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UFC Announces Return to Japan on February 26th, 2012

(“…In situations that the Planeteers cannot resolve alone, they can combine their powers to summon ‘Prime Sakuraba‘, a magical entity who possesses all of their powers magnified.” / Photo via BloodyElbow)

The UFC held a press conference earlier today in Tokyo, formally announcing their plans to host an event at the Saitama Super Arena on February 26th, 2012. No matchups were announced, but Japanese stars including Yushin Okami, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Takanori Gomi, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, Hatsu Hioki, and Michihiro Omigawa were all mentioned as likely participants. Former PRIDE stars like Wanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Quinton Jackson and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are also possibilities.

Though the UFC held four events in Japan from 1997-2000, this will be the first Japanese show organized by the UFC while under Zuffa ownership. The prelims will begin at 10 a.m. local time (with the main card starting at noon) so that the event can be broadcast live at the usual time slot for North American viewers. It’s not clear yet whether UFC Japan 2012 will be a pay-per-view or “Fight Night” card, and no details were given regarding the event’s local broadcast plans.

Following a recorded video message from Dana White at the press conference, Zuffa LLC Asia Executive Vice President and Managing Director Mark Fischer addressed the media in attendance, saying:

“We want to let everyone know that we will be bringing the same high level of UFC competition, the same world class show and presentation, and great fights and the greatest athletes in the world to Japan…Let me also say that while UFC Japan in 2012 will be the first event for Zuffa in Asia, it certainly won’t be the last. We hope to make UFC Japan an annual fixture on our calendar and we also have plans to follow-up with a series of high quality events across Asia.”

While the UFC’s return to Brazil last month represented a joyfully symbolic homecoming, the history of MMA in Japan over the last five years has been that of scandal, opposition, and a growing apathy among fans — and according to FightOpinion’s Zach Arnold, the UFC’s February show at the Saitama Super Arena won’t do much to change that:

“Think about how insulting it is to the Japanese fans to tell them that this show is going to start at 10 AM in the morning. The kind of people willing to show up for an event like that for that time frame are really hardcore fans. UFC does not have a substantial hardcore MMA fan base to work with in Japan and the hardcore MMA fans remaining in Japan have a very mixed opinion about UFC as a product…UFC cannot, with a straight face, look at the Japanese fans in the eye and tell them that the Saitama Super Arena show is all about them when you’re starting the damn event at 10 AM in the morning so Americans can watch it on PPV live…

Which reminds me of today’s UFC presser in which a VTR (video tape recording) of Dana White was played to the media. So, why wasn’t he at the Japanese press conference? Because he’s getting ready to do press in Las Vegas for the upcoming Georges St. Pierre/Nick Diaz fight in late October. In our opinion, Dana White sent the message to the Japanese fans that he wouldn’t even show up in Japan to do the presser for his own vanity show…

As I stated before, UFC has money to burn on a Japanese joy ride and what Dana wants, Dana gets. This is going to be his grand ‘ol party to say screw you to the ghost of PRIDE in PRIDE’s old home arena. This is his message to the Japanese MMA fans that what promoters served them was inherently wrong and that he’s going to show the fans ‘the right way’ to produce an MMA show…

You’re not going to build a foothold in the Japanese marketplace without a major broadcast over-the-air network in Japan pushing the product. UFC is not a Japanese company and they do not allow outsiders to control their matchmaking, two aspects which are mandatory in getting a network television deal with an outlet like Fuji TV. And that’s if a major Japanese TV network is even interested, which they are not right now because of what a dirty cesspool the fight game has truly become in the country. Unless circumstances change over the months to come, I don’t know how one can classify the current behavior of the UFC’s return to Japan as a serious long-term business proposition.”

Not every observer is going to be as cynical as this, but Arnold’s right to doubt how much of an impact this will have locally. The sport has officially fallen out of favor in Japan, and a card full of native fighters who have previously been smashed in the UFC isn’t going to generate the kind of rabid interest we just saw in Rio. Plus, the time-slot thing: Is a 10 a.m. show insulting for Japanese fans, or is the UFC right to put Western fans first?

Hellboy Unleashed: An Interview with Joachim Hansen

Despite never competing on the big stages North America has to offer, Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen has been a perennial top 10 lightweight for nearly a decade. At 28 fights into his storied career, Hansen made the move to the weight class that is quickly b…

Bleacher Report caught up with Hansen recently to get his thoughts on fighting, Japan and much more.

You’ve spent much of your career fighting in Japan. What did it mean to you to fight on the Fight for Japan card in May?

It was special feeling to be fighting this time in Japan. I was very happy to be invited to be on the card but at the same time it was a feeling of grief for those families who lost their loved ones in the catastrophe.

When you began fighting in Japan, did you have trouble adjusting to the culture and food?

Japanese culture and food no problem, the food over there actually tastes of something.
They honour their traditional food, no Soylent Green for Hansen in Japan.

Many fighters have complained about biased judging in Japan. Have you ever felt cheated by judges?

Not really. When I lost to Mitsuoka in Shooto, I didn’t agree with the judges but when I started to think about the fight, I felt that the outcome was right.

I had the superior positions but he was closer to finishing the fight on a guillotine choke he had on me in the second round, I was almost unconscious when I got free.

What is it about Japan that keeps you coming back?

I liked Japan since the first time I sat foot there eight years ago. I made friends there and I like their culture.

You’re coming off a victory over Mitsuhiro Ishida at DREAM Fight for Japan. What were your thoughts on your performance?

I’m happy with my performance, I knew his game from studying his pre fights with Caol Uno, Wicky, and Suzuki. Take down to top control and usually winning on decisions has been his bread and butter in his career. I felt I was threatening him from my back with sub attempts and strikes, and I felt fine when they gave me the split decision victory.

With three straight victories, do you think you’re close to another title shot in DREAM?

Not yet, maybe if I can win two more fights.

How would you compare your experience in PRIDE with your experience in DREAM?

It feels the same.

If you could avenge one loss, which one would it be?

Takaya.

How much longer do you plan on fighting for?

I don’t know, I take one fight at the time now. I passed 30 years two years ago, but 10 more years would be cool if I can be successful and not get injuries.

What are your plans after fighting?

I’m going to be an MMA trainer.

In 2009/2010 you suffered three straight losses for the first time in your career. What do you attribute this streak to?

It was devastating but necessary, a coin has two sides, the shiny side and the dark side
with that face on, hollow eyes staring in to your soul, awaiting to take it when you break.

How did you bounce back from these losses?

With my hatred for this world and the two legged plague that feasts upon it.

How do you mentally prepare for a fight?

I think about the Vikings and others who came before me and my grandfather who was at war in the sea, constantly every second for five years, and I feel strong when going to the fight.

What influenced your decision to become a mixed martial artist?

Ever since I saw a half drunk Roger Moore beating up bastards in the James Bond movies back in 1984 and Renzo Gracie, Mark Kerr, Jorge “macaco”, Johil di Oliveria, Jose “Pele” Landi back in the days.

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B/R Interview with Rising Prospect Alex Soto: "A Pocket Full of Hopes"

Undefeated bantamweight fighter Alex Soto is a fighter to watch.This Friday, June 24th, Soto will be making his Japanese debut against 13-4 veteran Japanese fighter Seiji Akao on a stacked DEEP 54 card.I had to chance to catch up with Soto as he talks …

Undefeated bantamweight fighter Alex Soto is a fighter to watch.

This Friday, June 24th, Soto will be making his Japanese debut against 13-4 veteran Japanese fighter Seiji Akao on a stacked DEEP 54 card.

I had to chance to catch up with Soto as he talks about the struggle of coming up in the sport of MMA, fighting in Japan, training with Trevor Witman and Greg Jackson, and Mexican MMA…..

I have seen your height listed at 5’6” and 5’9”. What is accurate?

I’m 5’8”.

You have fought at featherweight and at bantamweight. Now at bantamweight, do you have to cut much weight?

I usually train around 150 lbs., so my natural weight class is 135 lbs.

I’m too small for featherweight and a little bit big for bantamweight. It’s something you have to get used to.

What are you doing to prepare for fighting in Japan?

Nothing different. We’re expecting a good fight from this guy, I’m fighting Seiji Akao. He’s a tough opponent man. There’s no difference from getting punched in the face in Mexico or in the US, it’s the same punch that happens in Japan too.

Are you comfortable with hostile crowds, have you fought in front of a hostile crowd before?

I have experienced hostile crowds before. When I fought in Mexico I fought against one of the guys that is famous down there and there was a bit of a hostile crowd. But that fight ended up going the distance and it was a really good fight and the crowd ended up liking the both of us, so I got a lot of respect for that crowd.

But I keep hearing that in Japan it’s a lot different.

I’ve heard that Japanese crowds are more respectful.

It’s just that it’s a different culture. It’s a different view; a different type of audience. That’s my understanding so far, but I haven’t fought there yet.

But that’s what I expect, I keep hearing that from fighters that have fought down there, that it’s very quiet, you know, and you can hear the breathing and hear the coaches talking and you can really hear the punches. It’s going to be interesting.

I know you train out of San Diego but I also heard that Trevor Wittman out of Colorado has had some complimentary things to say about you.

I went up to Denver. I’ve gone there twice and I’ve spent a couple weeks up there and it’s just been great. I got to train with Grudge Training Center in Denver and we actually took a road trip and headed down to New Mexico and also got to train with Greg Jackson’s team. Also great bunch of guys. But the majority of my training has been down here in San Diego training under Manolo Hernandez who also trains Liz Carmouche from Strikeforce.

Some of biggest names in the sport are up there in Colorado. Did they inspire you or do you look up to any of them in particular?

Those guys have been awesome. I look up to every single one of those fighters. They have Nate Marquardt over there. Brenand Schaub. I got to meet those guys and a lot of the lighter weight classes too. It was just great, everyone in the sport is very professional and all those guys are really cool man.

You have an interesting story. Can you tell us a little bit about immigrating from Mexico and joining the armed forces?

We’re an immigrant family. I grew up in Tijuana which is not that far, obviously, from San Diego. It was , you know, tough times in Mexico so my family had to pack up their stuff and come to the US with their pocket full of hopes and a handful of dreams.

I’ve got to give it all to my parents- they worked really hard to make sure we had a good education and to provide for us to be able to succeed. I come from a big family. Five of us kids and my two parents, but we made it through and now we’re all professionals in our own way. My oldest brother is a writer, my other brother is a violinist, my [other] brother is extreme and does professional BMX for a living. So we have done what we need to do to succeed and acclimate in the US.

How about joining the army? I know many MMA fighters have said that the armed forces has molded their character and prepared them for more than anything they could ever experience in the cage.

Well the reason I joined is because I was 18 years old and 9/11 had just happened. I felt not only a sense of duty for living here in this country but also to stand up for what I believe was right and do my part and represent my family and do it for my family. Everybody has [somebody] that served this country so everybody does their part and I did it for my family and I did my part.

I see that you are also a dolphin trainer for the Navy?

I have a great job too. After serving in the Army I became a SeaWorld diver, scrubing the pens and taking care of the facilities at SeaWorld. I ended up going into the training department and ended up being able to be a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld. With my military background and my diving experience and being able to train dolphins, it ended up being a perfect fit for the Navy and their Marine Animal Program.

How do you navigate two careers? Could we see you leave MMA?

The reason I got into MMA is because you only get one chance in a lifetime to do something like this. I always believed I could be good at this. I believed I could go very far in this sport. I made a choice to get into MMA and really pursue this career. But I also do my work you know. I gotta pay my bills and stuff. Obviously starting off in MMA it doesn’t pay very much but it’s something that you have a passion for and you really have to go for it and chase your dreams.

Animals—I’ve always loved animals that’s why I’m in the industry of training animals. I’ve always been taking care of them. A lot of people have a very special connection with animals—so it’s also a very special job. It’s definitely a tough choice. If my career in MMA continues to go, I’ll have to make a choice. Right now it’s a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hard work, and you know things don’t come easy unless you work very hard at them.

As an undefeated fighter, you have yet to experience your first loss. How are you psychologically prepared for potentially getting that first loss eventually?

It’ll come. I never think of it in the way that I’m undefeated. I’m always thinking one fight at a time.

Whatever happened in the past is in the past. Right now it’s Seiji Akao. That’s all I think about. The losses or a perfect record, it really doesn’t have a lot of meaning behind it because I just take one fight at a time. Even if the performance wasn’t good, I learn from every single one of my fights.

As your career keeps blossoming and you get opportunities, how do you see yourself stack up with some of the higher ranked bantamweights in the world?

I consider myself a fighter. Those are the things that will come. Which ever promotion is put in front of me I would go and fight.

That aside, I strongly believe in my coaching staff and my team and we believe that we can hang in their with those guys and be just as competitive as any one of those guys.

How would you describe your fighting style?

It really has evolved now where a lot of different fighters that are coming up are learning the arts of the martial arts, the mixed aspect of it. I think I’m one of those guys that has to be well rounded- good on the ground, good on the stand-up, and good wrestling skills. Those are the ones that are succeeding, at least right now. That’s what you see right now. I like to say that I am a well rounded fighter. I don’t really have particular a spot where I could classify myself as a wrestler or anything like that.

Lastly, what is your perception of Mexican fighters and how the culture in Mexican MMA is coming along?

I’ve competed down in Mexico so I have a good idea of what’s out there in Mexico, and tough guys are coming out, but haven’t had the opportunity to showcase it. But the league that I was fighting for, they’re doing a lot of promotions now and they’re starting to air across the country all the fights, and you know, it’s finally picking up steam. A lot of guys that are down in Mexico training are really good guys. It’s definitely happening where you’re going to see a lot of tough Mexican fighters soon.

Thank you very much for your time. Any shout-outs?

I have to thank my wife for dealing with this—this is a family affair where everyone puts their sacrifices in it.

Also San Diego Combat Academy, my management company Alchemist, everybody from Grudge that’s been believing in me as well. And also my sponsor Ranger Up and thanks to everyone that supports me.

-Best of luck to Alex in his Japanese debut on the 24th. Check out his highlight video on YouTube here.

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MMA Knockout of the Day: Eddie Alvarez Celebrates Too Soon, Still Gets TKO Win

In the semifinals of the Dream 5 lightweight tournament, Eddie Alvarez met Japanese sensation, Tatsuya Kawajiri. Alvarez had beaten his two previous opponents, Andre Amade, and a tough Joachim Hansen to get to this fight. The bout began off with both f…

In the semifinals of the Dream 5 lightweight tournament, Eddie Alvarez met Japanese sensation, Tatsuya Kawajiri.

Alvarez had beaten his two previous opponents, Andre Amade, and a tough Joachim Hansen to get to this fight.

The bout began off with both fighters trading blows, Alvarez with cool combinations and Kawajiri with a mixture of leg kicks, knees and punches.

Three minutes in, Alvarez had Kawajiri rocked and was teeing off. But somehow Kawajiri was able to recover and got back up and continued to press on.

Then the bout was quickly stopped for a tiny cut under the eye of Alvarez and then quickly started again.

Then after they began the fight again, Kawajiri knocked down Alvarez and began to turn the tables. Kawajiri then controlled Alvarez for a long amount of time on the ground and began to wear down Alvarez.

Alvarez then got up and both fighters began teeing off. Ironically, commentator Bas Rutten said “It’s like a Rocky movie!” Alvarez is from Philadelphia and is a great boxer. Then again, both fighters started trading blows and got up against the ropes. With both fighters getting hurt over and over, it was Alvarez who began to go off on Kawajiri, knocks him down, thinks the bout is over, and then goes on to to beat him senseless on the ground.

Alvarez was unable to compete in the finals of this tournament due to that cut under his eye, and was replaced by Joachim Hansen, who would go on and beat Shinya Aoki in the finals.

Since this card, Alvarez has gone 7-1 with his only loss coming against Aoki in his next fight at Dynamite!! 2008. Alvarez is currently the Bellator lightweight champion and is set to face Michael Chandler sometime soon.

Kawajiri is 5-2 since this fight with losses to both Aoki and Gilbert Melendez. His most recent bout was against Melendez where he was dominated in the first round and lost by TKO. Kawajiri is set to face Willamy Freire at Dream 17.

You can follow Sal on Twitter: @SalDeRoseMMA

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Yushin Okami, Takanori Gomi and the 10 Best Japanese Fighters of All Time

Japanese mixed martial arts has recently fallen on a bit of hard times and as a result, so has the development of the fighters who live and train there. It is a far cry from the glory days of MMA in Japan during the 1990’s and early to mid 20…

Japanese mixed martial arts has recently fallen on a bit of hard times and as a result, so has the development of the fighters who live and train there.

It is a far cry from the glory days of MMA in Japan during the 1990’s and early to mid 2000’s, where the land of the rising sun held epic fight cards regularly under such promotions as “Shooto” Vale Tudo, Pancrase, and of course, Pride FC.

During those glory years, Japanese MMA stood on it’s own with many Japanese fighters becoming local heroes for their blood-and-guts performances against countrymen.

In addition, some became national heroes for waving the Japanese flag in fights against the biggest and baddest fighters from the rest of the world.

It is with great honour that I present to you, The 10 Best Japanese Fighters of All Time.

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MMA Knockout of the Day: Tsuyoshi Kurihara Nailed by a Knee from Gegard Mousasi

In a light heavyweight bout between Gegard Mousasi and Tsuyoshi Kurihara, it only took 10 seconds for this knockout to occur.
Mousasi is a devastating striker, and in only his 11th career bout, he helped prove it even more.
In the beginning Kurihara co…

In a light heavyweight bout between Gegard Mousasi and Tsuyoshi Kurihara, it only took 10 seconds for this knockout to occur.

Mousasi is a devastating striker, and in only his 11th career bout, he helped prove it even more.

In the beginning Kurihara comes in strong and gets within close range of Mousasi. Then, Mousasi ends up turning the tides and gets a couple good strikes in and lands a beautiful knee to the dome of Kurihara.

Kurihara quickly drops to the mat and Mousasi gets another shot or two in before the ref finally stops the fight, only ten seconds into the match.

This bout started a string of knockouts for Mousasi. In Mousasi’s next two fights, he would earn a knockout victory within the first minute of the fight. Mousasi is currently 30-3-2 in his MMA career coming off a heavily criticized draw with Keith Jardine.

Mousasi most recently won the Dream light heavyweight title and is the former holder of Strikeforce’s light heavyweight title. A scary thought considering Mousasi is only 25 years old and still becoming a better fighter.

Since the knockout in December of 2005, Kurihara has won four straight bouts with his most recent win coming in March of last year. Kurihara spent four years away from the sport of MMA between 2006 and 2010. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the reason to his absence from MMA.

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