Japanese MMA legend Masakazu Imanari discusses his plans to fight in MMA again, his current grappling schedule, what he’s been doing since his last fight in December 2016, and much more.
BloodyElbow.com’s Nick Baldwin met up with Japanese mixed martial arts legend Masakazu Imanari this past weekend at Winnipeg Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 41-year-old Imanari, who has fought for the likes of PRIDE FC, DEEP, Dream, and ONE Championship, was in town for a grappling seminar.
Baldwin and Imanari discussed whether he plans to get back into the MMA cage before stepping away for good, what organization he would fight for should he come back, whether he is currently involved in regular grappling competition himself, his small-time jiu-jitsu promotion in Japan, and what he has been doing since his last MMA fight in December 2016. Imanari also talks about the Japanese MMA scene, not wanting to fight for Rizin FF, interest in competing for Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) or Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds, top women’s strawweight prospect Mackenzie Dern’s recent win via Imanari choke, Rousimar Palhares’ nasty ground game, and much more.
You can watch the interview above. Don’t forget to check out Baldwin’s other interviews here.