. He is the best Japanese fighter that I have ever fought. I prepared for this fight so much. He needed to make me stop. If he didn’t make me stop I was going to come back because I have the heart to fight until the end.”
Santiago was not able to force Misaki to stop in the end but the challenger’s corner surrendered for him in the final 30 seconds of the final round.