There are highlight reel KOs and then there are soul-stealing, devastating, Mortal Kombat-fatality level KOs. Diego Nunes‘ victory at Superior Challenge 11 over famed Scandinavian fighter Joachim Hansen is the latter.
There are highlight reel KOs and then there are soul-stealing, devastating, Mortal Kombat-fatality level KOs. Diego Nunes‘ victory at Superior Challenge 11 over famed Scandinavian fighter Joachim Hansen is the latter.
Few knockouts deserve the “BAW GAWD, HE KILLED HIM!” more than this one. Hansen hasn’t been doing great lately. He’s 1-3 over the last four years and hasn’t beaten a significant opponent since a TKO win over Shinya Aoki in 2008. To put that into its proper historic context, the fight took place in DREAM. That’s how long it’s been since Hansen was a factor in the global top-echelon lightweight discussion. His record now stands at 23-13-1.
With the knockout, Nunes breaks a 3-fight losing streak, bringing his record to 19-6.
On Thursday, ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) proudly announced the signing of Dream bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes and lightweight champion Shinya Aoki. Both fighters were standouts from Dream and were the last champions in their respective…
On Thursday, ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) proudly announced the signing of Dream bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes and lightweight champion Shinya Aoki. Both fighters were standouts from Dream and were the last champions in their respective weight classes.
We take a look at possible opponents for the duo, who are set to make their respective debuts in ONE FC: Pride of a Nation in Manila on August 31st.
Japanese Shinya Aoki is a submission specialist who is opportunistic with his submissions. Boasting a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 19 of his 30 wins have come via submission. However, he is coming to ONE FC following a TKO loss to Eddie Alvarez in April.
It would make sense for Shinya Aoki to face Zorobabel Moreira in the main event. Brazilian Moreira is coming off a knockout victory over ex-UFC fighter Roger Huerta via soccer kick. He is riding a five-fight winning streak, also defeating notables Felipe Enomoto and Andy Wang.
The only issue with a Moreira and Aoki bout is that they both train out of Singapore-based Evolve and might be hesitant about fighting a teammate. Perhaps debuting a lightweight championship and giving the fighters the opportunity to be the first ONE FC lightweight champion might be enough for them to accept the fight.
Another alternative opponent would be Ole Laursen. An accomplished kick-boxer, Laursen always puts on exciting fights such as his five-round war against Eduard Folayang in his last outing. Born in the Phillipines, he would have the support of the hometown crowd behind him in what would essentially a boxer vs. grappler match.
Bibiano Fernandes is the first, and only, Bantamweight Champion of Dream.
In Dream’s last card on New Year’s Eve last year, he defeated both Rodolfo Marques and Antonio Banuelos on the same night to be crowned champion. Hailing from Brazil and now fighting out of Canada, he is nicknamed “the flash” for his lightning-fast speed that has helped him defeat Joachim Hansen and Joe Warren, among others.
Two notable names stand out from the rest in ONE FC’s bantamweight division.
Kevin Belingon is the URCC Flyweight Champion and has a record of 9-1. Training out of Team Lakay in the Philippines, Belingon will prove a tough test for Fernandes. The other notable is Leonardo Issa. Issa defeated Masakazu Imanari in last Saturday’s ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors. A BJJ world champion, he displayed solid wrestling skills and a smart game plan to defeat Imanari via decision. With a record of 9-2, he is coming off a win, whereas Belingon lost to the aforementioned Imanari last March.
Both Fernandes and Aoki are huge additions to ONE FC’s growing stable of fighters, and it will be exciting to see how they fare on August 31st.
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…
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 becoming the sport’s most exciting: featherweight.
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.
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.
Last night, HDNet aired their footage from DREAM’s disaster benefit show, which took place last weekend. Most of you already know what to expect, as results were posted immediately after the event took place, but the fights are worth a quick look. During Aoki vs Clementi Frank Trigg generously guestimated that a half dozen fighters were mentioned as possible opponents for Shinya Aoki. To be fair, that’s about when we stopped paying attention to rumored opponents for Aoki as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have any videos from the bantamweight tournament semifinal matchups. If we find some we’ll get them up. Videos are after the jump.
Last night, HDNet aired their footage from DREAM’s disaster benefit show, which took place last weekend. Most of you already know what to expect, as results were posted immediately after the event took place, but the fights are worth a quick look. During Aoki vs Clementi Frank Trigg generously guesstimated that a half dozen fighters were mentioned as possible opponents for Shinya Aoki. To be fair, that’s about when we stopped paying attention to rumored opponents for Aoki as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have any videos from the bantamweight tournament semifinal match ups. If we find some we’ll get them up. Videos are after the jump.
Shinya Aoki vs. Rich Clementi. At 5:34, Clementi politely informs Aoki that he punches like a girl. Have to admire a guy who can taunt an opponent who is absolutely dominating him.
Mark Miller wastes no time knocking out Nikolaj Falin. Props: MMATKO
Chances are that you knew about the United Glory Tournament Finals that took place yesterday in Moscow. It featured some pretty intriguing fights, was available on YouTube and cost less than ten bucks. Of course, many of you figured you could save your money and check Cage Potato this afternoon for some highlights and a quick list of results. Don’t worry, we got your back as usual.
The welterweight tournament, which began in October of 2010, came to an end with a scrap between Golden Glory teammates Tommy Depret and Siyar Bahadurzada. To those of you who have concerns that two teammates fighting each other would lead to a boring fight, relax and take notes. Tommy Depret gave current SHOOTO light heavyweight champion Siyar Bahadurzada trouble in the opening round, but once the second round started, this fight was all Bahadurzada. Bahadurzada used his superior hands and clinchwork to get finish off Depret. Yes, we have a video of this after the jump.
Mark Miller wastes no time knocking out Nikolaj Falin. Props: MMATKO
Chances are that you knew about the United Glory Tournament Finals that took place yesterday in Moscow. It featured some pretty intriguing fights, was available on YouTube and cost less than ten bucks. Of course, many of you figured you could save your money and check Cage Potato this afternoon for some highlights and a quick list of results. Don’t worry, we got your back as usual.
The welterweight tournament, which began in October of 2010, came to an end with a scrap between Golden Glory teammates Tommy Depret and Siyar Bahadurzada. To those of you who have concerns that two teammates fighting each other would lead to a boring fight, relax and take notes. Tommy Depret gave current SHOOTO light heavyweight champion Siyar Bahadurzada trouble in the opening round, but once the second round started, this fight was all Bahadurzada. Bahadurzada used his superior hands and clinchwork to get finish off Depret. Yes, we have a video of this after the jump.
Also of note, TUF Season 9 veteren Mark Miller returned to action in a kickboxing match. In his first fight since undergoing open heart surgery, Mark Miller knocked out his opponent less than ten seconds into the fight. Just something to think about next time you skip going to the gym over a headache. Also of note, Strikeforce heavyweight tournament competitor Sergei Kharitonov squared off against Mighty Mo in a kickboxing match. Since this is Strikeforce we’re dealing with, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to read that Kharitonov not only lost, but sustained an injury that will sideline him for a pretty long time. Fortunately for Strikeforce, that didn’t happen. Kharitonov knocked out Mighty Mo in the first round. Video is below:
SPOILER ALERT: DREAM 17 took place last night in Japan. However, the fights will not air until HDNet plays a taped version of the event June 3. If you want to watch the event and be surprised, stop reading now. And no, this article doesn’t have videos of the fights
For those of you still here, Shinya Aoki delivered an impressive performance against McKeeNelson Rich Clementi. While Clementi showed a lot of heart, he was by no means ever in control of this fight. Aoki finished Clementi with a neck crank from back control in the second round.
As for the Bantamweight Grand Prix, Masakazu Imanari and Hideo Tokoro will be fighting in the finale. Imanari locked in a heel hook over WEC veteran Kenji Osawa, while Tokoro squeezed out a very close split decision victory over Atsushi Yamamoto. The finale of the grand prix is set to take place on July 16. Also, both Caol Uno Joachim Hansen took home decision victories against Akiyo Nishiura and Mitsuhiro Ishida, respectively.
Igor Jurkovic defeats Pavel Zhuravlev via TKO in round 2 (kickboxing).
Denis Stojnic defeats Mladen Kujundzic via submission in round 1.
Errol Zimmerman defeats Mourad Bouzidi by unanimous decision (kickboxing).
Rasul Mirzaev deafeats Roman Kishev via submission.
Mark Miller defeats Nikolaj Falin via KO in round 1 (kickboxing).
Dion Staring defeats Roman Savochka via TKO in round 1.
Sergei Kharitonov defeats Mighty Mo via KO in round 1 (kickboxing).
Ali Cenik and Zabit Samedov fight to a draw (kickboxing).
Jason Jones defeats Shamil Abdoulmouslimov via KO in round 3.
Artur Kyshenko defeats Nieky Holzken via unanimous decision (kickboxing).
Tournament Finales:
MMA: Siyar Bahadurzada defeats Tommy Depret via TKO in round 2.
Kickboxing: Gokhan Saki defeats Brice Guidon via unanimous decision.
Filed under: DREAM, News, JapanA pair of featherweight bouts have been added to the Dream “Fight for Japan” event on May 29 at the Saitama Super Arena.
In stand-alone bouts apart from the previously announced quarter- and semi-finals of the Dream Bant…
On Thursday, ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) proudly announced the signing of Dream bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes and lightweight champion Shinya Aoki. Both fighters were standouts from Dream and were the last champions in their respective weight classes.
A pair of featherweight bouts have been added to the