Watching The World Go By

[Jaded]

Watcher's Dynasty, as the title suggests. Thoughts on what people want to see are very welcome.

 

We here at MMA Watcher are proud to present the Year Ahead! Coming up in this issue, the state of the game in the world’s 8 major federations, the hottest fighters in the world today, and just what you can expect to see in 1998.

 

Let’s start off with a run down on the organisations we all love to watch.

 

ALPHA-1, Japan

 

With massive financial muscle behind them and many of the top fighters in the world today on their books, ALPHA-1 is definitely the top federation out there. They have lots of talent in all 5 weight classes and draw a huge fan base in their native Japan. They also have the only MMA TV show being currently shown, Warriors of the Ring, which airs on Japanese Sports Vision 2 occasionally, and are the only company with a PPV deal in place. Incredible production values and the money to pay for ridiculously elaborate sets and entrances mean anyone watching them knows straight away this is the big league.

 

Top Stars: Hassan Fezzik, Tadamasa Yamada, Zvonimir Asanovic

 

Best Division: Heavyweight – Some of the smaller guys are starting to really establish themselves – none more so than Yamada and Asanovic – but it’s the real giants who’ve always been the major attractions in Japan. Fezzik is the main attraction, of course, but natives Kunimichi Kikuchi and Hiro Arai are becoming really popular while Michigan-born Palmer Lette has achieved a level of fame few American fighters have ever got near in the Far East, through his incredible charisma and strength. His commercials for Honda have just been released on DVD and are somewhat improbable bestsellers this Christmas.

 

GAMMA, USA

 

GAMMA may not have anywhere near the finances that ALPHA-1 can call on but the organisation still has huge potential. In just under 4 years it’s become by far the biggest federation in the Western world. However, with no PPV or TV deal they’re limited as to how far they can go – sources tell us that’s a problem which will be solved in the near future. Glitzy, flashy, and THE place to be seen, GAMMA attracts fans of all ages, backgrounds, and both sexes, with just one thing in common – the cash to afford some steep ticket prices. Then again, when you could be rubbing shoulders with A-list celebs at the show, why wouldn’t you pay?

 

Top Stars: Julio Regueiro, James Foster, Sean Morrison

 

Best Division: Middleweight – While no-one in the division has the name value or skills of the three biggest GAMMA stars, it’s absolutely packed with talent and looking at the top 10 people you honestly think anyone could beat anyone else on their day. Champion Matthew Dean has fought hard to get where he is today but can he hold off rising stars Neil Napier, Buddy Garner, Osmosis Benn and Ashley Ballard, who combined have 52 victories and no defeats? Dexter Darling came up short in his last title shot against Dean but since that controversial split decision has come right back into the picture with big wins over Mac Fuller and Carl Ratcliffe.

 

 

SIGMA, Europe

 

The German company SIGMA have been going just over a year but have made a huge impact on the business in Europe. No showy entrances and massive hype videos here – just all action, all of the time. Luis Basora is by far their biggest star. They’re also the organisation which the lighter guys around aspire to, since they have a featherweight class, something missing from both ALPHA-1 and GAMMA.

 

Top Stars: Luis Basora, Noach Van Der Capellan, Lars Bohlin

 

Best Division: Featherweight – While all their other divisions face poaching from ALPHA-1 or GAMMA, SIGMA know that any featherweights see them as the promised land. Champion Lars Bohlin – a veteran of 54 matches at the age of just 31 – may not be hugely exciting to watch but you can’t argue with his success. Meanwhile the British Isles contingent of Manish Khan, Colm Dee and Jason Dalglish have helped SIGMA get a foothold in the UK and Ireland. The rumoured addition of Philip Ziskie to the ranks would be a huge boost for the fed and provide perhaps their biggest ever money match if he challenged Bohlin for the belt.

 

 

BCF, UK

 

The UK may not be a hotbed for MMA, but those fans who do love the sport can’t get enough of BCF. Detractors say that it’s typical of British combat sports, featuring poor quality talent and an emphasis on out of shape giants – but the emergence of men like Stafford Alois, Harry Milne and Carter Potter are gradually making people see there’s some real skill in the heavyweight division now, while of the lighter guys Jake Keane has always impressed judges and is finally winning over some more fans.

 

Top stars: Jake Keane, Vikram Sithalayan, Stafford Alois

 

Best Division: Heavyweight – The British creed has always been “bigger is better” as shown by the insane popularity in the country of one-dimensional guys like Dave Lennon and Vic Millican. However, champion Alois, top contender Milne, and New Zealander Potter all bring a bit more variety to the game, while Birmingham’s undefeated Rav Kapur has enough power in his kicks to be a huge star.

[TheKenwyne]

Ah, a Jaded watcher diary. These are pretty much a tradition when a new game comes out! I'll be following, mate <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[BYU 14]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheKenwyne" data-cite="TheKenwyne" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="29659" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Ah, a Jaded watcher diary. These are pretty much a tradition when a new game comes out! I'll be following, mate <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> +1 <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Jaded]

<p>Thanks, guys, great to know people are reading! Finishing off the feds here, will be some stuff on fighters to watch over the next few days, then I'll get going properly. Hopefully I'll time it right so February ends on Saturday and there's no enforced break!</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>WEFF, USA</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

The world’s premier women’s MMA company has shot up in the seven months since it was founded. However, there are questions being asked about whether its rise has been too rapid. Fans seem to be expecting more than a roster of women who are still mainly pretty unknown can deliver any time soon. They also have to get over the problem that many men still have with watching women legitimately hurt each other. </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Top Stars:</strong> Michelle Adams, Erica Page, Roz Wareing</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Best Division:</strong> Women’s Lightweight – While the women of MMA are nowhere near as well-known as the men, a roster of Michelle Addams as champion, Canadian vet Erica Page, and a whole host of up and coming youngsters like Vicki Summers, Natalie Rogers and Karen Curtis make this the place to see great female fighters.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>FLB, South America</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

The exciting FLB has been going just over 2 years and is establishing itself as a real federation to watch. They also have an incredible amount of money for a federation of their size and spare no expense in making sure their live events are truly awesome occasions – bands playing, big name celebrity guests flown in, and carnival parties both before and after the card. </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Top Stars:</strong> Affonso Villar, Braulio Moura, Joaquim Fontes</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Best Division:</strong> Light Heavyweight – Affonso ‘The Cyborg’ Villar, winner of our coveted 1997 Rise of the Year award, is perhaps the scariest man in MMA today, looking like the kind of guy you really DON’T want to meet on a dark night. The 22 year old champion has some really strong contenders though – vets Roberto Aldes and Elgar, flashy Muay Thai fighter Leandro Piquet, who’s a real fan favourite, and several others who are just a win or two away from a title shot.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>XCC, USA</strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p>

XCC is unique in America in two ways; it’s the only major federation to promote both men’s AND women’s matches, and it provides a place for those guys who GAMMA overlook as being too small. A tiny but rabid fanbase love the action that the lightweights, featherweights and women provide. Generally holding shows in venues like high school gyms, with publicity focusing on clean cut stars like Philip Ziskie and April Watson, XCC may be called Xtreme but it’s cleverly marketed as a promotion which teens and adults can all enjoy. They’ve also recently started getting lower level fighters to go out to California schools and assist in teaching self-defence, a great move which has brought them huge amounts of positive publicity. </p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Top stars: </strong>Philip Ziskie, Azor Portela Nunes, Sarah Vaughan</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Best Division:</strong> Featherweight – Ziskie by himself would make this a watchable division, he’s so popular. Add in lethal kicker Azor Porrtela Nunes, a few other South American stars, and surprise package Dominic Ash who appeared to have a decent career in pro boxing before making the switch two years ago, and you can see some awesome action here. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>KDM FC, Asia</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

Like XCC in America, Kadena de Mano Fighting Circuit provides a place for both women and smaller men to go at it. It’s established itself as a massively exciting night out, helped by their policy of booking small venues which they can sell out really quickly, and freely allowing fans to film events to pass on to their friends and build anticipation for future ones even more. Many Asian businessmen are hooked and are using it as a cool show to take clients to when they’re trying to seal a deal. A scarily devoted fanbase, including the Acolytes of Sukarno - a group of a few dozen who attend every show wearing hoods and Sukarno masks and chant his name ominously as he comes out to otherwordly music - just add to the atmosphere. </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Top Stars: </strong>Li-Kong Ho, Sukarno, Mizuki Watanabe</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Best Division:</strong> Featherweight – Future Hall of Famer Li-Kong Ho is the man to beat in the division but the recent influx of Japanese talent all seem to think they can win his belt. Kenji Akita, despite having not fought in KDM yet, already walks around with the confidence of a champion, while ‘Samurai Spirit’ Tomohiro Takeuchi looked incredibly impressive putting away Davi Carlos Ramos and Kanji Togo in his first two matches.</p>

[mattman1624]

I'll follow this too.

[BHK1978]

Like this idea Jaded!

[Jaded]

Thanks for the replies, guys, great to see people enjoying this.

 

The Best Fighters In The World Today

Pound for Pound rankings, male

 

1. ‘The Big Bad’ Hassan Fezzik (25-0) – Like it could be anyone else. Not only has the Turk never been beaten, he’s never really looked like he COULD be beaten. The ALPHA-1 Heavyweight champion has cut down on the frequency of his fights, defending the belt just twice since he won it 16 months ago, but every time he steps in the ring it’s a major event. Part of the reason he takes so long to fight is that he scouts opponents almost obsessively, claiming he knows more about them than they know about themselves by the time they face off. Almost certainly a future Hall of Famer.

 

 

2. ‘Spanish Silk’ Julio Regueiro – (20-0) – While no-one could argue that Fezzik is the world’s greatest heavyweight, you have to wonder whether pound-for-pound Regueiro isn’t even better than the Big Bad. The Spaniard has become GAMMA’s biggest star with his smooth BJJ and despite fighting extremely rarely since winning the Welterweight belt is still drawing huge attention from fans. Reguiero’s 1996 title victory when he finally did what every fan had wanted someone to do for years, and ended the undefeated streak of Nathan Chambers, still stands out as one of the best matches of the decade so far.

 

 

3. ‘The Dragon’ Tadamasa Yamada (21-1) – Mixing kickboxing and jiu jitsu, Yamada is an incredibly consistent fighter who won our coveted Fighter of the Year award in 1997. The Dragon is the ALPHA-1 Light Heavyweight champion and his title reign, already approaching 3 years, shows no sign of coming to a halt any time soon. Next up for him must surely be the Croatian Sensation in what should be a great bout.

 

 

4. ‘Little Dragon’ Li Kong Ho (18-0) – People step into the ring with Li-Kong Ho knowing that he’ll try to either choke them out or lock on an armlock. If they can stop him getting a submission applied, they have a great chance of winning. It sounds simple – but as his 18-0 record shows, it’s not. Ho’s ground game is phenomenal and, along with Sukarno, he’s a massive reason for the cult following KDM FC is building up.

 

 

5. Zvonimir ‘The Croatian Sensation’ Asanovic (27-2) – Dominant in SIGMA for a year or so, Asanovic quickly outgrew the European fed to move to ALPHA-1. On his debut, veteran Robun Yamazaki looked like he’d be too much for the younger man, taking the Croatian down to the mat several times. Then in round 3, Robun got careless, missed with a big punch, and left himself in perfect position for a massive head-kick from Asanovic. Just like that, it was over. In his 3 fights since then Asanovic has scored 3 more knock-outs and fans are drooling over the prospect of a clash between him and champion Tadamasa Yamada. You can bet Asanovic will be prepared for it – he’s recently started visiting the legendary fighter Mantas Andreyev’s camp, where Hassan Fezzik trains.

 

 

6. Phillip ‘Kid’ Ziskie (17-1-1) - Ziskie is perhaps 10 pounds away from being an all-time great. He has the skills, the looks, the fighting spirit, and the iron chin, and he connects with fans on a level few others do. Unfortunately for him, he’s not being seriously considered by ALPHA-1 or GAMMA to be picked up as he’s only a featherweight. If the Kid could pack on the pounds without losing his mobility he might have a great shot at becoming a truly elite fighter.

 

 

7. ‘The King of Ground and Pound’ James Foster (32-4-1) – In his prime Foster was possibly the greatest fighter in America. Past his prime, he’s merely one of the top 3. MMA’s poster boy and GAMMA’s heavyweight champion is a true legend and one of the most likeable men ever to step into the ring or the cage. When he finally retires, we have no doubt he’ll turn his popularity into mainstream fame with a movie or TV role – he certainly has the charisma and verbal skills to do so.

 

 

8. ‘The Man With No Nickname’ Sean Morrison (27-3) – He’s one dimensional, he relies on wrestling, he can’t punch too well and he can’t kick at all. None of that matters because the GAMMA Lightweight champ just murders people within the first few minutes of his fights. Morrison seems to take it as a personal insult when someone actually accepts a bout with him and tries to violently show them the error of their ways. He almost always succeeds.

 

 

9. ‘Fury Awoken’ Sukarno (23-0) - 23 fights and every one of them a knockout. There are only two people who’ve ever lasted into the second round with the Indonesian legend who his fans claim is a reincarnation of the god of violence. Neither of them ever fought again. In the past 2 years, no one has been in there for more than 3 minutes with the KDM FC Lightweight champion and it’s noticeable that since he won the belt 8 months ago there have been numerous fighters who’ve suddenly lost interest in chasing the title. Sukarno actually presents a huge problem for the small organisation – while it’s great having the most exciting fighter in the world at your disposal, what do you do when he’s run out of opponents? A massive contract with ALPHA-1 is almost certainly the logical next step.

 

 

10. ‘The Tsunami’ Jin Katou (17-0) – Katou’s become much admired in Japan for the way he keeps knocking out foreigners. Will Asanovic be next?

[LoNdOn]

You know I love your watcher diaries Jaded!

[Jaded]

Thanks, man!

 

Question to readers - any interest in predicting results? I'm doing previews of each card, was wondering about including prediction keys for either all main show matches for ALPHA-1/GAMMA or just the mains/co-mains. Could do more feds if there was interest... thoughts?

[BYU 14]

Thanks, man!

 

Question to readers - any interest in predicting results? I'm doing previews of each card, was wondering about including prediction keys for either all main show matches for ALPHA-1/GAMMA or just the mains/co-mains. Could do more feds if there was interest... thoughts?

 

I would pop in to do predictions from time to time.

[LoNdOn]

Thanks, man!

 

Question to readers - any interest in predicting results? I'm doing previews of each card, was wondering about including prediction keys for either all main show matches for ALPHA-1/GAMMA or just the mains/co-mains. Could do more feds if there was interest... thoughts?

 

I'd predict. But I warn you, I may show some extra love to my renders.

[IWWROCKS]

I'll predict, but if I outpredict london he must teach me how he does his renders

[LoNdOn]

I'll predict, but if I outpredict london he must teach me how he does his renders

 

deal.

[TheKenwyne]

Yeah, I'd predict. Maybe select one show a month to predict on to prevent things getting silly? Except for this first week since you only have two months to go at, obviously.

[Jaded]

Great idea, Kenwyne. Will probably choose a different fed each month to provide some variety.

 

 

Our Favourite Other Guys:

 

1. Manuel Silva (12-0) - When Silva gets someone in a Muay Thai clinch, they may as well give up BEFORE getting brutally kneed in the face. His control is second to none and he’s becoming a major rising star in Brazil. Add in lightning fast reflexes and an incredible commitment to the sport and a huge future looks assured.

 

 

2. Fiyero Lermontov (11-0) – Apparently the Russian army’s special forces unit want Fiyero back. Most of SIGMA’s Lightweight division probably wouldn’t be too sorry if they took him. The truly scary 27-year old was unstoppable even before he started training with Mantas Andreyev, he’s now a monster.

 

 

3. ‘The Islander’ Neil Napier (15-0) – We love the Islander because he’s so focused. His game plan is up there with Fezzik’s as being legendarily thorough and his kung fu style is sure to bring him even more success in the future.

 

 

4. Helio (14-1) – Others can worry about submissions, wrestling, and so on. Helio just wants to strike people so hard they go down, and then strike some more. A scary competitor because he’s so single-minded, he has just one loss to his name, to veteran Jerezo back at the start of Helio’s career. Helio’s desire for revenge may well be a reason Jerezo moved up to middleweight not long after that fight. Oh, rumour has it that he has an iron chin. It’s difficult to know for sure when no-one’s come close to hitting it hard enough to find out.

 

 

5. ‘The Baddest Man in MMA’ Terron Cabal (11-0) – We love skilled guys, we love quick guys, we love guys with a great game plan. But sometimes, there’s an urge that can only be satisfied by seeing a really big guy hit someone really, really hard. If you want to see that, the Frenchman is your man. His nickname is definitely deserved.

 

 

6. ‘The Punisher’ Marlon John (11-0) – A world class amateur wrestler who’s become an incredible MMA fighter, John just looks like a star from the moment you see him. Scarily quick to take people down and incredibly strong, he’s got it all.

 

 

7. Atep of Indonesia (8-0) - Atep claims he spends 5 hours a day sleeping and nearly all of the other 19 training. This probably isn’t true, but would you call him a liar to his face? The 22 year old southpaw always delivers great matches AND great interviews to build them up.

 

 

8. Anthony Le Toussier (12-0) – Kick boxer LeToussier could tell someone they’d won a million pounds and they’d probably STILL want to punch him in the face, he’s so irritating. Of course, they’d be advised not to, unless they’re either suicidal or Hassan Fezzik. We may not like ALT but we can’t wait to see someone finally shut him up.

 

 

9. Teeratep Nutnum (7-4) – Nutnum could calm down and probably be 11-0 instead of 7-4, but where’s the fun in that? Crazy kicks and ridiculous charisma, plus interviews which tend to consist of a dozen or so random words screamed over and over again, mean Teeratep is the third biggest cult figure in KDM FC behind only Li Kong Ho and Sukarno.

 

 

10. April Watson (3-0) – She may be a newcomer to the scene, but Watson’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue appearance drew serious attention to XCC. Having checked out her matches before making it to the company, we’re convinced you’ll be impressed when you see her in the cage.

[Jaded]

Argh... switched autosave off to test out watching AI matches and got 3 cards in before the game crashed when I tried to save commentary of a phenomenal Vaughan vs Maclean bout - naturally I'd forgotten to switch autosave back on! REALLY annoyed with myself here.

[Jaded]

Picked myself up after yesterday's frustration. Actual in-game happenings will start with my next post as we see the first couple of cards booked and some signings made.

 

Rising Stars:

 

A guide to the 8 fighters you might not have heard of today, but you’ll certainly be familiar with in 12 months time.

 

 

1. Ethan ‘The Terror’ Sutton (4-0) – Our Rookie of the Year, Sutton looks a sure thing to be picked up by GAMMA after perhaps one more local fight. The Canadian is a superb wrestler who can also do some damage with his quick hands.

 

 

2. ‘The Savage’ Datuk Ong Ka Ting (5-0) – Malaysia hasn’t provided us with too many MMA fighters, but The Savage may change that. A vicious fighter, he’s got a perfect record on local shows from relentlessly shooting in, getting a leg takedown, and being impossible to shake loose.

 

 

3. ‘The Fight Night Delight’ Delroy Rhodes (6-0) – With massive kicks and an even bigger personality, Delroy Rhodes is a superstar in the making. Check out the many videos tape traders will be happy to sell you if you don’t believe us.

 

 

4. ‘The Tornado’ Terry Catt (4-0) – Despite a background in wrestling, the Jersey City boy has shown signs of becoming a decent all-rounder. Definitely one to watch.

 

 

5. ‘The Dockland Destroyer’ Jerry Bogdonovich (5-0) – Many people think a quality opponent will take Jerry apart when he finally faces one, but the Destroyer hits so hard and attacks so furiously that he’ll always have some chance of scoring a big upset. One of our favourites of these guys; who can’t love someone with “Mum” tattooed on their arm?

 

 

6. Marcos Maciel (4-0) – No-one knows why the Rio native hasn’t made it to FLB yet but it’s surely just a matter of time for the exciting kick boxer. It won’t be easy for the light heavyweight in a really strong division but he has the tools to be a massive success.

 

 

7. Reynolds ‘Grizzly’ Baer (4-0) – A typical British heavyweight of the old style, Baer would probably have been significantly more successful 5 years ago before some of the new breed game into the sport. Still, his great interviews and impressive grappling and ground and pound mean he certainly has a future ahead of him.

 

 

8. Rain ‘Storm’ Richards (3-0) – Not just a pretty face, Rain Richards may be the brightest unemployed prospect in women’s MMA today. A good grappler and a great kicker, we look forward to seeing much more of her in the future.

[TheKenwyne]

Picked myself up after yesterday's frustration. Actual in-game happenings will start with my next post as we see the first couple of cards booked and some signings made.

 

Good chap. Soldiering on in the face of adversity = awesome!

[Jaded]

Local show, Nebraska. Highlights saw ‘Major Damage’ William Harrison, the former army member, absolutely destroy a youngster with a barrage of strikes, while Lamont Banner – son of legendary boxer Douglas Banner Jr – will have made his dad proud with a massive right hook which knocked his opponent out cold. 19 year old Quincy McGarry got the KO of the night and match of the night though – the wrestler was looking vulnerable for the first 90 seconds or so of his match but pulled a desperation head kick out of nowhere and looked as surprised as anyone when he connected sweetly to put the other guy's lights out. Despite an attendance of just 121, reports we’ve had said it was a great show.

 

2 big announcements as ALPHA-1 and SIGMA will both run shows in 3 weeks time. SIGMA haven’t released any details of the card yet, only that it will take place in Lisbon on Monday Week 1 February, but ALPHA-1 today released the anticipated line-up for their show – headlined by a Lightweight title bout which sees ‘The Lightning Kid’ Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) up against ‘The Wing Chun Superstar’ Motoki Hojo (15-3). Hayashi was a massive star in 1992-5 but a couple of losses 2 years ago really damaged his aura; ALPHA-1 seemed ready to release him until he pulled off a great decision victory over Go

Yanamoto in a match which seemed to be there for Yanamoto to grab a win to build him up to challenge for the Lightweight title. Of course, Hayashi used his post-match interview to ask for a title shot himself, somewhat surprisingly was granted one, then shockingly defeated Shizuya Nakae to claim the belt. Hojo has shown he’s weak if someone can keep him on the ground, but his scrambling ability is so great that while plenty of people have taken him down very few have kept him there. Both guys are exciting fighters and this looks like a great main event.

 

Co-main is Keita Oshima (18-6) vs Fukusaburu Hirano (10-0-1) in the Welterweight division, which on first glance looks heavily weighted towards the youngster Hirano. Also got Naizen Hamacho (7-0) vs Shizuya Nakae (23-11) which could either establish Hamacho as a real threat as Nakae is the toughest opponent he’s faced by some way; conversely a win for the 33-year old Nakae would continue his impressive winning streak and may actually lead to a title shot against the winner of the main event. Chikafasu Abukara (16-5), a major disappointment since signing, will go against Bakin Sakamoto (19-9) in the Welterweight division, Bakin was looking good until Hirano just exploded on him in their match 5 months ago, knocking him out with mounted punches.

 

Kojuro Kudo (10-2-1 NC) will take on the much older Atsushi ‘Iron Man’ Nakajima (29-13) in the Middleweight division, Ebizo ‘The Proud’ Fujishima (24-12) will go against Naoki Itoh (22-15) in the Light Heavyweight division, which may be the last chance saloon for both men. ‘The Fist Of Justice’ Ikku Funaki (14-4) will be heavily favoured to continue his winning streak against Kiyotaka Aihura (15-8). In the first match of the night, Kyuwa Itou (22-11) will face wrestler Gempachi ‘The General’ Higa. (17-9)

 

 

FLB completed the signing of Laerte Portinari last night. Somewhat of a surprise; he’d been considered a year ago but a recent loss to Argentine Gabriel Maradona at a local show really exposed his weak chin and we’d thought that FLB had lost interest.

 

Featured Show - January - ALPHA-1: Hayashi vs Hojo

 

Prediction Key:

 

Chikafasu Abukara (16-5) vs Bakin Sakamoto (19-9)

Shizuya Nakae (23-11) vs Naezen Hamacho (7-0)

Keita Oshima (18-6) vs Fukusaburu Hirano (10-0-1)

Lightweight title: Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) vs Motoki Hojo (15-3)

 

Prelims:

 

Kyuwa Itou (22-11) vs Gempachi Higa (17-9)

Kiyotaka Aihara (15-8) vs Ikka Funaki (14-4)

Ebizo Fujishima (24-12) vs Naoki Itoh (22-15)

Kojuro Kudo (10-2-1 NC) vs Atshushi Nakajima (29-13)

[IWWROCKS]

Jeez not likely to win those poser lessons this week. Know little about the default db, especially about Alpha-1. But here goes nothing

 

Chikafasu Abukara

Naezen Hamacho

Fukusaburu Hirano

Motoki Hojo

 

Prelims:

 

Kyuwa Itou

Ikka Funaki

Naoki Itoh

Kojuro Kudo

[BYU 14]

Alpha-1 is my weakest in terms of knowing the fighters, but here goes

 

Chikafasu Abukara (16-5) vs Bakin Sakamoto (19-9)

Edge in skills, but Sakamoto could win a war of attrition

 

Shizuya Nakae (23-11) vs Naezen Hamacho (7-0)

Youngster may be in over his head

 

Keita Oshima (18-6) vs Fukusaburu Hirano (10-0-1)

Streak continues

 

Lightweight title: Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) vs Motoki Hojo (15-3)

Both guys tough as nails, Hojo via close decision

 

Prelims:

 

Kyuwa Itou (22-11) vs Gempachi Higa (17-9)

Kiyotaka Aihara (15-8) vs Ikka Funaki (14-4)

Ebizo Fujishima (24-12) vs Naoki Itoh (22-15)

Kojuro Kudo (10-2-1 NC) vs Atshushi Nakajima (29-13

[Keithb]

Prediction Key:

 

Chikafasu Abukara (16-5) vs Bakin Sakamoto (19-9)

Shizuya Nakae (23-11) vs Naezen Hamacho (7-0)

Keita Oshima (18-6) vs Fukusaburu Hirano (10-0-1)

Lightweight title: Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) vs Motoki Hojo (15-3)

 

Prelims:

 

Kyuwa Itou (22-11) vs Gempachi Higa (17-9)

Kiyotaka Aihara (15-8) vs Ikka Funaki (14-4)

Ebizo Fujishima (24-12) vs Naoki Itoh (22-15)

Kojuro Kudo (10-2-1 NC) vs Atshushi Nakajima (29-13)

[Romdawg88]

Chikafasu Abukara (16-5) vs Bakin Sakamoto (19-9)

Abukara wrestles his way to a UD.

Shizuya Nakae (23-11) vs Naezen Hamacho (7-0)

Hamacho beats up Nakae standing, good enough to avoid trouble on the ground. I think he has it in him to pull out a late stoppage, TKO3.

Keita Oshima (18-6) vs Fukusaburu Hirano (10-0-1)

Hirano is better standing and the ground, think he drops Oshima and then locks up a sub in the 1st.

Lightweight title: Fumiaki Hayashi (16-4) vs Motoki Hojo (15-3)

This one is going to be all about the striking and I think Hojo slightly edges out Hayashi. Hojo takes a UD and the belt.

 

Prelims:

 

Kyuwa Itou (22-11) vs Gempachi Higa (17-9)

Kiyotaka Aihara (15-8) vs Ikka Funaki (14-4)

Ebizo Fujishima (24-12) vs Naoki Itoh (22-15)

Kojuro Kudo (10-2-1 NC) vs Atshushi Nakajima (29-13)

[freefall39]

Guessing this is the only time I'll do picks, but sounds fun so I'll give it a shot...

 

i mostly play WMMA starting my own company and working with low lvl char. so i know about NOTHING as far as who these guys are, but that being said here is what I think....

 

Abukara - for the basic reason of... I don't know why at all, but he seemed to call to me....

 

Hamacho - I am a TOTAL sucker for an undefeated streak so I want his to soldier on...

 

Hirano - Much the same reason I know he has a little blemish on his record, but I still see a 0 in the L column

 

Hojo - because his name is Hojo, and lets face it you can't say his name with out thinking this kid can fight...

 

______________________________

 

I have no real reason for the rest I just threw darts on these....

 

Itou

Funaki

Fujishima

Kudo

[freefall39]

just noticed Romdawg made same picks as me and for much more thought out reasons, so I feel better about my picks now... i didn't just copy his picks either... I thought this stuff out...