PURE Fighting Championships: 21st Century Vale Tudo

[wekka]

PURE Announces Signings of Rampage Jackson and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos; Promise More Signings to Follow:

 

A week before PURE Fighting Championships VIII, PURE made news of different kind today by making two major signings in hopes of gaining even more worldwide attention with the announcement of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and former Strikeforce Women's Featherweight Champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos now joining their roster of fighters.

 

PURE expects huge things from both fighters but immediate plans were not available. PURE stated that while they have big plans for both fighters down the road, they believe they're better off putting them on they shelf as to not take the spotlight away from the fighters in the current grand prix fields.

 

The earliest we could expect to see Rampage and Cyborg is during the semifinal cards, but PURE has said that it is very unlikely but not out of the question.

 

Afterwards, PURE made another announcement stating that they're in negotiations with a "few handfuls" of fighters and everyone could probably expect a formal announcement of these new fighters before PURE Fighting Championships IX in September.

[completesky]

LOL for some reason, I was fired (even after making 10 million in profit since beginning the game)

 

Anyways, this won't be the end of this dynasty. I'll have to take a small break and transfer my in-game data to word documents and i'll resume as soon as possible through quick matches.

 

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Typical big JMMA promotion.

 

Opening Match: Flyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout:

Junya Kodo (8-5-2/Japan)

x

Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo (11-2/Brazil)

 

2nd Match: Featherweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout #1:

Doo Ho Choi (9-2/South Korea)

x

Chris Horodecki (18-5-1/Canada)

 

3rd Match: Featherweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout #2:

Masanori Kanehara (21-11-5/Japan)

x

Taiki Tsuchiya (9-4/Japan)

 

4th Match:

Manabu Inoue (14-8-3/Japan)

x

Fumihiro Kitahara (11-3-1/Japan)

 

5th Match:

Mitsuhisa Sunabe (16-7-4/Japan)

x

Jose Maria Tome (31-3-2/Brazil)

 

6th Match:

Kiyotaka Shimizu (12-7-3/Japan)

x

Junji Ito (9-3/Japan)

 

7th Match:

Noboru Tahara (9-5-1/Japan)

x

Henry Cejudo (debut/USA)

 

8th Match:

Yuki Shojo (13-7-2/Japan)

x

Mikihito Yamagami (8-2/Japan)

 

9th Match:

Rambaa Somdet (10-2/Thailand)

x

Dileno Lopes (11-0/Brazil)

 

10th Match:

B.J. Kojima (12-5-5/Japan)

x

Kentaro Watanabe (9-3/Japan)

 

Main Event:

Vic Darchinyan (debut/Armenia)

x

Haruo Ochi (9-3-1/Japan)

 

Yamagami, Ito, Rambaa, Shojo and Tahara could all make a strawweight division. Add in Tiger Ishii, ATCH Anarchy and Requiem for a tournament full of guys that have all fought each other before.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships VIII: Flyweight Grand Prix Opening Round Preview

 

This weekend, PURE reaches the end of their opening round cards, as the Flyweight Grand Prix finally commences. Unarguably, the least known weightclass in the entire sport, PURE has made sure to stack this card beyond the brim with world-class talents and debutantes.

 

The card has nearly every important fighter to have fought in JMMA from 125 and below, with the likes of B.J. Kojima, Rambaa Somdet, Kiyotaka Shimizu, Mitsuhisa Sunabe, and Mikihito Yamagami. While these names alone could have been enough to support a card of their own, all eyes are on the fighters making their transition into MMA, former multi-time boxing champion Vic Darchinyan and 2008 Wrestling Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo.

 

Also on the card is the 125 debut of Manabu Inoue, Brazilian Jose Maria Tome taking his first fight outside of his homeland, a FLYGP Reserve Bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Junya Kodo, and two FWGP Reserve bouts with the likes of Doo Ho Choi, Masanori Kanehara, Chris Horodecki, and Taiki Tsuchiya.

 

Here are our thoughts on this very stacked card:

 

Vic Darchinyan (debut/Armenia) x Haruo Ochi (9-3-1/Japan)

 

A long time staple of the lower weight classes in boxing, Vic Darchinyan made a name for himself due to his unique style, knockout ability, and tenacity. Unfortunately, it seems that a youth movement has overtaken him and pushed him into the area of perennial contender, instead of champion. While still an elite boxer, he feels as if it is time to move on and test his hand at MMA. What he brings to the table is world-class boxing and an understanding of wrestling, as his dad was a coach for the Armenian National Team. Beyond that, he is an enigma.

 

Haruo Ochi has quietly established himself as a top-flight flyweight in the past year and a half, with wins over Kiyotaka Shimizu, Masaaki Sugawara, and Ryuichi Miki. Once a middling bantamweight, his career turned around after a victory over Rambo Suzuki. Plenty of potential for the future, with an unrelentless style and ability to finish fights on both the ground and feet. With such a crowd pleasing style, it does leave him open to numerous brawls, where he gets tagged and always gets caught in close fights.

 

Verdict: While on paper, Ochi does have the more well-rounded game, or at least from what we know he does. If he decides to brawl with Darchinyan, it could be a bad night for Ochi. That being said, we just don't know the nature of Darchinyan's wrestling ability and Ochi should be smart enough to not keep it on the feet for long. We'll pick Ochi by decision.

 

B.J. Kojima (12-5-5/Japan) x Kentaro Watanabe (9-3/Japan)

 

B.J. Kojima was once considered the greatest flyweight alive, but serious bouts of inconsistency have put a hold to that claim in the past few years. Having two victories over the former number one, Mamoru Yamaguchi, it seemed warranted, but since then losses to Jucie Formiga and Nam Jin Jo have further solidified the fact of his inconsistency. Still extremely talented, he still has quite a way to go on his mental strength.

 

Kentaro Watanabe started his career off unassumingly, losing three of his first seven, although to solid competition such as Fumihiro Kitahara and Junya Kodo. Since then, he has won five consecutive fights against the likes of Ryuichi Miki, Rambo Suzuki, and Nam Jin Jo. An exceptional striker with knockout ability, he could make waves in the grand prix.

 

Verdict: This is a huge fight for Watanabe, as he has performed really well as of late and has the results to back it up. Kojima, regardless of his inconsistency, does have a superior skillset though with good boxing and grappling. That's why Kojima will be our pick to win by decision.

 

Rambaa Somdet (10-2/Thailand) x Dileno Lopes (11-0/Brazil)

 

This weekend, Rambaa Somdet finally returns to fight full-time. One of the most exciting fighters alive, Somdet has been partially retired for the past few years, only fighting on the annual GRABAKA Live! cards the last two years. Only fighting four times in the same amount of years, they were good results regardless, with wins against Takuya Eizumi, Ryota Uozumi, Hiroyuki Abe, and Noboru Tahara. Although he lacks true knockout power, his amazing array of strikes are very damaging and entertaining, gaining him many fans worldwide.

 

The top 125 prospect in Brazil, maybe even the whole world, Dileno Lopes is prepared to make his jump to legitimate competition. Lopes has an excellent mix of striking and grappling, where he sets up his submission victories with well timed strikes and footwork. Although impressive in victories, he has yet to have a true test in his short career.

 

Verdict: Needless to say, this will be a highly contested fight. The distinct advantage goes to Lopes though, with his far superior grappling and being relatively active compared to Somdet. Lopes wins by submission.

 

Yuki Shojo (13-7-2/Japan) x Mikihito Yamagami (8-2/Japan)

 

Yuki Shojo is a veteran of JMMA's 125 division, fighting a who's who of fighters in Shooto, while compiling a respectable record doing so, including former number one fighter Yasuhiro Urushitani. The very definition of a jack of all trades, since he doesn't necessarily finish many fights but is noticeably comfortable anywhere the fight may go.

 

The current Shooto Strawweight Champion, Mikihito Yamagami is moving up in weight for a new challenge. In his victories against Junji Ito, Junji Ikoma, and Atsushi Takeuchi, Yamagami has shown a very solid set of skills with incredibly crisp striking and an underrated and ever improving grappling game. At 25, he has many years ahead of him to fully improve his skillset.

 

Verdict: This is bound to be an extremely close fight with both fighter's abilities to mix things up. Shojo does have the experience advantage and has better reach but Yamagami has looked great as of late. That coupled with his youth leads us to believe that Yamagami will take the decision.

 

Noboru Tahara (9-5-1/Japan) x Henry Cejudo (debut/USA)

 

After being plagued with injuries the last three years, Noboru Tahara returns, looking to be at full health. A staple of Shooto, he always seemed to be in contention for the championship, yet he could never put it all together and pull through when it mattered the most. Tahara has relentless punches and a respectable ground game, which will keep him in many fights.

 

The long rumored debut will be official this weekend, as Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo finally enters the sport of MMA. Even with no experience, he has already shown tons of potential, with his extremely high level wrestling, his ability to overcome adversity, as seen in the 2008 Olympics, when he was behind in every match until he eventually won the gold. He also has shown the ability to box, winning a Golden Gloves title. Whether or not he could put it all together in MMA remains to be unseen, but all questions will be answered soon.

 

Verdict: Tahara is an extremely tough challenge for Cejudo, especially for a debut fight. While Tahara is proven, he has also proven his ability to falter against someone that is willing to fight just as relentlessly. Considering Cejudo's past, you have to think he'll be more than willing to oblige. We'll go with the upset and take Cejudo by decision.

 

Kiyotaka Shimizu (12-7-3/Japan) x Junji Ito (9-3/Japan)

 

A legend in his own right, Kiyotaka Shimizu is taking this opportunity to finally gain the worldwide recognition he rightfully deserves. Shimizu started his career off poorly, losing four of his first six, against Sunabe, Urushitani, and his brother Toshihiro Shimizu. Since then, he has only lost to Yamaguchi, Kojima, and Ochi, otherwise looking like a complete animal and proving himself to be one of the best 125 fighters in the world today. He also has the distinction of being in the greatest fights in the history of the division, his quadrilogy with Mitsuhisa Sunabe, going 2-1-1. An extremely strong grappler with solid submissions and decent strikes, he still has plenty left in the tank.

 

Junji Ito is a fighter with tons of potential, who hasn't even scratched the surface of his prime. He has fought since 2007, but he hasn't really fought a huge amount of high level opposition. His notable wins include Jesse Taitano and Atsushi Takeuchi, where he won Shooto's Strawweight Championship. Ito already has great strikes but what ultimately holds him back is his lack of grappling, porous takedown defense, and subpar submission defense. At 26, he still has time to improve his weaknesses.

 

Verdict: All of Ito's weaknesses unfortunately fall right into Shimizu's strong points. For that, we'll take Shimizu by submission.

 

Mitsuhisa Sunabe (16-7-4/Japan) x Jose Maria Tome (31-3-2/Brazil)

 

For as much as a legend Kiyotaka Shimizu is, so is Mitsuhisa Sunabe. Sunabe began his career as a bantamweight, where he did have relative success but lacked the strength to really stay competitive with the upper echelon of fighters. Soon after, he made the drop to 125, where he proved his superiority to everyone in the division, not named Kiyotaka Shimizu. Since he was unable to overcome his rival, he dropped even further to 120, where he is the current Jr. Flyweight King of Pancrase. Sunabe is extremely well rounded, with incredible grappling, devastating ground and pound, wild yet powerful strikes, and dangerous submissions. This could be Sunabe's renaissance.

 

Jose Maria Tome could possibly be the best kept secret in all of MMA. Compiling an extremely impressive record and finishing the vast majority of his fights, although against sub-par opposition. While his striking is passable, his bread and butter is strong and technical grappling, causing trouble for many of his smaller and inexperienced opponents. While he has lost to the best guys he has fought in Jucie Formiga and Leandro Hygo, he still performed well to lead you to believe that he still has potential to make waves in the division.

 

Verdict: Tome has loads of talent, but he's taking a serious step-up in competition in Sunabe, who has beaten the best that have been put in front of him. While we wouldn't be surprised to see Tome sneak out a victory, we'll go with the more experienced Sunabe by way of decision.

 

Manabu Inoue (14-8-3/Japan) x Fumihiro Kitahara (11-3-1/Japan)

 

Ultra talented, strong, and dangerous, Manabu Inoue is equally as inconsistent. This weekend, he makes the drop to flyweight in hopes of improving his chances at fully capitalizing on his talents. A long time fixture of Pancrase's bantamweight division, Inoue has made a name for himself with his extremely entertaining and old-school catch-wrestling style. A throwback to the days of hybrid wrestlers, his ability to outgrapple nearly everyone and his rarely seen submission skills make him a huge threat in the field. He does struggle with strikers with stout takedown defense, as he doesn't have much of a striking game himself.

 

A consistently good flyweight, Fumihiro Kitahara is ready to move beyond from good to great. His strong grappling, quickness, and toughness has brought him a long way and gained him wins over the likes of Kentaro Watanabe, Junya Kodo, Masaaki Sugawara, and Ayumu Shioda. Now, he has been relegated to a gatekeeper. He definitely has the ability to have bigger wins but it's all up to him.

 

Verdict: Inoue might struggle with the weight cut but that remains unseen. If that were the case, we'd actually be willing to side with Kitahara. From what we currently know, Inoue has the superior skillset and is a stronger grappler, we'll go with Inoue by decision.

 

Masanori Kanehara (21-11-5/Japan) x Taiki Tsuchiya (9-4/Japan)

 

Masanori Kanehara gets another chance at the FWGP as he faces Taiki Tsuchiya in the second featherweight reserve bout of the evening. Kanehara was favored in his bout with Wicky Akiyo, but again, Kanehara's relatively weak chin let him down as he was blitzed quickly and put out. Tsuchiya returned against prospect Renato Carneiro after a long layoff and performed respectably. While he did get to utilize his striking, it wasn't to full effect, and was taken down repeatedly where he fought off Carneiro's numerous submission attempts.

 

Verdict: Out of both fighters, Tsuchiya performed the best and he was going against a fighter that had him outgunned at his weakness, yet still performed stong. We'll take Tsuchiya by TKO.

 

Doo Ho Choi (9-2/South Korea) x Chris Horodecki (18-5-1/Canada)

 

Doo Ho Choi was a heavy favorite to win the FWGP, yet Dokonjonosuke Mishima had other plans, surprisingly dominating him with grappling and eventually submitting him. Chris Horodecki went up against a similar favorite in Lion Takeshi, yet had better results, although still losing by contentious stoppage. Now the two will meet in the first FWGP reserve bout of the evening, hoping to continue their dreams of reaching the championship.

 

Verdict: Choi looked extremely suspect in his last bout, being thoroughly dominated by Mishima, which is strange considering Mitsuhiro Ishida couldn't take him down at all. Luckily for Choi, Horodecki doesn't have the grappling anywhere near those two and Choi is a far superior striker with a better chin as well. Our pick is Choi by TKO.

 

Junya Kodo (8-5-2/Japan) x Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo (11-2/Brazil)

 

Primarily a striker, Junya Kodo has never been able to move beyond gatekeeper status, although he does have win over the likes of Akira Kibe and Kentaro Watanabe. While he is incredibly quick on his feet and is capable of knocking out anyone in the field, his ground game is practically non-existant.

 

Alexandre Pantoja made his name by fighting Jucie Formiga to a very tough fight. While he was defeated, he gained much respect worldwide and became a fighter to look out for in the future. He now gets his opportunity in the FLYGP Reserve bout. Although he has strong jiu-jitsu, he prefers to finish fights in the striking department with his relentless style.

 

Verdict: Pantoja has Kodo outgunned completely. Superior striker and far superior grappler. We'll go with Pantoja by TKO.

[wekka]

Typical big JMMA promotion.

 

 

Yamagami, Ito, Rambaa, Shojo and Tahara could all make a strawweight division. Add in Tiger Ishii, ATCH Anarchy and Requiem for a tournament full of guys that have all fought each other before.

 

LOL. You're telling me. Pretty disheartening at first, but now I get more creative control.

 

I was thinking about doing something like that, but I just can't find any free space on my schedule, as of now.

 

by the time I do, M-16 and ATCH will probably be retired. i'm not even sure if Jun Nakamura is on my save state, but if he is, i'll definitely have to sign him up.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships VIII: Flyweight Grand Prix Opening Round Official Weigh-In and Press Conference

 

Live from the Royal Hall in Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo, we are here for the official weigh-in's and press conference for tomorrow night's Flyweight Grand Prix, the last of PURE's eight Grand Prix Opening Round. PURE is expecting a jammed packed, standing room only Tokyo Dome Hall for this monumental event.

 

Here are the weigh-in results:

 

Junya Kodo (126)

x

Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo (125)

 

Doo Ho Choi (146)

x

Chris Horodecki (146)

 

Masanori Kanehara (144)

x

Taiki Tsuchiya (145)

 

Manabu Inoue (126)

x

Fumihiro Kitahara (125)

 

Mitsuhisa Sunabe (124)

x

Jose Maria Tome (126)

 

Kiyotaka Shimizu (125)

x

Junji Ito (123)

 

Noboru Tahara (124)

x

Henry Cejudo (126)

 

Yuki Shojo (125)

x

Mikihito Yamagami (124)

 

Rambaa Somdet (122)

x

Dileno Lopes (125)

 

B.J. Kojima (126)

x

Kentaro Watanabe (125)

 

Vic Darchinyan (126)

x

Haruo Ochi (125)

 

Soon afterwards, the press conference followed and here were the highlights:

 

Vic Darchinyan:

"I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life. I've been interested in trying my hand at MMA for awhile now. I could still succeed in boxing but i'm looking for a completely new challenge now."

 

"I don't know entirely too much about my opponent, but I am ready. I'm confident about my boxing and i'm looking forward to using anything else I have to."

 

Haruo Ochi:

"I've anticipated this opportunity for so long. I'm very confident in my skills and i'm happy to finally showcase these skills to everyone who hasn't had the chance to see me. I'm ready to become champion."

 

"It's an honor to face someone that is so well known worldwide. It'll just make it easier for me to get my name out there after i'm victorious. All respect to Vic, but this is a completely different world from boxing."

 

B.J. Kojima

"I've been near the top of my division for years now, yet i've never been on the grand stage, so I look forward to fighting the best fight possible and getting back to the top of the mountain in front of many eyes."

 

"Kentaro is very good fighter, but he won't be prepared for what I have to bring. I've gotten better and i'm confident. He better bring his A game."

 

Kentaro Watanabe:

"All im here to do is fight and win. That's all i'm going to too."

 

Rambaa Somdet:

"I haven't really felt like fighting recently. That's why I haven't fought all too often. I'm ready to get back to normal competition now and i'm very confident about my ability. I will look the same as ever, no worries."

 

"I've heard good things about Dileno. Solid fighter, for sure. I hope he doesn't think i'm not in shape or anything, because i've been a gym rat, so I will fight relentlessly."

 

Dileno Lopes:

"I feel good about tomorrow night. I feel refined, i'm focused, and i'm ready to go."

 

"Rambaa is an interesting guy and a fun fighter to watch. I just don't think he's completely into the sport, honestly. His time has gone, he's just an attraction. I'm going to put him out emphatically."

 

Yuki Shojo:

"Ever since I made the drop to 115, i've felt rejuvenated as a fighter. Now that my confidence is at an all-time high, I feel like it's an appropriate time to return to 125 and see if i've really improved."

 

"Me and Yamagami were destined to fight but i'm glad we are meeting tomorrow night. I know we've got a lot to prove so i'm confident in the both of us having a great fight."

 

Mikihito Yamagami:

"I've been ready for a challenge, so moving up in weight and fighting some of the best is something i've been looking very forward to."

 

"I knew me and Shojo would be fighting soon, so i'm ready. I've kept my eye out on him and I will know what to do to make his life hell come fight night."

 

Noboru Tahara:

"I'm ready to go. I'm glad that we in the 125 division are finally getting the spotlight and i'll be making the most out of it."

 

"I know Cejudo has a lot of hype and it's definitely warranted, but i'm not intimidated whatsoever. I'm the mixed martial artist here, so bring it on."

 

Henry Cejudo:

"I'm pretty amped about tomorrow night. I've been looking forward to this day for years now and I finally feel like the time is right. If I weren't fully confident in my abilities, I wouldn't have accepted this fight."

 

"Tahara being a dangerous opponent is very apparent to me. I'll be fully prepared for everything tomorrow night. I'm going to prove i'm every bit as much of a mixed martial artist as anyone else in the tournament."

 

Kiyotaka Shimizu:

"I've felt the bright lights before when I fought at Sengoku's final show and i've always wanted to retun since then. Now the time has come and i'm going to make the most of it."

 

"Sarumaru is a fighter for the future, but the keyword is future. I'm currently the best and i'm going to prove it. My opponent will have nothing for me."

 

Junji Ito:

"Nothing more to say that i'm going to be at the peak of my shape, so you will see me with my hands raised tomorrow. If anyone will have nothing to show tomorrow night, it'll be MY opponent. He'll be frustrated and he will pay for it as I knock him out."

 

Mitsuhisa Sunabe:

"Ever since day one, i've hoped to fight on grand stage. I've paid my dues and i've worked hard every single day. I would hope that Pride, DREAM, or Sengoku would give me a chance, but I kept working towards the day i'd get my chance. I finally get it tomorrow night and to show my gratitude, i'm going to give everyone the performance of a lifetime."

 

"I welcome Tome with open arms. I know he's looking for a challenge and so am I, so I will follow suit and give him a hell of a fight."

 

Jose Maria Tome:

"I'm ready to move on from beyond Brazil and here I am today. I know I will be tested and I accept that. I'm more than ready, I feel that i'm on top of my game and have enough experience to become the best. All I have to do is beat the best."

 

"Sunabe has done so much for a division. Without a guy like him, this division wouldn't even be close to the spotlight, he made it evident that these smaller guys can fight. So tomorrow night, expect a classic, as it's my duty to repay him with a great fight."

 

Manabu Inoue:

"I've been holding off on making the drop to 125 for awhile, just because i still felt confident in my ability at 135, but these bantamweights are just getting better and better and I couldn't really impose my will on these bigger guys, so the time to move to flyweight hasn't been any better than now. I feel as if my skillset will transition seamlessly and i'll be handful for everyone immediately.

 

"Fumihiro is an excellent opponent for my first flyweight bout, honestly. He's done really well at 125 and I feel like he's the perfect test for how i'll transition. He's a strong grappler for this division, so I can't wait to see how i'll be able to handle him."

 

Fumihiro Kitahara:

"I'm excited to fight for all the fans tomorrow night. I know i'm going to have a tough road ahead of me and that's all part of the challenge, which will only further my career. I have to make a statement and a strong one, at that."

 

"I'm more than happy to introduce Manabu to my division. I'm going to show him that cutting weight isn't going to make it any easier on him. He won't handle my speed and I will punish him."

 

Masanori Kanehara:

"I need to get the last fight out of my head as soon as possible. I'm definitely not taking any easy roads in this grand prix, so I don't feel like i'm selling myself short. I need to feel like I earned my spot in the tournament."

 

"Tsuchiya looked really good in his last fight, so he's got me on my toes. Personally, I don't think he has the raw power like Wicky possesses, so I think i'll be able to handle whatever he brings to the ring tomorrow night. Needless to say, I won't be taking him lightly.

 

Taiki Tsuchiya:

"Although I lost my last fight, last two in actuality, I think i've came out even better because of it. I was worried that i'd come in too rusty but I really surprised myself. It gave me a lot of hope for tomorrow night. I believe i'll return better than ever, actually."

 

"Kanehara didn't look good but it didn't last long enough to really give me a fair assessment. I'm still going into the fight expecting a tough opponent, so that's all I can really say about it."

 

Doo Ho Choi:

"I'd rather not say much. I was really disappointed in my last performance and i'm completely focused on my next bout. I have to fight with a passion and I feel as if i'll achieve it."

 

Chris Horodecki:

"I'm glad PURE has given me another chance because I really didn't think the stoppage to my last fight was just. Of course, i'm better off not putting myself in those situations, so this time around you'll see a better, more calculated approach to how I fight."

 

"I know Choi is going to look for the finish and I know he's going to fight incredibly hard the entire time. Sorry, isn't going to end up in victory for him."

 

Junya Kodo:

"The last time I fought on a larger scale, I was thoroughly embarrassed. Although I didn't have a full camp, like I do this time around, it was no excuse. I've improved dearly since then and i'm going to have much more success this time around."

 

"Pantoja. Be prepared. I am prepared for war."

 

Alexandre Pantoja Passidomo:

"PURE has given me a great opportunity, even if it's just a reserve bout, but I know i'm going to get great opposition here. I have to prove myself first and foremost and I will fight a beautiful fight tomorrow."

 

"Junya, I am very well prepared. I hope you're worried for yourself, because I don't think you're half as prepared as you think you are. My skills are extremely refined and I can't wait to put on a show for everyone. The rest of the fights will have a lot to live up to.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships VIII: Flyweight Grand Prix Opening Round

@ Tokyo Dome City Hall (3,620)

 

http://userdisk.webry.biglobe.ne.jp/004/954/93/N000/000/001/JCBhall080405.jpg

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the Tokyo Dome City Hall for the final opening round of PURE's Championship Series, as the Flyweight Grand Prix is underway!

 

Tons of intriguing contests tonight as we see the debuts of Vic Darchinyan and Henry Cejudo, a former three time boxing champion and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in freestyle wrestling, respectively. Also in the grand prix, former consensus number one flyweight B.J. Kojima, current champions Kiyotaka Shimizu, Mitsuhisa Sunabe, and Mikihito Yamagami. We also have top flight talents such as Manabu Inoue, Jose Maria Tome, Rambaa Somdet, Dileno Lopes, Alexandre Pantoja, and Haruo Ochi! On top of all this, we will have TWO Featherweight Grand Prix reserve bouts to determine the replacements for Lion Takeshi and Dokonjonosuke Mishima at PURE XII in December, including the likes of Doo Ho Choi, Chris Horodecki, Masanori Kanehara, and Taiki Tsuchiya.

 

Yes, indeed we are in for a great night of mixed martial arts action and without further ado, HERE ARE THE OPENING CEREMONIES!

 

http://www.tune-in-tokyo.com/wp-content/uploads/thunderdome-620x415.jpg

 

Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Tokyo Dome City Hall for PURE Fighting Championships VIII: Flyweight Grand Prix Opening Round!

 

Tonight, many countries and disciplines are represented to determine who is the best flyweight in the world! Who will move on to the quarterfinals and reign supreme!?

 

This is sport. This is art. This is excellence. THIS. IS. PURE!

 

Opening Bout. Flyweight Grand Prix Reserve Match. Introducing first, from Brazil, ALLEEXXXXXAAANNNNNDRRRREEEE PAANNNNNNTOOOOOJJJAAAAAA

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/12767/default/Alexandre-Pantoja.jpg?1332719066

 

His opponent. From JAPAN, JUUUUUNNYYYAAAAA KOOOOOOODOOOOOO

 

http://www.mma-core.com/images/fighters/thumb/Junya_Kodo_Kudo_124363.jpg

 

Second Bout. Featherweight Grand Prix Reserve Match One. From Canada, CHRRRIIIISSSSS HORRRRROOOOODECKKKKIIIIII

 

http://www.mmatko.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/chris-hor.jpg

 

From South Korea, DOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO CHOOOIIIIIIII

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/1843/default/Doo-Ho-Choi.jpeg?1327696340

 

Third Bout. Featherweight Grand Prix Reserve Match Two. From JAPAN, TAIIIIIKIIIII TSUUUUUCHIIIIIYYAAAAAAA

 

http://mmalinker.com/wiki/images/2/20/Tsuchiya.jpg

 

Also from JAPAN, MASSSAAAANOORRRIIIII KAANNNNEEEEHAAARRRRRAAA

 

http://www.gazetaesportiva.net/blogs/planeta-octogono/files/2013/02/kanehara_masanori.jpg

 

Fourth Bout. Flyweight Grand Prix Opening Round. From JAPAN, FUUUMIIIIHIIIIROOOOO KIIIIIITAAAAAHAARRRRRRAAAAA

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/12858/default/Fumihiro-Kitahara.jpeg?1338844111

 

Also from JAPAN, MAAANNNAAAAABUUUUUU INNNNOUUUUEEEEEE

 

http://www.mmalinker.com/wiki/images/e/e7/Manabuinoue.jpg

 

Fifth bout. From Brazil, JOOSSEEEE MARRRIIIAAAAA TOOOOMMMEEEEE

 

http://www.mma-core.com/images/fighters/full/Jose_Maria_Tome_138150.jpg

 

From JAPAN, MIIIIITSUUUUHIIIIISAAAAA SUUUUUNAAAABBEEEEEE

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/3537/default/Mitsuhisa-Sunabe.jpeg?1336599554

 

Sixth Bout. From JAPAN, JUUNNNJJIIIII SARRUUUUMARRRUUUU IIIITOOOOO

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/21553/default/Junji-Ito.jpeg?1343840316

 

Also from JAPAN, KIIIIYOOOOTAAAAKAAAA SHIIIIMIIIIZUUUUUUU

 

http://fightsportblog.free.fr/public/Photos/Shimizu-Pancrase-Flyweight-champion.jpg

 

Seventh Bout. From the United States, HENNNRRYYYYYY CEEEEEJUUUUDOOOOO

 

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0611/mma_g_cejudo_576.jpg

 

From JAPAN, NOOOOBOOOORUUUUU TAAAAHAAARRRRRAAAAA

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/19884/default/Noboru-Tahara.jpeg?1343840952

 

Eighth Bout. From JAPAN, MIIIIKKIIIIHIIIITOOOOO YAMAAAGAAAAMMIIIIII

 

http://www2.cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20111106095033_111105193751.JPG

 

Also from JAPAN, YUUUUKKIIIIII SHOOOOOOJOOOOOO

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/4558/default/Yuki-Shojo.jpeg?1338844097

 

Ninth Bout. From Brazil, DILLLLEEEENNNOOOO LOOOOOPESSSSSS

 

http://i1.r7.com/data/files/2C95/948E/36EA/DCF5/0136/EB12/A649/7515/dileno-700.jpg

 

From Thailand, RAAAAMMMBBBAAAAA SOOMMMMDEETTTTTTT

 

http://www.muaythaitrainingcamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/20091127104611_200911232151.jpg

 

Tenth Bout. From JAPAN, KENNNNTAARRRROOOOO WATAAAANAAAABEEEEE

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/10938/default/Kentaro-Watanabe.jpeg?1341517534

 

Also from JAPAN, B.J. KOOOOOOOOJIIIIIIIIMMAAAAAAAAA

 

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c147.0.403.403/p403x403/309960_516578728365387_1808678924_n.jpg

 

MAIN EVENT. From JAPAN, HAARRUUUUUOOOOO OOOOOOCHHIIIIIIIIII

 

http://www2.cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20110928100508_110923190206.JPG

 

From Armenia, VVVIIIIIIICCCCC DARRRRCHIINNNNNYYAAAANNNNNNNNN

 

http://www.mmaspot.com/images/uploads/darchinyan.jpg

 

Opening Match: Alexandre Pantoja x Junya Kodo

 

Round 1:

>Round one begins!

>Pantoja steps back to avoid a left jab.

>A straight left fails to land and Pantoja is able to fire back with a vicious leg kick.

>A left hand misses, allowing Kodo to counter with a clean jab.

>Pantoja throws a left jab but Kodo avoids it.

>Kodo fakes a lunge.

>Not letting up, Pantoja quickly steps in closer to attack Kodo.

>Pantoja counters a left jab with a nice left hand.

>Pantoja scores with a series of quick lefts.

>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Kodo to fire back with a solid left jab.

>A flicked jab from Pantoja only finds gloves.

>It seems that Kodo is happy to let Pantoja circle for the moment.

>Kodo counters a right kick to the body by hitting a nice left hand.

>Kodo avoids a jab and scores with a stinging left jab.

>Kodo circles, looking for an opening.

>Pantoja quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>Kodo gets caught with a series of quick punches.

>We pass the halfway mark of this round.

>Pantoja circles around Kodo.

>It seems that Kodo is happy to let Pantoja circle for the moment.

>Pantoja counters a left jab by using a scything low kick to the legs.

>Junya Kudo won't want to take too many unchecked strikes to the legs like that.

>Kodo steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.

>Not letting up, Pantoja quickly steps in closer to attack Kodo.

>Pantoja throws a leg kick but Kodo avoids it.

>Kodo counters a right kick to the body by hitting a nice left hand.

>Pantoja circles as he plans his next move.

>Kodo seems to be waiting for Pantoja to make a move.

>Kodo tries for a left jab but Pantoja moves out of range.

>Both throw strikes at each other, both easily defend the other's attempt.

>Pantoja throws a leg kick but Kodo avoids it.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>Kodo gets caught with a series of quick punches.

>An errant jab sets Pantoja up to counter-strike with a straight left.

>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>There's the bell and round number two begins!

>Pantoja throws a leg kick but Kodo avoids it.

>Pantoja uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Kodo to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Kodo attempts to avoid Pantoja as he shoots in.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Kodo avoided Pantoja.

>Pantoja looks to move in and stand in the pocket.

>Seeing an opportunity, Kodo goes straight for a takedown, but Pantoja is equal to it.

>A straight left from Kodo fails to land.

>The fight slows as Pantoja sits back and allows Kodo to circle.

>A straight left from Kodo fails to land.

>Not letting up, Pantoja quickly steps in closer to attack Kodo.

>Moving in closer, Pantoja looks like he may want to try and clinch with Kodo.

>Kodo tries to catch him by surprise with a takedown attempt, but it is blocked.

>Pantoja is getting in closer to Kodo, perhaps looking for a clinch.

>Kodo tries to counter with a takedown, but Pantoja defended it well.

>Kodo slips out of the way of a jab.

>Moving in closer, Kodo looks like he may want to wrestle Pantoja.

>Not wanting to grapple, Pantoja uses strikes to keep Kodo at a distance.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>Kodo is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Pantoja.

>He pulls Pantoja into a grapple.

>Kodo is trying to muscle Pantoja up against the ropes.

>Kodo manages it, and controls Pantoja up against the ropes.

>Alexandre Pantoja doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.

>Kodo tries to hit Pantoja with an elbow, but Pantoja takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and Kodo is the one backed against the ropes.

>Pantoja steps back to achieve some separation from Kodo and gets ready to strike.

>Kodo slips out of the way of a right body kick, showing good footwork at such close range.

>Kodo backs away to create some more space.

>Kodo looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Pantoja.

>Pantoja counters with a left jab that catches Kodo hard.

>A tired-looking Pantoja throws a couple of ragged punches to get Kodo to cover up, then tries a takedown.

>Kodo stuffs the takedown attempt, but can't do anything about being pushed up against the ropes.

>Alexandre Pantoja seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Pantoja smothers Kodo against the ropes, then scores with a left to the side of the stomach.

>Kodo is trapped against the ropes and Pantoja hits him with a short left uppercut.

>Kodo is trapped against the ropes and Pantoja hits him with a short left uppercut.

>Breathing very hard, Junya Kudo is looking ragged.

>Pantoja tries to throw an elbow, but Kodo uses wrestling to prevent him from launching the strike.

>Alexandre Pantoja looks exhausted.

>Pantoja tries to throw an elbow, but Kodo uses wrestling to prevent him from launching the strike.

>Pantoja pins Kodo up against the ropes and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage.

>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.

>Kodo is trapped against the ropes and Pantoja punishes him with some dirty boxing.

>Pantoja steps back from Kodo and looks to unleash some strikes.

>Kodo, standing in the pocket, has to check a leg kick.

>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Kodo wants to wrestle Pantoja.

>Pantoja seems happy to grapple with Kodo.

>Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

 

>The ring announcer is now giving the official decisions.

>All three judges have Pantoja down as the winner.

>Alexandre Pantoja wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Alexandre Pantoja defeats 'Kodo' Junya Kudo (Unanimous Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor.

 

2nd Match: Chris Horodecki x Doo Ho Choi

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Choi slips past a left jab and fires back with a quick combination that ends with a scorching right cross. Horodecki barely had time to cover up.

>Horodecki counters a left jab by using a clean jab.

>Choi slips past a left jab and fires back with a nice jab.

>Choi narrowly misses Horodecki with a right uppercut.

>Horodecki steps in closer to force the issue.

>Horodecki looks to move in and stand in the pocket.

>Choi now has Horodecki standing in the pocket.

>Showing good head movement, Horodecki slips past a tight combination and counter-strikes with a clean punch.

>Choi lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a quick series of punches.

>A left jab misses, Choi counters with a crisp left hook to the body.

>Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Horodecki hits a barrage of rights, putting Choi down!

>Choi shakes off the cobwebs quickly though, and is alert.

>In comes Horodecki looking to get some form of ground control.

>Choi scoots backward as soon as Horodecki comes in, initiating a scramble for position.

>Choi ends up in half guard.

>In half guard, Choi catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body.

>Choi reaches over and tries to lock Horodecki in a kimura.

>Horodecki stops Choi from applying it.

>Horodecki tries to sweep Choi but doesn't get anywhere.

>Choi fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.

>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.

>Choi fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves.

>Choi attempts to kimura Horodecki from the top of half guard.

>Horodecki defends himself well and is in no danger.

>Horodecki tries to sweep Choi but doesn't get anywhere.

>Choi reaches over and tries to lock Horodecki in a kimura.

>Horodecki defends himself well and is in no danger.

>Choi blocks Horodecki as he tries a sweep from half guard.

>The referee decides that there is a lack of progress being made and stands them back up.

>Choi sneaks a glance at his corner.

>Horodecki comes in closer to press the issue.

>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.

>Having ended up close together from the strikes they threw, a wild exchange of punches begins!

>Horodecki gets clipped with a right hand and falls to the ground while trying to back-pedal!

>Choi starts pounding away on Horodecki, looking to finish him off!

>Horodecki shows great instincts, pulling half guard to put a halt to the shower of punches.

>Choi throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.

>Choi looks to pass half guard and get side control.

>He can't find a way past half guard.

>Horodecki tries to move from half guard to full guard, but Choi doesn't allow it.

>Round one ends as time expires.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>Horodecki just avoids a combination of short sharp punches and hits a kick to the body.

>An attempted body kick misses and Choi fires back with a solid left jab.

>Horodecki slips past a left jab and counters with a picture-perfect right roundhouse kick to the side of the ribs.

>Choi isn't drawn in by Horodecki feinting as if about to drop down to shoot in.

>An attempted body kick misses and Choi fires back with a nice jab.

>Choi keeps his cool as Horodecki throws a feint to the left.

>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.

>Horodecki avoids a tight combination.

>Choi isn't drawn in by Horodecki feinting to his left.

>An attempted body kick misses and Choi fires back with a solid left jab.

>Horodecki looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Choi.

>Choi strikes first and manages to rock Horodecki with a solid right hand!

>Choi counters an attempted body kick with a crisp left hand punch.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Horodecki drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Choi in with a faked single leg attempt.

>Horodecki drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike.

>Choi gets suckered in to stepping forward, and has to step back sharply to avoid an enormous knock out right.

>A feint sets up Horodecki to try a spinning back kick, but Choi evades it.

>Horodecki slips past a left jab and fires back with a kick to the body.

>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.

>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.

>Choi tries to throw some close-range strikes as they grapple, but the attempts are smothered by Horodecki.

>Choi tries to throw some close-range strikes as they grapple, but the attempts are smothered by Horodecki.

>Choi and Horodecki break the grapple and are apart again, circling.

>Moving in closer, Choi looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.

>Choi moves into the pocket.

>Choi throws an excellent combination but Horodecki covers up and takes them.

>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.

>Choi uses head movement to roll past a scorching right uppercut and comes back with a solid right hook to the body.

>Horodecki uses head movement to avoid a combination of short sharp punches, then fires back with a huge right cross that knocks Choi right off his feet!

>Moving quickly, Horodecki comes in looking to finish with soccer kicks and stomps!

>Horodecki hits several big stomps and kicks, but Choi somehow hangs on!

>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

>The ring announcer is now giving the official decisions.

>All three judges have given the victory to Horodecki.

>Chris 'The Polish Hammer' Horodecki wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Chris 'The Polish Hammer' Horodecki defeats 'The Korean Super Boy' Doo Ho Choi (Unanimous Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

3rd Match: Taiki Tsuchiya x Masanori Kanehara

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>A body kick misses, giving Kanehara an opening to score with a crisp left hand punch.

>Tsuchiya avoids a quick jab and hits a picture-perfect right roundhouse kick to the side of the ribs.

>Moving forward, Kanehara counters a left jab with a nice jab.

>Tsuchiya counters a wayward left jab with a series of quick lefts.

>Tsuchiya moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a crisp jab.

>Kanehara steps in but an exchange of strikes goes nowhere.

>Tsuchiya quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>Tsuchiya tries for a leg kick but Kanehara moves out of range.

>A straight left from Kanehara fails to land.

>Tsuchiya steps in to put some pressure on.

>Tsuchiya avoids a jab and scores with a flurry of quick punches to sting Kanehara.

>Tsuchiya narrowly misses Kanehara with a right uppercut.

>Kanehara quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>A jab misses and Tsuchiya counters with a series of quick jabs.

>Kanehara counters a flurry of punches with a left jab to the cheek.

>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.

>Kanehara gets suckered in by a feint, and is lucky to avoid a flurry of rights and lefts.

>Tsuchiya throws a leg kick but Kanehara avoids it.

>A jab misses, allowing Tsuchiya to counter-strike with a kick to the inside of the left leg.

>Kanehara shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Tsuchiya tries to avoid the takedown.

>Tsuchiya avoids the takedown attempt.

>Tsuchiya throws a left jab but Kanehara avoids it.

>Kanehara is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Tsuchiya.

>Kanehara grabs Tsuchiya and pulls him into a grapple.

>Clinched with Tsuchiya, Kanehara looks to try and take him down.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Tsuchiya blocked Kanehara.

>Tsuchiya tries to get clear of the grapple, but Kanehara holds him in place.

>Kanehara is looking to muscle Tsuchiya back against the ropes.

>Kanehara manages it, and controls Tsuchiya up against the ropes.

>Kanehara looks for a trip takedown.

>The takedown is successful, Tsuchiya pulls guard.

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>The clock runs down as Tsuchiya is being smothered against the ground by Kanehara.

>Time slips away as Kanehara successfully keeps Tsuchiya stuck against the ground.

>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

 

Round 2:

>Round two begins!

>It sounded like his corner told Kanehara to push for takedowns in this round.

>Tsuchiya counters an errant left jab with a straight left.

>Kanehara chooses to shoot in on Tsuchiya.

>Kanehara goes under an attempted counter right hand.

>Kanehara has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Tsuchiya has to pull guard.

>Kanehara throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath.

>Tsuchiya tries to get double underhooks on Kanehara so that he can get some control, but can't get them.

>Kanehara pounds away with right hands from the guard, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage.

>Tsuchiya tries to get double underhooks on Kanehara so that he can get some control, but can't get them.

>Kanehara attempts to pass guard.

>Advancing his position fairly easily, he passes to side control.

>Stuck under side control, Tsuchiya takes a knee to the ribs.

>Kanehara holds Tsuchiya in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs.

>Kanehara looks to get a mount.

>Advancing his position, he gets mount.

>Kanehara starts hammering away at Tsuchiya with punches.

>Tsuchiya had better start defending himself, or this will be over!

>The referee has seen enough, he pulls Kanehara off!

 

>The winner, by TKO; Masanori Kanehara!

>Official Result: Masanori Kanehara defeats Taiki Tsuchiya (TKO (Strikes) in 3:42 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

4th Match: Fumihiro Kitahara x Manabu Inoue

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.

>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.

>Kitahara is trying to muscle Inoue up against the ropes.

>Kitahara achieves it, pinning Inoue to the ropes.

>Kitahara pins Inoue up against the ropes and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head.

>Kitahara tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Inoue struggles and doesn't let himself get controlled.

>Kitahara tries to throw an elbow, but Inoue uses wrestling to prevent him from launching the strike.

>Kitahara tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Inoue reverses so that he is the one in control.

>Having been stuck against the ropes for a while without any progress, the referee brings them back to the center.

>Kitahara looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Inoue.

>Kitahara can't get close enough to grapple, Inoue makes sure to keep out of range.

>Kitahara avoids a jab.

>Kitahara uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Inoue to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Inoue sprawls well, and Kitahara is forced down to his knees, almost turtled up.

>Kitahara prevents himself from being rolled out of turtle position.

>Inoue finds his efforts to roll the turtled Kitahara over and secure side control fruitless.

>Taking advantage of a pause, Kitahara stands up.

>A left jab misses and Kitahara counters with a solid left jab.

>Both fighters fire off strikes, neither produces any significant damage.

>From the missed strikes they clinch.

>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.

>Kitahara is looking to muscle Inoue back against the ropes.

>He does so, and now has Inoue pinned to the ropes.

>Kitahara uses dirty boxing to punish Inoue while he is pressed up against the ropes.

>Inoue is controlled up against the ropes and takes a hard foot stomp.

>Kitahara hits Inoue, who is pressed up against the ropes, with a nice short uppercut.

>Kitahara smothers Inoue against the ropes and stomps down on his foot.

>Inoue is controlled up against the ropes and takes an elbow to the face from the clinch.

>Kitahara tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Inoue reverses so that he is the one in control.

>Inoue moves back from the grapple and looks ready to strike.

>From the pocket, Kitahara hits a stiff jab.

>Inoue gets tagged with a crisp jab.

>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.

>From the pocket, Kitahara shoots in for a double leg.

>Inoue sprawls to stop the takedown, then pulls Kitahara up close into a clinch.

>Inoue and Kitahara separate and we're back to a stand-off.

>Kitahara looks to move in and stand in the pocket.

>Kitahara is in the pocket, ready to attack Inoue.

>We're into the final minute of the round.

>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.

>Inoue steps back just in time to avoid a wild swing.

>Inoue uses head movement to avoid a left jab.

>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>Inoue avoids a flurry of rights and lefts.

>An exchange of strikes doesn't really lead to anything.

>Kitahara swings with a couple of wild punches, then chooses to shoot in on Inoue.

>Kitahara can't get past the sprawl of Inoue, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground.

>Manabu Inoue is breathing very hard.

>Kitahara doesn't let Inoue roll him onto his back.

>Kitahara prevents himself from being rolled out of turtle position.

>Kitahara doesn't let Inoue roll him onto his back.

>Inoue is too slow to stop Kitahara getting back up.

>A jab misses, allowing Kitahara to counter-strike with a jab.

>Inoue glances a strike off the side of the shoulder.

>It seems that Kitahara is happy to let Inoue circle for the moment.

>Fumihiro Kitahara looks very tired out there.

>A tired-looking Kitahara approaches, looking for a takedown.

>The takedown is blocked with a sprawl! Inoue has Kitahara at close quarters and wrestles him to the floor, finishing in his half guard.

>Inoue stands and gets out of half guard, then backs off, wanting the fight standing.

>A showdown where they both exchange strikes only results in a stalemate.

>Having stepped near each other to throw their strikes, they both start throwing punches at close range!

>Kitahara gets caught with a thudding right hand to the body.

>Inoue backs away from Kitahara, creating some space between them.

>Inoue circles around Kitahara.

>Kitahara doesn't press the issue, allowing Inoue to circle.

>From the looks of things, I don't think Manabu Inoue has much energy left.

>We pass the halfway mark of this round.

>Kitahara slips past a left jab and counters with a nice jab.

>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.

>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.

>A couple of sloppy right hands are used to set up a tired-looking takedown attempt from Kitahara.

>Inoue first stuffs the takedown attempt, then manages to wrestle Kitahara the the floor and gain side control!

>Inoue lets go of side control and stands up, then backs off, wanting the fight standing.

>A visibly tired Kitahara is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Inoue.

>Inoue uses movement to keep out reach, meaning Kitahara cannot get close enough to grapple.

>Fumihiro Kitahara seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Kitahara wants to wrestle Inoue.

>Kitahara can't get close enough to grapple, Inoue makes sure to keep out of range.

>The gas tank looks empty on Manabu Inoue.

>There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Kitahara.

>Kitahara can't get past the sprawl of Inoue, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>Kitahara springs back to his feet, albeit at the expense of a few punches to the body and head.

>Kitahara avoids a jab.

>Despite being tired, Kitahara looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Inoue.

>Inoue now has Kitahara standing in the pocket.

>The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.

 

>The ring announcer is now giving the official decisions.

>Judge #1 has given Inoue the win.

>Judge #2 has called it a victory for Kitahara.

>Judge #3 has given Kitahara the win.

>The winner, by split decision, is Fumihiro Kitahara!

>Official Result: Fumihiro Kitahara defeats Manabu Inoue (Split Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Average.

 

5th Match: Jose Maria Tome x Mitsuhisa Sunabe

 

Round 1:

>We are underway!

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.

>There's a double leg attempt from Tome, from the pocket.

>Sunabe stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Tome into a clinch.

>Using his wrestling skills, Sunabe is trying to push Tome up against the ropes.

>Tome ends up backed against the ropes.

>Sunabe tries to keep Tome up against the ropes for some dirty boxing, but Tome reverses so that he is the one in control.

>Tome tries to foot stomp Sunabe, but he puts himself off balance and gets turned around against the ropes.

>Sunabe tries to dirty box Tome, but finds himself out-wrestled and turned around so that he is the one against the ropes.

>Tome tries dirty boxing, but Sunabe out-wrestles him and switches them around so that he is in the dominant position.

>Sunabe tries to hit Tome with a knee strike, but Tome takes the opportunity to switch it around so that he is in control and Sunabe is the one backed against the ropes.

>Tome tries to keep Sunabe up against the ropes for some dirty boxing, but Sunabe reverses so that he is the one in control.

>With no progress being made, the referee separates the two fighters.

>Tome circles, looking for an opening.

>The fight slows as Sunabe sits back and allows Tome to circle.

>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.

>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.

>We pass the halfway mark of this round.

>Tome tries to pick Sunabe up for a slam.

>Tome has him! Slams him down! Sunabe pulls guard.

>Sunabe is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Tome off of him.

>Tome keeps Sunabe guessing with a few quick strikes.

>Sunabe uses his legs to push Tome back, and tries to scramble for position.

>He doesn't get enough separation though, and is forced to turtle up in front of Tome.

>Tome does a nice job of floating over and taking his back.

>Tome unloads with big right hands to the side of the head, landing several that clearly hurt Sunabe.

>Tome attempts to flatten Sunabe out for a rear naked choke.

>Tome cannot flatten Sunabe out.

>Tome tries to get the hooks in and lock on a rear naked choke.

>With his opponent turtled tightly, Tome cannot get the rear naked choke applied.

>Tome looks to unload with some big right hands, but Sunabe gets back to his feet before too many land.

>Tome is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.

>Sunabe uses his strikes to stop Tome from getting too close.

>Sunabe comes in closer, looking to wrestle with Tome.

>Tome counters with a right hand that catches Sunabe flush, rocking him!

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>Tome looks to move in and stand in the pocket.

>Sunabe now has Tome standing in the pocket.

>From the pocket, Tome shoots in for a double leg.

>Sunabe stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Tome into a clinch.

>Jose Maria Tome looks very tired out there.

>Sunabe is looking to muscle Tome back against the ropes.

>Sunabe does it, Tome is stuck with his back to the ropes.

>Mitsuhisa Sunabe doesn't look like he has much left in the tank.

>Round one ends as time expires.

 

Round 2:

>There's the bell for the start of the round!

>Sunabe tries for a left jab but Tome moves out of range.

>Slowly moving in closer, a ragged-looking Sunabe wants to wrestle Tome.

>They start grappling, Tome looks happy to engage Sunabe at close quarters.

>Tome smothers Sunabe when he tries to use some dirty boxing, and gains the upper hand in the grapple as a result.

>With control of the clinch, Tome tries to complete a takedown.

>Tome gets the takedown! Sunabe pulls guard.

>Jose Maria Tome looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.

>Tome pounds away with right hands, but Sunabe keeps him far enough away that no damage is done.

>Sunabe pushes Tome away while defending the strikes, right out of guard.

>Tome leans in and hits Sunabe with a solid right hand, but doesn't get pulled down into guard.

>On his back, Sunabe watches as Tome comes in looking to get a dominant ground position.

>Tome comes around the raised legs and gets side control.

>Tome attempts to armbar Sunabe from side control.

>Sunabe gets caught in an armbar! It's in deep!

>Out of the blue, Sunabe pops his arm free! Tome must not have had it locked in as tight as it looked.

>Mitsuhisa Sunabe looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.

>Tome blocks an attempted sweep.

>Tome looks to roll Sunabe slightly and slip behind.

>Sunabe is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back!

>Tome unloads with big right hands, landing several that clearly hurt Sunabe.

>The gas tank looks empty on Jose Maria Tome.

>Tome attempts to set up an armbar on Sunabe from the back.

>The armbar is fully applied, Sunabe has no option but to tap out!

 

 

>Jose Maria Tome takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Jose 'No Chance' Maria Tome defeats Mitsuhisa Sunabe (Submission (Armbar) in 3:57 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

 

6th Match: Junji Ito x Kiyotaka Shimizu

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Shimizu counters a left jab by hitting a straight left.

>Both fighters come toe-to-toe and strike, but none of the strikes result in significant damage being done.

>Shimizu drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike.

>Ito moves out of range of a flurry of punches.

>Shimizu circles around Ito.

>Ito steps in to put some pressure on.

>Ito chooses to shoot in on Shimizu.

>Shimizu sees the takedown coming and tries to move.

>Ito doesn't get the takedown, Shimizu avoided it.

>Ito steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.

>Shimizu throws three punches in quick succession, but Ito was out of range.

>Ito steps in to put some pressure on.

>Ito chooses to shoot in on Shimizu.

>A counter right hook catches Ito hard, almost putting him down!

>Shimizu counters a left jab by using a solid left.

>Shimizu slips past a left jab and counters with a series of quick lefts.

>We are now at the halfway point of the round.

>Ito comes in swinging wildly, using the strikes as cover so that he can shoot in.

>Ito gets caught out and eats a stiff left jab.

>Ito avoids a flurry of rights and lefts.

>Both fighters come in and exchange strikes, but neither does any damage.

>Shimizu avoids a quick jab and hits a flurry of quick punches to sting Ito.

>Ito swings wildly to get Shimizu to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Ito is stopped by a good sprawl, and is pulled down to the ground in a loose front facelock until he is on his knees.

>Shimizu rolls the turtled Ito over and secures side control.

>Shimizu looks to roll Ito slightly and slip behind.

>Ito is in big trouble as he is forced to give up his back!

>Shimizu increases his control by getting both hooks in.

>Shimizu attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in.

>Ito gets flattened out with the rear naked choke, he has to tap!

 

>Kiyotaka Shimizu takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Kiyotaka Shimizu defeats Junji 'Sarumaru' Ito (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 8:36 of round 1). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

7th Match: Henry Cejudo x Noboru Tahara

 

Round 1:

>We are underway!

>Tahara feints rushing in, but withdraws.

>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.

>Tahara feints an attack, keeping Cejudo on his toes.

>Moving in closer, Cejudo looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.

>Seeing a takedown opportunity, Tahara goes for a single leg, but Cejudo is equal to it.

>Cejudo looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Tahara.

>Tahara drops down to try and catch him by surprise with a single leg attempt, but it is blocked.

>Tahara shoots in for a takedown.

>The takedown doesn't work, Cejudo sprawled to defend it and then works into a clinch position.

>Using his wrestling skills, Cejudo is trying to push Tahara up against the ropes.

>Cejudo manages it, and controls Tahara up against the ropes.

>Cejudo smothers Tahara up against the ropes while using the occasional short sharp punch to the body, keeping him stuck there for a full minute.

>Tahara wrestles back against Cejudo, not letting him maintain control for any length of time.

>Cejudo steps back to achieve some separation from Tahara and gets ready to strike.

>A flurry of rights and lefts all miss, allowing Tahara to hit a crisp left jab.

>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Tahara counters with a straight left.

>Tahara slips past a straight punch and then hits a left jab to the cheek.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Tahara throws a left jab but Cejudo uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.

>There's a double leg attempt from Tahara, from the pocket.

>Tahara can't get past the sprawl of Cejudo, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground.

>Cejudo attempts to set up a crucifix on Tahara.

>Cejudo achieves it, rolling over so that he is lying behind Tahara, trapping both his arms.

>Cejudo pounds away with elbow strikes from the crucifix position, hitting several big shots.

>Tahara gets his arms free of Cejudo, allowing him to start to scramble for position.

>Cejudo ends up in guard.

>Cejudo begins trying to pass the guard.

>He passes the guard well, gaining side control.

>Stuck under side control, Tahara takes a knee to the ribs.

>Cejudo throws a few right hands to the body.

>Cejudo starts trying to work to use side control as a way to get behind Tahara.

>He does it, getting behind Tahara.

>Tahara is in huge trouble now, as Cejudo successfully gets both hooks in.

>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.

>Cejudo attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in.

>Tahara defends himself well against the choke.

>Tahara tries to improve his chances of survival by breaking free of the hooks, but they're too tight.

>Cejudo, with both hooks fully in, tries to get the rear naked choke applied.

>Tahara doesn't allow the arm to go under his chin.

>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>Round two begins!

>Tahara throws a left jab but Cejudo avoids it.

>Tahara shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Cejudo sees the takedown coming and tries to move.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Cejudo avoided Tahara.

>Moving in closer, Cejudo looks like he wants to strike from the pocket.

>Seeing a takedown opportunity, Tahara goes for a single leg, but Cejudo is equal to it.

>Henry Cejudo is breathing very hard.

>Noboru Tahara is breathing very hard.

>A straight left from Tahara fails to land.

>Cejudo seems to be waiting for Tahara to make a move.

>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.

>There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Tahara.

>Tahara can't get past the sprawl of Cejudo, and finds himself pushed face-down to the ground.

>Cejudo hits a short knee strike to the head.

>Cejudo unloads with big right hands to the side of the head, landing several that clearly hurt Tahara.

>Cejudo looks to unload with some big right hands, but Tahara gets back to his feet before too many land.

>Cejudo seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Cejudo slips past a left jab and counters with a quick series of punches.

>Looking very tired, Tahara comes in throwing ragged haymakers, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.

>It looks like Cejudo is trying to grab a guillotine.

>Cejudo can't get the guillotine choke.

>The takedown is successful, Cejudo pulls guard.

>Tahara throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.

>Tahara is trying to pass guard.

>Cejudo keeps his guard secure.

>Noboru Tahara seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Tahara blocks an attempted sweep.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Tahara looks to get past the guard.

>Tahara struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.

>Cejudo attempts a triangle choke on Tahara from the bottom of the guard.

>Tahara doesn't let Cejudo get it.

>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.

>Cejudo throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.

>Tahara quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>Cejudo looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.

>A tired Tahara moves forward, looking for a takedown.

>Cejudo sprawls to stop the takedown, then pulls Tahara up close into a clinch.

>Noboru Tahara looks like he is completely out of gas.

>With underhooks giving him solid control over Tahara, Cejudo looks for a takedown.

>A sweep of the legs is successful, Tahara is floored and Cejudo has no problem getting side control.

>Stuck under side control, Tahara takes a knee to the ribs.

>Cejudo holds Tahara in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs.

>Cejudo throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.

>Tahara tries to move to guard, but Henry Cejudo doesn't allow it.

>We're into the final minute of the round.

>Cejudo throws a few right hands to the body.

>Cejudo blocks an attempt to pull guard.

>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

 

>Here come the official decisions.

>All three judges have Cejudo down as the winner.

>Henry Cejudo wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Henry Cejudo defeats 'Shinpei' Noboru Tahara (Unanimous Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

8th Match: Mikihito Yamagami x Yuki Shojo

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Shojo steps back to avoid a barrage of big punches.

>Shojo moves out of range of a flurry of punches.

>Shojo moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a stinging left jab.

>Shojo avoids a flurry of punches.

>Shojo uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Yamagami to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Yamagami tries to avoid Shojo.

>The takedown is successful, Yamagami pulls guard.

>Shojo smothers Yamagami with his body by pushing forward and down.

>Time slips away as Shojo successfully keeps Yamagami stuck against the ground.

>Shojo smothers Yamagami with his body by pushing forward and down.

>Shojo throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath.

>Yamagami tries to pull Shojo into a guillotine choke from the bottom of the guard.

>Shojo isn't caught tight enough to tap, but does get swept over into side control.

>Yamagami stands up and backs off, letting Shojo stand up as well.

>A straight left from Shojo fails to land.

>Not letting up, Yamagami quickly steps in closer to attack Shojo.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Shojo avoids a jab.

>Shojo comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that he can shoot in.

>The takedown is completed, Yamagami is on his back and pulls half guard.

>Shojo tries to lock Yamagami into an arm triangle.

>Yamagami stops Shojo from applying it.

>Yamagami attempts to guillotine Shojo from the bottom of half guard.

>Shojo blocks it.

>Shojo punches down at Yamagami, but they are easily taken on the gloves.

>Shojo attempts to kimura Yamagami from the top of half guard.

>Yamagami doesn't allow the kimura to be applied.

>Yamagami tries to ensnare an arm.

>Shojo doesn't let his arm get taken.

>Shojo begins trying to get his leg free of the half guard.

>He can't quite manage to get past half guard on this attempt.

>Yamagami tries to pull Shojo into a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard.

>Shojo blocks it.

>Shojo tries to lock Yamagami into an arm triangle.

>Yamagami defends himself well and is in no danger.

>Yamagami tries to sweep Shojo but doesn't get anywhere.

>We're into the final minute of the round.

>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.

>Shojo uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Yamagami to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>The takedown is successful, Yamagami pulls guard.

>Shojo throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move.

>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>There's the bell for the start of the round!

>Judging from what we heard from his corner, Shojo is looking to avoid strikes and take it to the ground in this round.

>Both fighters fire off strikes, but neither does any significant damage.

>Shojo counters a left jab with a jab.

>Shojo looks to be trying to close the distance between them.

>Yamagami keeps himself moving out of range, not wanting to grapple.

>Mikihito Yamagami is looking really tired.

>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Shojo.

>Shojo gets a single leg takedown! Yamagami pulls guard off it.

>Shojo smothers Yamagami with his body by pushing forward and down.

>Shojo lies on top of Yamagami, basically smothering him.

>Shojo smothers Yamagami with his body by pushing forward and down.

>Shojo is trying to pass guard.

>He can't find a way past the guard.

>Yamagami attempts to lock on a triangle choke.

>Shojo blocks the triangle attempt.

>Shojo attempts to pass guard and gain a better position.

>Shojo struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.

>Yamagami tries to pull Shojo into a guillotine choke from the bottom of the guard.

>Shojo blocks it.

>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.

>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.

>Advancing, Shojo counters a left jab by using a left jab to the cheek.

>Shojo chooses to shoot in on Yamagami.

>The takedown is completed, Yamagami is on his back and pulls guard.

>Mikihito Yamagami looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give.

>Shojo is trying to pass guard.

>Shojo struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.

>Yamagami tries to ensnare Shojo in a guillotine.

>Shojo blocks it.

>Shojo throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath.

>Shojo lies on top of Yamagami, basically smothering him.

>Shojo punches down at Yamagami, but they are easily taken on the gloves.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>Shojo looks to pass guard and get side control.

>Shojo struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.

>Yuki Shojo is breathing very hard.

>Yamagami grabs hold of an arm and attempts a triangle choke on Shojo from the bottom of the guard.

>Shojo pulls his arm free before the triangle can be locked in.

>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

 

>The judges' decisions are now being announced.

>All three judges have given Shojo the win.

>So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Yuki Shojo!

>Official Result: Yuki Shojo defeats Mikihito Yamagami (Unanimous Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Very Poor.

 

9th Match: Dileno Lopes x Rambaa Somdet

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>Set up with a clever feint, Somdet is able to send a massive right hand straight down the pipe, knocking Lopes down to the ground...he is out cold!

 

>The winner, by Knock Out; Rambaa Somdet!

>Official Result: Rambaa 'M16' Somdet defeats Dileno Lopes (Knock Out (Punch) in 0:25 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

 

10th Match: Kentaro Watanabe x B.J. Kojima

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.

>A left jab misses and Kojima strikes back with a right kick to the thigh.

>Advancing, Kojima counters a left jab by using a flurry of quick punches.

>Watanabe misses with an attempted right hook to the body.

>Not letting Watanabe settle at all, Kojima comes in closer.

>Kojima chooses to shoot in on Watanabe.

>Watanabe cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.

>Kojima is trying to pass guard.

>Watanabe finds his opponent too skilled, and Kojima passes guard into side control.

>Kojima hits a knee strike to the ribs.

>Kojima tries to lock Watanabe into an armbar.

>An armbar is applied, Watanabe is trapped!

>No! He pops his arm free. That was really close.

>Watanabe looks ready to try and scramble, but Kojima is quick to move to prevent that.

>Kojima tries to put Watanabe into an americana.

>The americana is fully applied, Watanabe has no option but to tap out!

 

>By submission, the winner is Shinichi Kojima!

>Official Result: Shinichi 'BJ' Kojima defeats Kentaro Watanabe (Submission (Americana) in 4:10 of round 1). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

Main Event: Haruo Ochi x Vic Darchinyan

 

Round 1:

>We are underway!

>Darchinyan slips past a left jab and fires back with a right jab to the cheek.

>Ochi gets caught with a series of quick punches.

>Moving forward, Darchinyan counters a left jab with a series of quick punches.

>An errant jab sets Darchinyan up to counter-strike with a straight right.

>Darchinyan stings Ochi with a series of quick rights.

>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.

>Darchinyan counters a left jab by using a series of quick rights.

>An errant jab sets Darchinyan up to counter-strike with a clean right.

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.

>Both fighters exchange strikes, but neither hits anything significant.

>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.

>Ochi tries to take Darchinyan down.

>Darchinyan cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.

>Ochi begins trying to pass the guard.

>He passes guard fairly easily, getting to side control.

>Ochi attempts an americana.

>The americana is fully applied, Vic Darchinyan has no option but to tap out!

 

>The winner, by submission; Haruo Ochi!

>Official Result: Haruo Ochi defeats 'The Raging Bull' Vic Darchinyan (Submission (Americana) in 5:22 of round 1). The match was rated as being Fantastic.

 

FLYGP Quarterfinals:

Haruo Ochi x Fumihiro Kitahara

B.J. Kojima x Jose Maria Tome

Rambaa Somdet x Kiyotaka Shimizu

Henry Cejudo x Yuki Shojo

 

Prediction Standings:

 

completesky: 40-20

CageRage: 39-29

Jingo: 39-29

Jayden: 5-3

 

completesky wins the prediction contest due to a superior winning percentage, therefore he will get to decide the fight order for the HW/CW Quarterfinals.

 

Things got brutal afterwards, as I had to utilize a second tiebreaker to determine who won out between CageRage and Jingo. First tiebreaker was superior main event predictions, which obviously was a tie. Then I utilized the second tiebreaker, which was best overall card, which Jingo won out on with a perfect set of picks on the Cruiserweight Grand Prix card.

 

Therefore, Jingo will get to decide the LW/FW Quarterfinals Fight Order.

 

For consolation, CageRage will determine the fight order for the BW/FLY Quartefinals.

 

Since there was no true fourth place, i'll decide the fight order for the MW/WW Quarterfinals.

 

Thank you to all that have followed so far, and hopefully i'll continue to improve on things. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to share them.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships Announce Multitudes of New Signings; Includes Josh Barnett and Aleksander Emelianenko

 

Today, PURE finally came through on their recent announcement that they were in negotiations with many fighters and would formally introduce them soon. Well, that time has come and PURE has definitely not disappointed.

 

Key signings include Josh Barnett, Aleksander Emelianenko, Marloes Coenen, Kazuo Misaki, King Mo, Sergei Kharitonov, Anthony Johnson, Minowaman, Yasuhiro Urushitani, Antonio Braga Neto, and Jeff Monson.

 

What many people have initially shown worry about was the amount of fighters that were signed, which easily puts their roster near 350 fighters. Talks of bloated rosters and lack of fights for those that have already been signed have been brought up immediately. PURE has stated not to worry and that every fighter will see action within the next year.

 

For their last statement, PURE announced that you could be seeing some of the new fighters soon but the plan is to utilize them from PURE XV and on.

 

Here is the full list of new signings:

 

Heavyweight:

Josh Barnett (32-6)

Aleksander Emelianenko (21-6)

Sergei Kharitonov (19-5)

Valentijn Overeem (30-27)

Adam Parkes (3-0)

Ajilin Ahmic (8-1)

Azunna Anyanwu (4-0)

Blagoi Ivanov (7-0)

Brandon Sayles (2-1)

Chris Barnett (7-1)

Chris Birchler (3-0)

Damian Grabowski (16-1)

Dhafir Harris (2-0)

Emil Poljak (6-1)

Gan McGee (13-5)

Geronimo dos Santos (32-14)

Imani Lee (2-4)

James Thompson (18-14)

Jan Jorgensen (5-0)

Jimmy Ambriz (17-18-1)

Justin Wren (10-2)

Karol Bedorf (8-2)

Marcio Cruz (8-3)

Mike Martelle (15-2)

Neil Grove (12-6-1)

Nick Gaston (5-1)

Peter Graham (7-5)

Robert Burneika (1-0)

Ron Sparks (8-1)

Scott Barrett (13-3)

Soa Palelei (18-3)

Tadas Rimkevicius (20-9)

Tony Johnson (6-1)

Tyler East (11-3)

Esteves Jones (8-5)

Vinny Magalhaes (10-5)

 

Cruiserweight:

Francimar Barroso (14-3)

Mark Godbeer (8-1)

Antz Nansen (1-1)

Besiki Gerinava (12-2-1)

Eun Soo Lee (16-4)

Jason Jones (19-9)

Jeff Monson (48-13-1)

Martin Desilets (11-3)

Melvin Manhoef (27-9-1)

King Mo (9-2)

Rhadi Ferguson (3-0)

Ricardo Romero (11-3)

Roy Boughton (8-3)

Sang Soo Lee (16-11)

Stjepan Bekavac (14-4)

Viktor Nemkov (16-4)

Young Choi (16-9-2)

 

Middleweights:

Alex Makhonin (9-1)

Anthony Johnson (14-4)

Antonio Braga Neto (8-1)

Dongi Yang (10-3)

Eugene Fadiora (12-1)

Ikuhisa Minowa (55-34-8)

Jae Young Kim (14-10)

Jesse Forbes (15-5)

John Salter (8-3)

Johnny Cisneros (7-1)

Josh Bryant (14-2)

Kazuhiro Nakamura (17-11)

Kazuo Misaki (25-11-2)

KEI Yamamiya (44-29-10)

Kiyoshi Tamura (32-13-3)

Lucio Linhares (18-8 )

Luiz Cane (12-5)

Mats Nilsson (9-2-1)

Michal Materla (18-3)

Richardson Moreira (5-1)

Sanae Kikuta (30-8-3)

Sean Strickland (11-0)

Thales Leites (20-4)

Tomasz Drwal (19-4-1)

Valentino Petrescu (12-2)

Vitor Vianna (12-3-1)

Zouhere el Assadi (5-0)

 

Welterweights:

Amilcar Alves (13-4)

Andre Galvao (5-2)

Aslambek Saidov (13-3)

Braulio Estima (1-0)

Brian Melancon (6-2)

Carlos Eduardo Rocha (9-2)

Daniel Acacio (29-13)

Dong Sik Yoon (6-7)

Eiji Ishikawa (23-18-3)

Gasan Umalatov (13-2-1)

Hai Lin Ao (8-0)

Jared Rollins (8-4)

Jung Hwan Cha (10-6-1)

Leandro Silva (18-7)

Magomed Shikshabekov (7-1)

Marius Zaromskis (19-8)

Myung Ho Bae (13-5)

Peter Sobotta (13-4-1)

Seok Mo Kim (5-6)

Steve Carl (19-3)

Takenori Sato (15-8-6)

Waachiim Spiritwolf (9-11-1)

Yan Cabral (10-0)

Yuta Watanabe (16-5-4)

 

Lightweights:

A Sol Kwon (16-7)

Adam Lynn (17-10)

Clay French (19-6)

Daisuke Nakamura (27-13)

Dan Lauzon (16-4)

Diego Gonzalez (15-7)

Emanuel Brooks (7-1)

Fabricio Costa da Silva (17-2)

Gesias Calvacante (17-6-1)

Grant Blackler (8-1)

Jadamba Narantungalog (8-2)

James Edson Berto (16-10-1)

John Texieira (14-1-1)

Jordan Rinaldi (6-1)

Juha-Pekka Vainikainen (20-6-1)

Jutaro Nakao (24-17-4)

Kajan Johnson (19-10-1)

Kamal Shalorus (7-3-2)

Koji Ando (7-3-2)

Kuniyoshi Hironaka (21-8)

Leonardo Santos (11-3)

Matt Ricehouse (6-1)

Musa Khamanaev (12-3)

Tomoyuki Fukami (9-2-6)

Tyson Griffin (16-6)

Willamy Chiquerim (25-5)

Yoshihiro Tomioka (17-10-6)

Yui Chul Nam (15-4-1)

 

Featherweight:

Alan Omer (17-3)

Alexandre Pimental (12-0)

Alvin Robinson (12-7)

Brandon Bender (10-0)

Giovanni da Silva Santos (12-1)

Jon Shores (11-2)

Kazuyuki Miyata (13-9)

Mackens Semerzier (6-4)

Mark Streigl (12-0)

Masaki Yanagisawa (14-11-1)

Michihiro Omigawa (13-13-1)

Nick Agallar (24-6)

Noad Lahat (6-0)

Ryan Schultz (23-13-1)

Tito Jones (10-6)

Tomonari Kanomata (19-7-6)

Toshihiro Shimizu (15-12-10)

SHOJI Maruyama (12-8-1)

 

Bantamweights:

Bendy Casimir (19-11-2)

Akitoshi Tamura (16-13-2)

Aljamain Sterling (7-0)

Cole Escovedo (17-9)

David Aranda (9-0)

Hideo Tokoro (31-25-2)

Illiarde Santos (27-6-1)

Josh Hill (9-0)

Kazuhisa Watanabe (0-1)

Keisuke Fujiwara (13-7-4)

Kenji Osawa (19-10-2)

Leandro Higo (12-2)

Manny Tapia (12-4-1)

Nick Mamalis (24-9-1)

Rafael Silva (19-3)

Ralph Lauren (7-5-1)

Rodolfo Marques (14-2-1)

Russell Doane (9-1)

Sirwan Kakai (8-1)

Soo Chul Kim (7-4)

Taiyo Nakahara (13-7)

Tetsu Suzuki (13-11-3)

Tuerxun Jumabieke (14-0)

Wilson Reis (16-4)

Yodsanan Sityodtong (1-1)

 

Flyweights:

Akira Kibe (17-11-2)

Ali Cali (5-1)

Allamurad Karayev (9-0)

Antonio Banuelos (20-9-1)

Atsushi Takeuchi (7-9-3)

Czar Sklavos (7-2)

Danny Martinez (16-4)

Dustin Ortiz (10-2)

Frank Baca (16-2)

Giorgio Andrews (9-0)

Hector Sandoval (4-1)

Jessie Riggleman (11-2)

Nam Jin Jo (6-6)

Pat Runez (3-0)

Sean Santella (12-3-1)

Sergio Pettis (6-0)

Takeshi Kasugai (8-2-1)

Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-6-6)

Yuki Yasunaga (9-6)

 

Women's:

Marloes Coenen (21-5)

Adrienna Jenkins (17-5)

Ana Michelle Tavares (7-2)

Angela Magana (11-5)

Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0)

Claudia Gadelha (9-0)

Felice Herrig (8-4)

Hitomi Akano (18-10)

Holly Holm (3-0)

Kyoko Takabayashi (12-4-1)

Kyra Gracie (debut)

Lena Ovchynnikova (8-2)

Lina Eklund (2-2)

Maiju Kujala (6-3)

Mei Yamaguchi (10-5-1)

Michelle Waterson (10-3)

Milana Dudieva (8-1)

Mizuki Inoue (4-1)

Naho Sugiyama (8-1)

Randi Miller (1-0)

Roxanne Modafferi (15-10)

Seo Hee Ham (9-5)

Stephanie Frausto (4-5)

Takayo Hashi (14-4)

Yana Kunitskaya (8-1)

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Card Finalized

 

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Saitama Super Arena/ 2nd Week of September

 

Opening Bout: Queen of Vale Tudo Match:

Megumi Fujii (26-2/Japan)

x

Yuka Tsuji (24-3/Japan)

 

2nd Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Levan Razmadze (6-0/Georgia)

x

Stav Economou (15-2-1/England)

 

3rd Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Xande Ribeiro (3-0/Brazil)

x

Robert Drysdale (6-0/USA)

 

4th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Guram Gugenishvili (12-2/Georgia)

x

David Oliva (7-1/USA)

 

5th Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Mathias Schuck (8-2/Germany)

x

Jan Blachowicz (17-3/Poland)

 

6th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Mijain Lopez (1-0/Cuba)

x

Jared Rosholt (5-1/USA)

 

7th Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Jimi Manuwa (13-0/England)

x

Hae Jun Yang (8-4/South Korea)

 

8th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Asashoryu (1-0/Mongolia)

x

Todd Duffee (9-2/USA)

 

Main Event: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Ricardo Arona (15-5/Brazil)

x

Hans Stringer (21-5-2/Netherlands)

[CageRage]

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Saitama Super Arena/ 2nd Week of September

 

Opening Bout: Queen of Vale Tudo Match:

Megumi Fujii (26-2/Japan)

x

Yuka Tsuji (24-3/Japan)

 

2nd Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Levan Razmadze (6-0/Georgia)

x

Stav Economou (15-2-1/England)

 

3rd Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Xande Ribeiro (3-0/Brazil)

x

Robert Drysdale (6-0/USA)

 

4th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Guram Gugenishvili (12-2/Georgia)

x

David Oliva (7-1/USA)

 

5th Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Mathias Schuck (8-2/Germany)

x

Jan Blachowicz (17-3/Poland)

 

6th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Mijain Lopez (1-0/Cuba)

x

Jared Rosholt (5-1/USA)

 

7th Bout: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Jimi Manuwa (13-0/England)

x

Hae Jun Yang (8-4/South Korea)

 

8th Bout: HWGP Quarterfinal:

Asashoryu (1-0/Mongolia)

x

Todd Duffee (9-2/USA)

 

Main Event: CWGP Quarterfinal:

Ricardo Arona (15-5/Brazil)

x

Hans Stringer (21-5-2/Netherlands)

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Preview

 

This weekend, PURE returns with their first of four grand prix quarterfinal cards. This card will focus on the heavyweights and cruiserweights and will continue the early PURE tradition of mixing veterans with prospects on the cusp of reaching the top level. The fights you'll see this weekend will surely be enough the separate the two, which should make for another highly intriguing event.

 

Notable names will be Ricardo Arona and Asashoryu, who will headline and co-main event respectively. Other notables include Jimi Manuwa, Todd Duffee, Guram Gugenishvili, Mijain Lopez, BJJ wizards Xande Ribeiro and Robert Drysdale, and also a massive women's fight for the title of Queen of Vale Tudo between Megumi Fujii and Yuka Tsuji.

 

With so much momentum and names, this expected to be PURE's largest card yet. To conclude our excitement, here is our preview for the fights:

 

Ricardo Arona (15-5/Brazil) x Hans Stringer (21-5-2/Netherlands)

 

At PURE II, Ricardo Arona returned to the sport for the first time in nearly four years and put on a performance that made people believe that he had never even left. Although his opponent wasn't a strong grappler in any sense, the way Arona handled him with ease after such a long layoff is still plenty reason to believe that he still has the talent to reach the championship.

 

Hans Stringer's opening round performance could easily be said to be just as impressive, with a second round submission victory over the always tough Emanuel Newton. What made this such an impressive victory is that this was without a doubt the biggest victory of Stonger's young, yet seasoned career. While Netwon's superior footwork did cause Stringer some problems earlier in the fight, he still fought through and imposed his game on Newton from the late first round forward. With this kind of momentum, don't be surprised to see Stringer make some noise in the grand prix.

 

Verdict: While both fighters have momentum going into the fight and Stringer does have youth on his side, it's hard to pick against Arona since Stringer's strength is grappling, a skill Arona is far superior at. Our pick is Arona by decision.

 

Asashoryu (1-0/Mongolia) x Todd Duffee (9-2/USA)

 

After much anticipation, Asashoryu made his long awaited debut in MMA in the main event of PURE I against Japanese fan-favorite Jerome Le Banner. What followed surprised many, as Asashoryu weathered the storm and ended up dropping Le Banner and finishing him with strikes on the ground.

 

Todd Duffee entered his last fight on a two fight win streak and was put up against rising prospect Vitaly Minakov. While disappointing with what was expected, Duffee did enough and tagged Minakov throughout the twenty minutes to earn the decision.

 

Verdict: While Asashoryu far exceeded expectations by beating a long-time kickboxer by TKO, he still has a lot to prove. Duffee has strong wrestling, hands, and far more upside, although his chin could ultimately let him down against Asashoryu, who has at least shown knockout power. Regardless, Duffee has shown much more and has the skills to trouble Asashoryu. We'll take Duffee by eventual TKO.

 

Jimi Manuwa (13-0/England) x Hae Jun Yang (8-4/South Korea)

 

Jimi Manuwa arguably had the best performance of any cruiserweight in the grand prix, with an emphatic knockout over fellow striker Gilbert Yvel. Although not too much was unveiled about any skills beyond his striking, his speed, power, hands, and knees all looked sharp and vicious. Manuwa is without a doubt, still one of the favorites of his respective grand prix.

 

Even though he missed weight, as did his opponent, Hae Jun Yang looked incredible in his return to 205. While thought to be the superior striker, he thoroughly outgrappled Kaminishi, who is considered to be a fairly high level grappler. After this performance, a lot of hope is still seen in Yang's potential before his string of losses from heavyweight to middleweight.

 

Verdict: Yang could certainly hold his own against Manuwa in the striking department and could do the same as he did against Kaminishi, Manuwa is just far too good of a pick to go against. With his precise and powerful strikes and Yang's consistency to wilt under pressure, Manuwa is our pick by TKO.

 

Mijain Lopez (1-0/Cuba) x Jared Rosholt (5-1/USA)

 

Although he struggled early on, Mijain Lopez followed up with a healthy dose of wrestling and ground and pound to earn the eventual TKO over Chinese wrestling giant, Liu Deli. While it was a chore to watch in some instances, Lopez did show enough potential to possibly pan out into a high level mixed martial artist. His wrestling ability will never be in doubt, but once he refines his striking, he could be a devastating match-up for anyone.

 

In his opening round match, Jared Rosholt kept true to his word and absolutely demolished Yusuke Kawaguchi with a first round TKO. With his takedowns proving to be unstoppable, he mounted Kawaguchi immediately after and pounded him out to a quick finish. Rosholt is still fairly green as a competitor, but he has slowly, but surely, proven his worth as an eventual contender.

 

Verdict: This will be a tough fight to call. While Lopez certainly has the wrestling advantage on paper, things could be different against another solid wrestler who has more MMA experience. What could cost Rosholt this fight is his inability to ward off stronger and bigger wrestlers, which exactly describes Lopez. That reason alone is why we'll take Mijain Lopez by decision.

 

Mathias Schuck (8-2/Germany) x Jan Blachowicz (17-3/Poland)

 

Mathias Schuck looked incredibly dominate in his opening round bout against Yoshiyuki Nakanishi, a favorite in the cruiserweight grand prix, by taking him down on numerous occasions, wearing him down, and eventually submitting. Schuck was once the top European prospect at 205, until Jonas Billstein took that billing for himself, but after such an excellent performance, he could easily make his way to the top with another solid victory.

 

KSW's 205 representative, Jan Blachowicz performed well against perennial spoiler Tony Lopez, by beating him on the feet and outclassing him on the ground, gaining the eventual submission victory. The biggest worry that Blachowicz is usually followed with is his inconsistency against proven competition, although his last victory could possibly put an end to that spell.

 

Verdict: Truly a 50/50 fight, as both fighters performed well enough to warrant a pick, but someone has to win. Schuck and Blachowicz both followed through with solid victories against high level opposition, yet Blachowicz beating Lopez at his strongest point impresses us the most. While Schuck has the power to trouble him, Blachowicz seems to have everything put together right now. We'll take Blachowicz by decision.

 

Guram Gugenishvili (12-2/Georgia) x David Oliva (7-1/USA)

 

After two less than stellar performances against Kenny Garner, there weren't many people giving Guram a chance against the streaking Maro Perak, but Guram had different plans. While he still showed struggles with cardio, his grappling looked much improved keeping Perak grounded for most of the twenty minutes during their fight. If his cardio is even cleaned up, he could become a serious threat.

 

David Oliva came into his fight with Shamil Abdurahimov as a massive underdog, what followed was a beautiful display of wrestling dominance, although a bit ugly to watch. While Abdurahimov is a solid grappler himself, Oliva went into his fight with no care about credentials and took down Abdurahimov with ease and consistence. What Oliva brings in to the table in being undersized, he more than makes up for with his tenacious wrestling.

 

Verdict: Guram has decent submissions and passable grappling but Oliva looked far too strong against superior opposition in his last fight. We think that's enough to carry Oliva to a decision victory.

 

Xande Ribeiro (3-0/Brazil) x Robert Drysdale (6-0/USA)

 

Xande Ribeiro was expected to carry some ring rust in his bout with Yoel Romero but all that was shown was thorough dominance of an Olympic caliber wrestler. Xande took Romero down almost immediately and submitted him with ease soon after. Ring rust will definitely not be a factor from her on out.

 

Robert Drysdale was equally as effective with his grappling against Rapahel Davis. While Davis did score with a few strikes early in the fight, once Drysdale was able to close the distance and grab hold, it was all but over for Davis, which is considerably impressive when taking Davis' MMA wrestling into account. Drysdale has hit the point where he could honestly move beyond and into top level opposition, which his next fight will certainly determine.

 

Verdict: With both fighters being extremely high level grapplers, we could be in for a stalemate. Xande is absolutely vicious when in control on the ground, resorting to knees to the head and soccer kicks. The problem is that it won't be an easy task getting Drysdale to the ground. What Drysdale counters with is a rapidly developing striking game, with natural power. What it comes down is Drysdale stand-up, which makes us believe that'll be enough for him to edge out a decision.

 

Levan Razmadze (6-0/Georgia) x Stav Economou (15-2-1/England)

 

Against Satoshi Ishii, Levan Razmadze disappointed the Japanese contingent with a strong effort against a superior judoka, which was enough to earn him a split decision. While Ishii did score with numerous strikes, Razmadze used his size and strength to grind out and neutralize Ishii throughout the whole fight. Not a great fight by any means, the fight did show that with enough time, Razmadze could be an upper tier fighter at heavyweight even with rudimentary striking.

 

In the fight of the night from PURE I, Stav Economou earned a rousing TKO victory over Sokoudjou in a short, yet back and forth affair. While certainly hittable, Economou's chin held up the whole fight and will not have to worry about such a thing in his next fight. While an entertaining striker, his grappling has looked dreadful, which will cost him sooner than later.

 

Verdict: Economou's mediocre grappling will be his downfall against such a large and strong judoka. Simply put, he won't have too much of a chance in this fight unless he lands a massive punch. Razmadze by submission.

 

Megumi Fujii (26-2/Japan) x Yuka Tsuji (24-3/Japan)

 

Arguably the greatest women's fighter of all-time, Megumi Fujii enters her final bout with a title on the line, in front of the largest crowd she has ever had the opportunity to fight in front of. It could easily be said that Fujii is still undefeated, with a controversial loss to Zoila Gurgel and a razor thin loss to Jessica Aguilar. With Fujii's mix of strong wrestling, smooth striking, and solid mix of submissions, Fujii could still stay competitive with anyone at this age.

 

The self-proclaimed Queen of Vale Tudo, Yuka Tsuji looks to earn her nickname by taking this fight, interestingly, for the first time ever. Constantly under the radar, Tsuji has long been a consistently good fixture of JMMA's women's division. While lacking the strikes, her grappling ability is extremely strong and rarely lets her down.

 

Verdict: With so much riding on this fight for both women, we could ultimately see all gameplanning thrown out and be in for a treat of an entertaining scrap. When it comes down to it though, Fujii is just far too much for Tsuji at everything. We expect to Fujii to win by eventual submission.

[Griffo]

Alot of fighters there who could take it out but most of the match-ups seem pretty straight forward wins for most of them

[wekka]

I thought the same about the first few cards but the game has surprised me quite a bit so far. I put my eggs in a few baskets and I've paid for it already lol. I'm expecting a few more surprises with this card.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Official Weigh-In and Press Conference

 

Live from the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills, we are here for PURE Fighting Championships IX's Official Weigh-In and Press Conference, which will commence tomorrow night in a fully utilized Saitama Super Arena, where they are expecting a crowd close to 30k.

 

All fighters have made weight, to the delight of PURE, and all fights are set to go on without a hitch. Here were the results of the weigh-in:

 

Megumi Fujii (125)

x

Yuka Tsuji (124)

 

Levan Razmadze (260)

x

Stav Economou (250)

 

Xande Ribeiro (206)

x

Robert Drysdale (205)

 

Guram Gugenishvili (250)

x

David Oliva (230)

 

Mathias Schuck (206)

x

Jan Blachowicz (204)

 

Mijain Lopez (265)

x

Jared Rosholt (260)

 

Jimi Manuwa (206)

x

Hae Jun Yang (206)

 

Asashoryu (320)

x

Todd Duffee (260)

 

Ricardo Arona (206)

x

Hans Stringer (205)

 

 

Per usual, the press conference followed, which was fairly straightforward and uneventful. Here were the highlights:

 

*Asashoryu believes he can continue the streak and he's been training heavily in kickboxing at his camp with Jadamba Narantungalog. All he is worried about is fixing his striking defense.

 

*Duffee was said to have not been worried with Asashoryu at all. He won't be able to get past his takedown defense and he aims to knock Asashoryu out.

 

*Arona feels great and is happy to be active. He respects the ability Stringer showed in his last fight, but feels as if he'll be nothing more than a healthy learning experience for Stringer, as he also believes he'll come out victorious.

 

*Stringer said it was a great honor to fight such a living legend like Arona in the place that Arona fought for so long. He also said he's going to come in at his best and honestly believes he has the ability to defeat Arona.

 

*Manuwa was glad to return to Japan and will bring the same exact kind of tenacity the Japanese saw last time.

 

*Yang was thankful to make weight this time around. He respects Manuwa's strikes but feels that he is a better all-around fighter and it will show.

 

*Lopez has looked forward to return to the ring ever since his last victory. He said that he was been working non-stop on the rest of his skillset and hopes for everything to be on the same level as his wrestling in the near future. While he will resort to his wrestling, he also hopes he continues to finish fights and wishes to move on from being just a one-dimensional wrestler.

 

*Rosholt had been working extensively on wrestling for his past training camp, as he already feels that the rest of his skills are sufficient enough to win against Lopez. He couldn't bring in an Olympic caliber wrestler, but feels as if Cole Konrad did an excellent job for his preparation.

 

*Schuck joked that he felt unfortunate about putting out Nakanishi but hopes the Japanese will stay on his side for the rest of the tournament. He feels in great shape and thinks his grappling is still improving, so he wishes to finish the fight on the ground this time around.

 

*Blachowicz has very little worries against Schuck but will not be taking him lightly. Believes his KSW experience has helped him greatly and is ready for every kind of fighter that just happens to oppose him.

 

*Guram still feels he has both a lot to learn and prove. He knows he has a long battle ahead of him against Oliva, so while he has been working a lot on his defensive grappling, he does expect to be on his back, so he's also prepared to for offensive output from there.

 

*Oliva was stated to have felt like he was in the best health he has possibly been in his entire career. He's been looking forward to get back in the ring and try new things out and desperately wants to finish the fight this time around.

 

*Xande Ribeiro actually didn't acknowledge anything about the fight and instead stated that he was completely focused on tomorrow night and wants to keep his gameplan as secret as possible.

 

*Drysdale was comfortable with his grappling but wants to turn this into a true mixed martial arts bout. He said he won't count out being on the ground, but he'd prefer to fight elsewhere for this fight.

 

*Razmadze said he feels like it's time for him to take that next step into becoming the best fighter possible. While he was glad to get the victory against Ishii, he believes his performance could've been much better. He's aiming to finish the fight as quickly as possible.

 

*Economou kept things simple and said he doesn't want to stay in the ring very long. He just wants to keep mobile and make Levan fight him. As long as he implements his gameplan, he believes he can finish Razmadze sooner than later.

 

*Fujii was ecstatic to fight at the Saitama Super Arena and wanted to end her career with an emphatic victory. As the press conference went on, Fujii admitted that this might not be the last time you'll ever see her in the ring, it just depends on how she feels tomorrow night and afterwards. Regardless, she expects to take a hiatus either way.

 

*Tsuji was also ecstatic for the fact that she'll get to perform at the largest stage, which she admitted is quite shocking but hopes it won't effect her much. She also said she has been wanting this fight for years and is happy it has finally come to fruition. She tells everyone to expect an amazing fight.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Saitama Super Arena (28,862)

 

http://www.graciemag.com/pt/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/saitama-super-arena.jpg

 

Hello everyone! We are live from an electrifying Saitama Super Arena for tonight's event as PURE brings us the first set of quarterfinals to finish off the rest of this year, as all focus will be on the Heavyweights and Cruiserweights.

 

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As we take a look around the arena, let's give you a quick rundown on what to expect from tonight's proceedings. The main event will be between the Brazilian Tiger, Ricardo Arona and longtime prospect, Hans Stringer. The co-main event is gaining even more buzz as Asashoryu returns! His second bout will be against the NEW BREED, Todd Duffee. Should be a great fight. Also appearing is Jimi Manuwa, Mijain Lopez, Robert Drysdale, Xande Ribeiro, KSW Champion Jan Blachowicz, former champions Guram and Levan Razmadze, and a PIVOTAL women's bout and the first under the banner of PURE, it's MEGA MEGU, Megumi Fujii versus Yuka Tsuji, for the Queen of Vale Tudo championship.

 

It is now time, everyone, for the OPENING CEREMONIES!

 

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Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Saitama Super Arena for PURE Fighting Championships IX: Heavyweight & Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals!

 

Tonight, eight heavyweights and eight cruiserweights continue their path to championship glory. Who will prove themselves worthy and who will fall just short in the agony of defeat!?

 

This is sport. This is art. This is excellence. THIS. IS. PURE!

 

Opening Bout. For the QUEEN OF VALE TUDO CHAMPIONSHIP. Introducing first, from JAPAN, YUUUUKKKAAAAA TSUUUUUUJIIIIIII

 

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Her opponent. Also from JAPAN, MEEEEGUUUUUMIIIII FUUUUUJIIIIIIII

 

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Second bout. Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal. From England, STAAAAAAVVV ECOOOONNOOOOMOOOUUUUUUU

 

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From Georgia, LEEEVAAANNNNN RAAAZZZMAAAADDDZZEEEEEEE

 

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Third bout. Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal. From the United States, ROOBBBBBERRRRTTTT DRYYYYYSDAAALLLLEEEE

 

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From Brazil, XAAAANNNDEEEEE RIIIIIIBEEEIIIIROOOOOO

 

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Fourth bout. From the United States, DAAAVIIIIDDDDD OLLIIIIIIVVAAAAAA

 

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From Georgia, GUUUURRAMMMMMM GUUUGGENNNIISSSHHHHVIIIIILLIIIIII

 

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Fifth bout. From Poland, JAAAANNNNN BLAAACHOOOWIIICCCCZZZZ

 

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From Germany, MAATTTHIIIIIASSSS SCHHUUUUUUCKKKKKK

 

http://www.ringen-fsv-stralsund.de/html/Portraits/Mathias-Schuck.JPG

 

Sixth bout. From the United States, JARRRREEDDDD ROOOOOOSHOOOLLLLTTTT

 

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From Cuba, MIIIIJAAIIIIINNNNN LOOOOOOPPEEEZZZZZZ

 

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62085000/jpg/_62085531_mijain_lopez_nunez_getty.jpg

 

Seventh bout. From South Korea, HAAAEEE JUUUUUNNN YAAAANNNNGGG

 

http://www.tapology.com/system/letterbox_images/4755/default/Hae%20Jun-Yang.jpeg?1309487166

 

From England, JIIMMMMMIIIIII MAAANNNUUUUUWAAAAAA

 

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Eighth bout. From the United States, TOODDDDDD DUFFFFFFEEEEEEEE

 

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From Mongolia, AAASSSSSAAAASHHHOOOOOOOORRYYYYYUUUUUUUU

 

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MAIN EVENT. From the Netherlands, HAAANNNNSSSS STRRIIINNNNNGGGEERRRRRR

 

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From Brazil, RIIIIIICAAARRRRDOOOOO AAAARRRRROOOOOONNNNAAAAAA

 

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Opening Bout: Megumi Fujii x Yuka Tsuji

 

Round 1:

>We are underway!

>Tsuji avoids a quick jab and hits a couple of jabs and a beautiful right hook to the body.

>Tsuji is getting in closer to Fujii, perhaps looking for a clinch.

>Tsuji grabs Fujii and pulls her into a Muay Thai clinch.

>From the clinch, Tsuji drives a brutal elbow to the side of the head.

>Fujii blocks a knee strike, but cannot hit an elbow over the top of the clinch.

>Tsuji can't maintain her hold, and Fujii wrestles her way into a wrestling clinch.

>Tsuji is looking to muscle Fujii back against the ropes.

>Tsuji achieves it, pinning Fujii to the ropes.

>Tsuji tries to smother Fujii against the ropes with wrestling, but she reverses it and pushes Tsuji against the ropes instead.

>Fujii tries to foot stomp Tsuji, but she puts herself off balance and gets turned around against the ropes.

>Tsuji uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown.

>She lifts her opponent and drives her down with a Greco-Roman slam! Fujii pulls guard.

>Looking to catch her breath, Tsuji is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body.

>Fujii is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Tsuji off of her.

>The clock runs down as Fujii is being smothered against the ground by Tsuji.

>Tsuji throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch her breath.

>Tsuji keeps Fujii guessing with a few quick strikes.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Tsuji is trying to pass guard.

>She eventually passes, but only into half guard.

>Tsuji punches down at Fujii, but they are easily taken on the gloves.

>Fujii tries to pull Tsuji into a guillotine choke from the bottom of half guard.

>Tsuji defends it well.

>In half guard, Tsuji throws a couple of punches designed to keep Fujii guessing.

>Fujii reaches over and tries to lock up an arm.

>Fujii cannot secure the arm.

>In half guard, Tsuji throws a couple of punches designed to keep Fujii guessing.

>Fujii attempts to guillotine Tsuji from the bottom of half guard.

>Tsuji stops Fujii from applying it.

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up.

>Fujii comes in, looking for a quick takedown.

>Tsuji won't go down, leaving Fujii to settle for pushing her up against the ropes.

>Fujii gets hold of the far leg, but Tsuji pushes down on the back of her exposed neck to gain leverage.

>Fujii finds herself pushed down and rolled over under side control!

>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

 

Round 2:

>There's the bell and round number two begins!

>From what we could hear of her corner, it sounds like Fujii has been instructed to aggressively chase the takedown in this round.

>Fujii feints an attack, keeping Tsuji on her toes.

>Fujii darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Tsuji to commit to throwing a strike.

>Fujii comes in with a couple of jabs, using them as cover so that she can shoot in.

>Tsuji won't go down, leaving Fujii to settle for pushing her up against the ropes.

>Tsuji applies a neck crank in order to get some leverage over Fujii.

>Using the position well, Tsuji pulls Fujii down onto all fours, then rolls her to side control!

>Tsuji attempts to move to mount.

>Fujii can't fend off her opponent and is mounted.

>Tsuji pounds away on Fujii, landing several great shots that threaten to knock her out!

>The referee pulls Tsuji away, stopping the match!

 

>Yuka Tsuji takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: 'Vale Tudo Queen' Yuka Tsuji defeats Megumi 'Mega Megu' Fujii (TKO (Strikes) in 2:44 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

2nd Bout: Levan Razmadze x Stav Economou

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>Economou hits a left jab.

>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.

>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.

>With Economou in his grasp, Razmadze tries to set up a judo-style throw.

>An outside leg trip sweeps Economou down to the ground, where he is left on his back pulling guard!

>Razmadze begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.

>Advancing his position, he passes to half guard.

>Razmadze reaches over and tries to lock Economou in a kimura.

>Economou defends himself well and is in no danger.

>Economou gets some separation and tries to scramble for position.

>The scramble results in Razmadze being on his back with Economou in side control.

>Economou pounds away on Razmadze, landing several good shots in the process.

>Economou throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead.

>Economou looks to get a mount.

>Razmadze keeps Economou at side control, not letting the mount happen.

>Razmadze tries to sweep Economou but can't do it.

>Economou throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath.

>Razmadze tries to move to guard, but Economou doesn't allow it.

>The lack of progress forces the referee to stand the fighters back up.

>A flicked jab from Razmadze only finds gloves.

>Economou doesn't let Razmadze settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Economou tries for a leg kick but Razmadze moves out of range.

>Economou throws a feint.

>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.

>Razmadze steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.

>Razmadze uses a flurry of lefts and rights to get Economou to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Economou sees the takedown coming and tries to move.

>Razmadze can't get the takedown, Economou was too quick to back away.

>Razmadze uses a nice jab.

>Razmadze slips out of the way of a leg kick.

>Stav Economou is breathing very hard.

>Razmadze moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a solid left jab.

>Razmadze counters a left jab by hitting a jab.

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>They come together and strike, but neither can land a clean shot.

>From the missed strikes they clinch.

>Razmadze looks to set up a judo throw.

>Razmadze uses a nice inside leg trip and Economou is forced to pull guard!

>Razmadze lies on top of Economou, basically smothering him.

>Round one ends as time expires.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>Between rounds, his corner told Razmadze to watch for strikes but to be aware of takedown opportunities.

>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.

>Razmadze steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.

>Razmadze slips out of the way of a jab.

>Moving forward, Razmadze counters a left jab with a straight left.

>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.

>Economou comes in closer, despite his tiredness, looking to attack from the pocket.

>Razmadze seems happy to engage with Economou in the pocket.

>Economou backs away to create some more space.

>Economou narrowly misses Razmadze with a right uppercut.

>Razmadze doesn't press the issue, allowing Economou to circle.

>From the looks of things, I don't think Stav Economou has much energy left.

>Slowed down by physical tiredness, Economou still looks to get in close and strike from the pocket.

>Economou is in the pocket, ready to attack Razmadze.

>Economou tries for a left jab but Razmadze uses head movement to avoid it.

>Using good head movement, Economou ducks under a punch and scores with a straight left.

>Razmadze uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>A left jab misses, giving Economou the chance to hit back with a solid punch.

>We've now passed the halfway mark in this round.

>Economou throws a left jab but Razmadze uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.

>There's a double leg attempt from Razmadze, from the pocket.

>He has the takedown! Economou pulls guard.

>Razmadze lies on top of Economou, basically smothering him.

>Razmadze attempts to pass guard.

>Economou can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control.

>Razmadze starts trying to work to go from side control to mount.

>He is too good for Economou, and has mount.

>Razmadze has good control, and starts pounding away on Economou.

>Economou had better start defending himself, or this will be over!

>The referee stops the fight, he didn't feel Economou was intelligently defending himself!

 

>Levan Razmadze takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: Levan Razmadze defeats Stav 'Crazy Bear' Economou (TKO (Strikes) in 8:04 of round 2). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

3rd Bout: Robert Drysdale x Xande Ribeiro

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Drysdale steps back to avoid a left jab.

>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.

>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.

>Ribeiro circles away, creating some distance between them.

>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.

>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.

>Ribeiro is trying to muscle Drysdale up against the ropes.

>Drysdale isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely.

>Ribeiro steps back to avoid a left jab.

>Drysdale avoids a flurry of rights and lefts.

>Drysdale slips out of the way of a jab.

>Drysdale throws a couple of wild punches as a set up, then shoots in for a takedown.

>Ribeiro tries to avoid the takedown.

>Drysdale can't get the takedown, Ribeiro was too quick to back away.

>Drysdale looks to be trying to close the distance between them.

>Ribeiro finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.

>Drysdale attempts to wrestle Ribeiro to the ground.

>The takedown is completed, Ribeiro is on his back and pulls guard.

>Drysdale throws a few strikes, but they are without venom.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Drysdale is trying to pass guard.

>Ribeiro keeps his guard secure.

>Ribeiro brings his legs up and tries to lock Drysdale in an omoplata.

>Drysdale doesn't let Ribeiro get the omoplata.

>Drysdale looks to pass guard and get side control.

>He finds himself unable to pass guard on this attempt.

>From the bottom, Ribeiro glances an elbow strike off the top of the head.

>With no progress being made, the referee stands them back up.

>A jab misses and Ribeiro counters with a flurry of quick punches to sting Drysdale.

>Ribeiro counters a wayward left jab with a series of quick jabs.

>Ribeiro circles around Drysdale.

>Drysdale steps in to put some pressure on.

>A jab misses, allowing Drysdale to counter-strike with a nice jab.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>Ribeiro counters a left jab by using a series of hard rights!

>Drysdale steps back just in time to avoid a wild swing.

>Showing good head movement, Drysdale weaves out of the way of a wild right hand.

>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Ribeiro has been instructed to try and pick Drysdale off with counter striking in this round.

>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.

>Drysdale shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Ribeiro tries to avoid the takedown.

>Drysdale doesn't get the takedown, Ribeiro avoided it.

>Drysdale uses a right hook to the body, but misses.

>Ribeiro steps in to put some pressure on.

>Ribeiro comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.

>Ribeiro and Drysdale get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range.

>There is an exchange of strikes, but neither fighter does any damage.

>A left jab misses the mark and allows Ribeiro to counter with a series of big right hands, putting Drysdale down on the ground!

>Ribeiro knows that this is a golden opportunity, and quickly pounces on Drysdale, looking to finish him off by raining down punches!

>Ribeiro pounds away with punches and Drysdale is having trouble doing anything about it!

>The referee has no option but to leap in and stop the fight!

 

 

>By TKO, the winner is Alexandre Ribeiro!

>Official Result: Alexandre 'Xande' Ribeiro defeats Robert Drysdale (TKO (Strikes) in 2:58 of round 2). The match was rated as being Average.

 

4th Bout: Guram Gugenishvili x David Oliva

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Gugenishvili avoids a jab.

>A couple of wild punches misses, allowing Oliva to hit back with a solid left.

>Gugenishvili swings with a couple of wild punches, then chooses to shoot in on Oliva.

>Oliva attempts to avoid Gugenishvili as he shoots in.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Oliva avoided Gugenishvili.

>Oliva drops his shoulder and feints to step in, but Gugenishvili isn't buying it.

>Oliva moves out of range of some wild punches.

>An attempted inside leg kick misses, giving Gugenishvili the opportunity to counter with a right hand.

>A jab misses, allowing Oliva to counter-strike with a solid left jab.

>Gugenishvili chooses to shoot in on Oliva.

>Gugenishvili can't complete the takedown, and has to settle for pushing Oliva up against the ropes.

>Oliva is trapped against the ropes and held there, unable to do anything, for about a minute.

>Gugenishvili uses a vicious foot stomp.

>Showing how good he can be at controlling opponents, Gugenishvili keeps Oliva stuck against the ropes for about sixty seconds.

>We are now at the halfway point of the round.

>The referee thinks there has been too little progress, and brings the two fighters back to the center.

>An exchange of strikes goes nowhere.

>From the missed strikes they clinch.

>Using his wrestling skills, Oliva is trying to push Gugenishvili up against the ropes.

>Oliva doesn't manage it though, as Gugenishvili slips out of the grapple and gets away.

>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.

>From the missed strikes they clinch.

>Gugenishvili is looking to muscle Oliva back against the ropes.

>Gugenishvili does it, Oliva is stuck with his back to the ropes.

>With the ropes trapping Oliva, Gugenishvili gets the underhooks in and looks for a takedown.

>Oliva shows stubborn resistance to the takedown, but Gugenishvili does manage to slip behind him so that he has the back.

>Circling out, Oliva breaks free of Gugenishvili and regroups in the center.

>Guram Gugenishvili looks very tired out there.

>Gugenishvili takes a jab to the cheek.

>Oliva hops around from foot to foot, looking for an opening.

>Not letting Oliva settle, Gugenishvili moves in closer.

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>A tired-looking Gugenishvili approaches, looking for a takedown.

>Oliva tries to avoid Gugenishvili.

>Oliva avoids the takedown attempt.

>A visibly tired Gugenishvili is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Oliva.

>Oliva ends up grappling for supremacy with Gugenishvili.

>Gugenishvili is trying to muscle Oliva up against the ropes.

>Gugenishvili does it, Oliva is stuck with his back to the ropes.

>Guram Gugenishvili seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>Oliva avoids several big right hands and counters with a hard leg kick.

>A couple of quick punches are used to set up a takedown attempt from Oliva.

>Gugenishvili stuffs the takedown attempt.

>Oliva looks to be trying to close the distance between them.

>Gugenishvili ends up grappling for supremacy with Oliva.

>Oliva has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Gugenishvili to the ground.

>The takedown doesn't work, Gugenishvili defended it well.

>Gugenishvili tries to get clear of the grapple, but Oliva holds him in place.

>Oliva has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Gugenishvili down.

>The takedown doesn't work, Gugenishvili defended it well.

>Breathing very hard, David Oliva is looking ragged.

>Gugenishvili tries to get clear of the grapple, but Oliva holds him in place.

>Oliva attempts to pick Gugenishvili up for a slam.

>Gugenishvili defends it well though, and slips away from Oliva.

>A tired Oliva moves forward, looking for a takedown.

>Gugenishvili tries to avoid Oliva.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Gugenishvili avoided Oliva.

>Oliva fakes a lunge.

>The fight slows as Gugenishvili sits back and allows Oliva to circle.

>Guram Gugenishvili looks like he is completely out of gas.

>Moving in closer, a tired-looking Oliva apparently wants to strike from the pocket.

>Keen to maintain some distance, Gugenishvili uses strikes to keep Oliva away.

>We are now at the halfway point of the round.

>Gugenishvili circles around Oliva.

>Oliva quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>David Oliva looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.

>A drained-looking Oliva tries to close the distance between them.

>Oliva grabs Gugenishvili and pulls him into a grapple.

>Oliva is trying to muscle Gugenishvili up against the ropes.

>Oliva can't move Gugenishvili at all though, and finds himself being out-wrestled.

>The grappling doesn't go anywhere, and they break apart.

>Gugenishvili circles around Oliva.

>Oliva quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>A tired Oliva moves forward, looking for a takedown.

>A good sprawl stops the takedown, and Oliva is brought down to the mat in a loose front facelock.

>David Oliva looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.

>Gugenishvili does a nice job of floating over and taking his back.

>Gugenishvili tries to get the hooks in and lock on a rear naked choke.

>Oliva stays calm and defends the choke attempt well.

>Gugenishvili looks to unload with some big right hands, but Oliva gets back to his feet before too many land.

>A left hand misses, allowing Oliva to counter with a crisp left hand punch.

>Gugenishvili misses with an attempted right hook to the body.

>Not letting up, Oliva quickly steps in closer to attack Gugenishvili.

>We're into the final minute of the round.

>Oliva swings for the fences with some lethargic-looking haymakers, then chooses to shoot in on Gugenishvili.

>Gugenishvili attempts to avoid Oliva as he shoots in.

>The takedown is unsuccessful, Gugenishvili avoided Oliva.

>A straight left by Gugenishvili keeps Oliva from advancing.

>Oliva doesn't let Gugenishvili settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.

>The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

 

>Here come the official decisions.

>All three judges have agreed that Gugenishvili is the winner.

>Gugenishvili wins by unanimous decision!

>Official Result: Guram Gugenishvili defeats David 'The Mayan Assassin' Oliva (Unanimous Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor.

 

5th Bout: Jan Blachowicz x Mathias Schuck

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Schuck steps back to avoid a flurry of punches.

>There's a stalemate as both fighters throw strikes but neither hits.

>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.

>Schuck finds himself out-wrestled, and Blachowicz takes control of the grapple.

>With control of the clinch, Blachowicz tries to complete a takedown.

>Blachowicz doesn't get the takedown, Schuck instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple.

>Schuck is trying to muscle Blachowicz up against the ropes.

>Blachowicz isn't going anywhere though, and manages to slip out of the grapple entirely.

>Advancing, Blachowicz counters a left jab by using a hard right kick to the legs.

>A left jab misses and Schuck counters with a nice jab.

>Blachowicz steps back to avoid a left jab.

>Blachowicz looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Schuck.

>Standing his ground, Schuck looks happy to engage Blachowicz in the pocket.

>Schuck sees a low kick being set up and strikes first with a solid left jab.

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.

>Stepping back, Schuck creates a bit of distance.

>There's a takedown attempt from Blachowicz.

>The takedown doesn't work, Schuck sprawled to defend it and then works into a clinch position.

>The grapple breaks up after a short struggle, and the two fighters step apart.

>We pass the halfway mark of this round.

>Schuck misses with an attempted right hook to the body.

>Blachowicz doesn't let Schuck settle, stepping in closer to impose himself.

>Blachowicz looks like he might be trying to get in close to clinch with Schuck.

>Blachowicz cannot get close enough to the elusive Schuck to clinch.

>Blachowicz comes in, looking for a quick takedown.

>Schuck tries to step away from the takedown.

>Blachowicz doesn't get the takedown, Schuck avoided it.

>Both fighters go to exchange blows, but neither hits a telling strike.

>Having stepped in close to throw their strikes, they end up clinched.

>Schuck is trying to push Blachowicz so that his back is up against the ropes.

>Schuck can't manage it, and Blachowicz gets out of the grapple entirely.

>A straight left by Schuck keeps Blachowicz from advancing.

>Not letting Schuck settle at all, Blachowicz comes in closer.

>Blachowicz shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Schuck stuffs the takedown, so Blachowicz has to settle for pushing him up against the ropes.

>Blachowicz looks for a trip takedown.

>Schuck will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Blachowicz, but does give up his back in the struggle.

>Schuck tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck.

>We move into the final sixty seconds of this round.

>With the ropes trapping Schuck, Blachowicz, holding him from behind, looks to try and take him down.

>Schuck keeps his composure, and Blachowicz cannot get past his takedown defence.

>Jan Blachowicz is breathing very hard.

>The time runs out on round one.

 

Round 2:

>And here we go, round two!

>Blachowicz moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a kick to the inside of the left leg.

>Those strikes to the legs are going to take their toll.

>Schuck counters a flurry of punches by hitting a crisp jab.

>A tired-looking Blachowicz approaches, looking for a takedown.

>Schuck stuffs the takedown attempt and then pulls Blachowicz into a clinch.

>Schuck is looking to muscle Blachowicz back against the ropes.

>Schuck can't manage it, and Blachowicz gets out of the grapple entirely.

>Schuck is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Blachowicz.

>Blachowicz moves in too, and they start to grapple.

>From the looks of things, I don't think Jan Blachowicz has much energy left.

>Breathing very hard, Mathias Schuck is looking ragged.

>Blachowicz looks for a trip takedown.

>Blachowicz doesn't get the takedown, Schuck instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple.

>Schuck is looking to muscle Blachowicz back against the ropes.

>He does so, and now has Blachowicz pinned to the ropes.

>Blachowicz waits for Schuck to lift a leg to attempt a foot stomp, then turns him around so that he now has his back to the ropes.

>Jan Blachowicz looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.

>Mathias Schuck looks very, very tired.

>Blachowicz smothers Schuck against the ropes and stomps down on his foot.

>Blachowicz stomps down on his opponent's foot.

>With Schuck stuck against the ropes, Blachowicz tries to complete a takedown.

>Schuck shows stubborn resistance and Blachowicz cannot complete the takedown.

>Schuck tries to uses a whizzer to turn Blachowicz, but is blocked from doing so.

>With the ropes trapping Schuck, Blachowicz looks to try and take him down.

>Schuck blocks the takedown attempt and turns Blachowicz around so that he has his back to the ropes.

>Schuck attempts to establish some dominance with his wrestling, but Blachowicz is too hard to keep controlled against the ropes.

>Blachowicz finds room to apply a standing guillotine!

>Schuck can't escape the guillotine, it's tight enough that he has to tap!

 

>By submission, the winner is Jan Blachowicz!

>Official Result: Jan Blachowicz defeats Mathias Schuck (Submission (Guillotine) in 4:45 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor.

 

6th Bout: Jared Rosholt x Mijain Lopez

 

Round 1:

>Round one begins!

>Rosholt gets hit with a barrage of big right hands that put him down!

>Mijain Lopez dives in quickly and secures mount on the dazed Rosholt!

>Mijain Lopez pounds away on Rosholt, landing several great shots that threaten to knock him out!

>The referee jumps in and saves Rosholt from taking any more shots!

 

>Mijain Lopez Nunez takes the victory by way of TKO!

>Official Result: Mijain Lopez Nunez defeats Jared Rosholt (TKO (Strikes) in 0:58 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

 

7th Bout: Hae Jun Yang x Jimi Manuwa

 

Round 1:

>Round one begins!

>Manuwa tries for a left jab but Yang moves out of range.

>Yang gets caught with a nice one-two combination.

>Yang gets caught with a scorchingly fast combination.

>Both fighters throw strikes at the same time, both miss.

>Manuwa throws a speculative right, but it is nowhere near hitting.

>Yang steps in to put some pressure on.

>Moving in closer, Yang looks like he may want to wrestle Manuwa.

>A counter right hook catches Yang hard, almost putting him down!

>Yang avoids a nice combination.

>Manuwa comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.

>Manuwa is in the pocket, ready to attack Yang.

>A left jab misses, Manuwa counters with a flurry of quick punches.

>Manuwa throws a left jab but Yang uses good head movement to make sure it slips by.

>Using head movement, Manuwa slips past a left jab and counters with a left jab to the cheek.

>Slipping past a left jab, Manuwa hits a crisp left hook to the body.

>Using head movement, Manuwa slips past a left jab and counters with a flurry of jabs and straight punches.

>Yang dodges a kick to the body and fires back with a clean punch.

>Manuwa shows good head movement to avoid getting caught with a jab.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>Yang is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Manuwa.

>Strikes from Manuwa keep Yang from stepping in too close, and he is forced to step back.

>Manuwa looks to move in and stand in the pocket.

>Manuwa moves into the pocket.

>Yang slips out of the way of a right body kick, showing good footwork at such close range.

>Moving in closer, Yang looks like he may want to wrestle Manuwa.

>Yang can't get near enough to engage, Manuwa uses strikes to keep him out of range.

>Moving in closer, Yang looks like he may want to wrestle Manuwa.

>Manuwa finds himself pulled into a grappling contest.

>Yang is looking to muscle Manuwa back against the ropes.

>Yang manages it, and controls Manuwa up against the ropes.

>Yang tries to use some knees from the clinch, but Manuwa is able to block them.

>Yang steps back from Manuwa and looks to unleash some strikes.

>Manuwa uses head movement to avoid a left jab.

>Yang is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Manuwa.

>Manuwa ends up grappling for supremacy with Yang.

>Using his wrestling skills, Yang is trying to push Manuwa up against the ropes.

>Yang achieves it, pinning Manuwa to the ropes.

>We have one minute of the round remaining.

>Yang exerts total control, keeping Manuwa smothered against the ropes until the round ends.

>Breathing very hard, Hae Joon Yang is looking ragged.

>The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>There's the bell and round number two begins!

>Yang throws a left jab but Manuwa avoids it.

>Yang counters an attempted body kick by scoring with a crisp jab.

>Jimi Manuwa is looking really tired.

>Manuwa steps in and unloads with a series of lefts.

>A couple of sloppy right hands are used to set up a tired-looking takedown attempt from Yang.

>Manuwa tries to avoid Yang.

>The takedown doesn't work, Manuwa saw it coming and got out of range.

>Manuwa throws a couple of ragged-looking jabs as a set up, then attempts a takedown.

>Manuwa can't get the takedown, Yang defends it well and pulls them into a clinch.

>Yang throws a few close-range strikes, but Manuwa smothers the shots and takes control of the grappling.

>Manuwa looks for a trip takedown.

>Yang has the takedown scouted, he tries to grab a guillotine.

>The takedown is successful, Yang pulls guard.

>Jimi Manuwa seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Manuwa unloads with some big elbows, but Yang deals with them comfortably.

>Manuwa gets pushed back thanks to a butterfly guard, and stands, looking down at Yang who remains on his back.

>Hae Joon Yang seems to be fighting against exhaustion.

>Manuwa tries to come in and secure a ground position.

>Yang tries to get free, but Manuwa is able to secure side control.

>Manuwa attempts an armbar.

>A straight armbar is applied, Yang is in danger of having his arm hyper-extended!

>Manuwa loses the hold! Somehow Yang got his arm free. That was incredibly close to a finish though.

>Yang tries to sweep Manuwa but can't.

>Manuwa tries to ensnare Yang in an arm triangle.

>The arm triangle is locked in, tight enough that Yang has to tap out!

 

>Jimi Manuwa takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Jimi 'The Poster Boy' Manuwa defeats Hae Joon Yang (Submission (Arm Triangle) in 4:57 of round 2). The match was rated as being Good.

 

8th Bout: Asashoryu x Todd Duffee

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Duffee steps in and gets Asashoryu to cover up with a pair of jabs, then nails a crunching right hook to the body.

>Asashoryu avoids a nice combination.

>Duffee comes in and hits a quick combination that ends with a scorching right cross. Asashoryu barely had time to cover up.

>Asashoryu needs to stop leaving his hands so low, it's a dangerous habit.

>Asashoryu avoids a jab.

>Asashoryu shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Duffee counters with a right hook that catches Asashoryu flush...and he goes down!

>Duffee moves in quickly, kneeling beside Asashoryu and starting to hammer down with punches!

>Dazed as he is, Asashoryu still manages to do the smart thing and pull half guard.

>In half guard, Duffee catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body.

>Duffee tries to pass the half guard.

>He is too good for Asashoryu slipping out of half guard and straight into a mount.

>Duffee tries to set up Asashoryu for an americana.

>Asashoryu blocks it.

>Asashoryu tries to get enough space to pull half guard, but Duffee doesn't allow it.

>Duffee pounds away with punches, but doesn't do much damage, if any, Asashoryu covers up well.

>Asashoryu tries to get to half guard but can't.

>Duffee tries to set up Asashoryu for an americana.

>The americana is locked in and Duffee moves to side control to get leverage, Asashoryu has to tap out!

 

>Todd Duffee takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: 'The Irish Car Bomb' Todd Duffee defeats Asashoryu Akinori (Submission (Americana) in 5:08 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

 

Main Event: Ricardo Arona x Hans Stringer

 

Round 1:

>Round one begins!

>An exchange of blows doesn't really produce any damage or a clear advantage.

>Arona chooses to shoot in on Stringer.

>The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Stringer is left on his back pulling guard.

>Arona starts trying to work to get past the guard.

>He eventually passes, but only into half guard.

>Arona begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.

>He passes straight to the mount.

>Arona pounds away on Stringer.

>Stringer is barely able to do anything at all, he cannot get out from under Arona!

>The referee has seen enough, he pulls Arona off!

 

>The winner, by TKO; Ricardo Arona!

>Official Result: Ricardo 'The Brazilian Tiger' Arona defeats Hans Stringer (TKO (Strikes) in 2:45 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

 

HWGP Semifinals:

Todd Duffee x Mijain Lopez

Guram Gugenishvili x Levan Razmadze

 

CWGP Semifinals:

Ricardo Arona x Xande Ribeiro

Jimi Manuwa x Jan Blachowicz

 

Prediction Results:

 

CageRage: 5-4

 

This time around, the top two predictors will get to decide the fight order for PURE XII and XIV, the HW/CW/MW/WW and LW/FW/BW/FLY Semifinals, respectively. This time around, the winner will get first choice.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight/Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Card Finalized

 

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, JP/ 4th Week of October

 

Opening Bout:

Rin Nakai (13-0-1)

x

Erin Toughill (10-3-1)

 

2nd Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1)

x

Hernani Perpetuo (15-3)

 

3rd Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Alberto Mina (10-0)

x

John Howard (19-7)

 

4th Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Taisuke Okuno (13-6-2)

x

Robert Whittaker (11-2)

 

5th Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

K-Taro Nakamura (25-5-2)

x

Andrews Nakahara (5-3)

 

6th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Jorge Santiago (26-10)

x

John Phillips (17-5)

 

7th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Ryuta Sakurai (24-17-6)

x

Ralek Gracie (4-0)

 

8th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Hiroshi Izumi (5-2)

x

Magomed Sultanakhmedov (19-5)

 

Main Event: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Mamed Khalidov (27-4-2)

x

Jake Rosholt (13-5)

[CageRage]

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight/Cruiserweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, JP/ 4th Week of October

 

Opening Bout:

Rin Nakai (13-0-1)

x

Erin Toughill (10-3-1)

 

2nd Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1)

x

Hernani Perpetuo (15-3)

 

3rd Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Alberto Mina (10-0)

x

John Howard (19-7)

 

4th Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

Taisuke Okuno (13-6-2)

x

Robert Whittaker (11-2)

 

5th Bout: WWGP Quarterfinal:

K-Taro Nakamura (25-5-2)

x

Andrews Nakahara (5-3)

 

6th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Jorge Santiago (26-10)

x

John Phillips (17-5)

 

7th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Ryuta Sakurai (24-17-6)

x

Ralek Gracie (4-0)

 

8th Bout: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Hiroshi Izumi (5-2)

x

Magomed Sultanakhmedov (19-5)

 

Main Event: MWGP Quarterfinal:

Mamed Khalidov (27-4-2)

x

Jake Rosholt (13-5)

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight/Welterweight Quarterfinals Preview

 

PURE returns for their second quarterfinal card, as four middleweights and welterweights move closer to next year's Grand Championship. Who exactly will move on will be decided this weekend.

 

Due to the highly successful and entertaining opening rounds, this weekend's event has gained its fair share of hype in hopes of replicating the excitement of each respective weight classes opening round.

 

With established names like Mamed Khalidov, Jorge Santiago, K-Taro Nakamura, and Ryuta Sakurai, along with prospects and surprises such as Hiroshi Izumi, Ralek Gracie, Gunnar Nelson, and Alberto Mina; it is sure to bring more surprises, and most of all, an entertaining night of fights.

 

Along with the four respective qualifiers, PURE has added yet another pivotal women's bout between the enigmatic Rin Nakai and longtime veteran Erin Toughill.

 

As the suspense grows palpable, here is our preview for the card:

 

Mamed Khalidov (27-4-2) x Jake Rosholt (13-5)

 

In his PURE debut, Mamed Khalidov methodically picked apart his opponent until wearing him down to win by eventual submission. Although we learned nothing new, the same was apparent, as he showed solid striking and grappling per usual. His lone weakness, his takedown defense, will truly be tested in his next bout.

 

Jake Rosholt continued his winning ways, as he fought tooth and nail in a back and forth bout with Danillo Villefort, until he finally gained dominant position in the second round and finished Villefort on the ground with strikes. His wrestling looked strong as always and his striking is still improving, as is his noticeably weak submission defense.

 

Verdict: This fight will turn out to be a solid test for both fighters, as they're proficient in one another's weaknesses. While Khalidov could certainly have trouble by being put on his back constantly, we have a little more faith in Khalidov, as Rosholt does seem to mentally falter if the fight doesn't go his way for a prolonged amount of time. Our pick will be Khalidov by submission.

 

Hiroshi Izumi (5-2) x Magomed Sultanakhmedov (19-5)

 

Arguably the biggest upset of all opening round matches, Hiroshi Izumi was able to submit Denis Kang within the first half of the opening stanza. Outside of that, we really don't know all too much about Izumi at 185. His takedown defense didn't look entirely too great, something he won't have to worry about in his next fight, and his striking is still very basic, a huge worry in his next bout. Could he still continue his Cinderella run?

 

In his opening round bout, Magomed Sultanakhmedov put on a masterful performance against Nobutatsu Suzuki in a striking battle and absolutely put his opponent through a barrage of punches, kicks, and knees; the latter ending the fight brutally in the second. While it could be attributed to a long layoff, Sultanakhmedov did look very hittable as he ate his fair share of strikes throughout the fight, but with more time in the ring, this might not be the case for very much longer.

 

Verdict: This will be a very close fight to call, as Izumi will struggle with strikes just as Sultanakhmedov will with grappling. Since the fight starts standing and Izumi looked the most vulnerable of the two, we'll go with Sultanakhmedov by TKO.

 

Ryuta Sakurai (24-17-6) x Ralek Gracie (4-0)

 

Ryuta Sakurai put on a classic performance against the youthful Jack Marshman, as Sakurai beat his opponent everywhere the fight went. While Sakurai certainly had the massive experience advantage and is a far superior grappler, Sakurai's performance does make you think that he possibly could make a late run in his career.

 

Ralek Gracie returned to the ring last time around against the very experience Frank Trigg. In a largely uneventful fight, Gracie completely neutralized Trigg for most of the fight and wore him down to take advantage of Trigg's greatest weakness, the opening for a rear naked choke. While definitely not making any fans, Ralek Gracie looked extremely dangerous with his surprisingly good footwork and devastating grappling.

 

Verdict: Yet another fight that could honestly go either way. What it might come down to is defensiveness, which Ralek Gracie has proven proficient at time and time again. You have to think Ryuta Sakurai will do anything to turn this into a brawl, which could ultimately swing momentum in his direction, but also open him up to making a mistake. Ralek Gracie will be our a pick in a safely fought but eventual submission victory.

 

Jorge Santiago (26-10) x John Phillips (17-5)

 

In his first fight in Japan since defending his Sengoku belt, Jorge Santiago dominated Dave Branch thoroughly on the ground and coaxed the tapout due to kneebar late in the first round. While his chin was never tested, it still looms over any fight he takes part in. Otherwise, his mix of technically sound striking and world-class grappling will continue to be a test for anyone that lacks the power to knock him out.

 

Unfortunately for Santiago, John Phillips possesses that power, showing it in his emphatic knockout victory over the highly hyped Rumen Dimitrov in the opening round. Although he does have tremendous power, his punches could use some refinement and his grappling ability does leave a lot to be desired.

 

Verdict: Santiago still has the tools to defeat anyone but Phillips just proved a lot in his bout against Dimitrov, by completely avoiding the ground. We'll go with the upset and take Phillips by TKO.

 

K-Taro Nakamura (25-5-2) x Andrews Nakahara (5-3)

 

K-Taro Nakamura defeated Shamil Zavurov in his last appearance, in a contentious and largely uneventful decision victory. Since both fighters are considered strong grapplers, the fight was a stalemate for the majority of the twenty minutes. This time around, you'd have to think that Nakamura will try to prove his worth and deliver a better fight for both himself and the fans.

 

Andrews Nakahara earned this spot through his victorious reserve bout against Xavier Lucas, previously being eliminated by Taisuke Okuno in the Opening Round of the grand prix. What Nakahara has further proven was his highly technical striking, due to his kyokushin background, which leaves him unfortunately open to takedowns, which has lead him to work on an effective grappling game that allows him to neutralize grapplers.

 

Verdict: While Nakahara is ever improving at all aspects of MMA, K-Taro is just far too superior of a grappler at this point in time. Nakahara could certainly tag him on the feet, but it's hard to think that it won't end up on the ground sooner than later. K-Taro is our pick by decision.

 

Taisuke Okuno (13-6-2) x Robert Whittaker (11-2)

 

In what was the best fight PURE has put on to date, Taisuke Okuno advanced against Andrews Nakahara in an extremely back and forth fight where both fighters were dropped, until Okuno finished the fight in the second stanza. With Okuno, you know exactly what you're getting every fight. A brawler who aims to finish every fight with no care in the world to grapple.

 

Robert Whittaker has come a long way since being a top prospect in Australia's mixed martial arts scene, evolving from a primary grappler to a well rounded fighter with knockout power. Also shown in his win over Yuri Villefort was his willingness to mix up grappling with an efficient, yet intelligent output of strikes.

 

Verdict: Okuno could definitely knock anyone out but Whittaker is just too well rounded to go against. That's why we'll take Whittaker by submission.

 

Alberto Mina (10-0) x John Howard (19-7)

 

In his fight with Dhiego Lima, Alberto Mina looked like an absolute monster, with his intelligent mix of strikes with grappling, and his ability to finish the fight either way. While Lima was inexperienced, Mina did show enough to prove that he has loads of potential in the sport.

 

Howard returned to fine form in his Japanese debut, as he absolutely demolished Jordan Smith within two minutes of the fight. If healthy, in both body and mind, Howard's mix of tenacious wrestling and knockout ability could be enough to take him to the championship.

 

Verdict: Mina's ability to slow things down and make the fight a more calculating type seems to tip the scales in Mina's favor. He's our pick by decision.

 

Gunnar Nelson (11-0-1) x Hernani Perpetuo (15-3)

 

Considered one of the top grapplers in the world, Gunnar Nelson opened the eyes of many after knocking Yuya Shirai out cleanly through a knee from a muay thai plum. Slowly, yet steadily, putting together a solid skillset, Nelson could definitely be one of the greats of the future due to his apparent well-roundedness.

 

Yet another product of Nova Uniao, Hernani Pereptuo is the latest fighter from the camp to gain notoriety. Both a strong grappler and striker, along with an iron will, Perpetuo does seemingly have the potential to be a solid welterweight for the future. His last bout was an incredible tilt with Xavier Lucas, where Perpetuo was being completely outclassed in the first round until coming back in the second and putting an end to Lucas' night. One obvious weakness is Perpetuo's affinity towards taking too much needless punishment.

 

Verdict: Both fighters are well-rounded and guys to keep an eye on in the near future. Unfortunately, one will have to take the loss. Nelson seems to have a little more momentum going into this fight, although he has never been put through adversity like Perpetuo. We'll take Nelson in a back and forth affair by decision.

 

Rin Nakai (13-0-1) x Erin Toughill (10-3-1)

 

The current Queen of Pancrase, Rin Nakai makes her PURE debut this weekend. Known more for her internet photo shoots than her actual MMA ability, Nakai is a strong, albeit sloppy, grappler with tremendous shape and acceptable submission talent. She hasn't really fought legitimately good competition at this point in time though.

 

Considered an WMMA pioneer, Erin Toughill reaches the end of her career in what is thought to be her final bout. A well-rounded mixed martial artist with decent striking and grappling, she's still more than capable of racking up a few more high level victories. What has ultimately held her back is her inactivity, inability to make weight consistently, and her inconsistence.

 

Verdict: Not much to be said here other than that Nakai has actually won recently and shown a semblance of consistency throughout her career, although against sub-par competition. Nakai is our pick by decision.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight and Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Official Weigh-In's and Press Conference

 

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We are live from the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel for this weekend's PURE Fighting Championship X, for the official weigh-in and press conference.

 

As the Middleweights and Welterweights entered the room to prepare for the weigh-in proceedings, PURE announced that they are expecting a solid crowd tomorrow night at Nippon Gaishi Hall, their first first event held outside of the Tokyo/Yokohama megalopolis area. Depending on how well received the next two cards are will determine how soon they are willing to return to such places.

They also announced that they are slowly putting together details for the cards that'll follow the Grand Prix Grand Championship but will not formally announce them until that has concluded. They will be willing to make two formal card announcements at the start of the semifinals, though. To conclude, they teased two big name signings that will be announced at some point next year.

 

Afterwards, here were the weigh-in results:

 

Rin Nakai (146)

x

Erin Toughill (148)

 

Gunnar Nelson (170)

x

Hernani Perpetuo (170)

 

Alberto Mina (170)

x

John Howard (171)

 

Taisuke Okuno (169)

x

Robert Whittaker (170)

 

K-Taro Nakamura (171)

x

Andrews Nakahara (171)

 

Jorge Santiago (184)

x

John Phillips (185)

 

Ryuta Sakurai (185)

x

Ralek Gracie (186)

 

Hiroshi Izumi (186)

x

Magomed Sultanakhmedov (185)

 

Mamed Khalidov (185)

x

Jake Rosholt (185)

 

As always, the press conference soon followed and here were the highlights:

 

*Mamed Khalidov is very confident in his skillset come fight night. He isn't worried about the wrestling of Rosholt and is very prepared to put on a great show for the Japanese fans.

 

*Jake Rosholt wants to move on to greater things and Khalidov is all that stands in his way, in his opinion. If he manages to defeat Khalidov, which he seems to believe, he thinks he'll have an easy road to the championship.

 

*Izumi feels wonderful after the biggest win of his career and is looking forward to staying at 185 and making a name for himself. He respects Sultanakhmedov but fears no one.

 

*Sultanakhmedov seemed equally as eager to return and looks forward to having an even better performance this time around. He is without a doubt looking for an emphatic knockout victory again.

 

*Santiago feels as if he has plenty left to prove at middleweight. His recent venture in the UFC still leaves a bad taste in his mouth and he wants to prove to everyone, including himself, that he is a top talent at 185 still.

 

*Phillips seems to be very excited and confident coming into his fight with Santiago. Regardless of what is said and known about Jorge, he knows it'll be a challenge and it'll be a name that looks good on his resume. This will be his moment, the moment he becomes a top middleweight.

 

*Sakurai is glad to still have an opportunity at becoming champion. After his last fight, he feels as if he has a tremendous amount of momentum and nothing can stop him. He respects Ralek's grappling but he's going to put him through a total assault.

 

*Gracie didn't say all too much outside of respecting Gracie and being fully prepared to win.

 

*K-Taro was visibly disappointed with his last performance, especially being in the main event. While he's happy with a win, he wants to win spectacularly and prefer to keep things ugly rarely.

 

*Nakahara thinks the extra fight will give him an advantage. He doesn't feel worn out coming from a fight just a few months ago and believes it'll give him an extra step on his opponent and he's ready for everything.

 

*Okuno looked very pleased to stay in contention. He feels as if he's paid his dues with DEEP and Sengoku and believes it's his time to rise to the occasion and become champion. Of course, he wants to knock Whittaker out completely and asks for the support of everyone tomorrow night.

 

*Whittaker seems confident in not only his upcoming fight but the entire grand prix. He promises to not only DOMINATE Okuno but move on the title and represent Australia as the greatest champion in the world.

 

*Mina felt too tentative in his last fight and believes he respected Lima's skills far too much. While he respects Howard's abilities, he'll come into this fight with a little more tenacity.

 

*Howard thinks Mina is talented but talent won't be enough against him. Howard says he's far more hungry and looking for redemption. He's meant to be champion now and Mina will be champion when Howard decides he is.

 

*Nelson feels as if he's really found himself as a mixed martial artist but still believes he has much more room to improve. He knows Perpetuo will be a tough fight and he's really looking forward to pushing himself as a greater mixed martial artist.

 

*Perpetuo thinks Nelson is a tremendous fighter but believes his camp has him very well prepared. Nelson might be the better grappler on paper, but he believes he's the better mixed martial artist in actuality.

 

*Nakai was said to have loved the spotlight and looks forward to staying there. Ever since Megumi Fujii lost, she felt as if it's her duty to become the new face of Women's MMA in Japan, so she will fight her best fight ever tomorrow night.

 

*Toughill was harsh in her words, saying that Nakai is overrated and will never accomplish anything when faced with legitimate competition. She won't have to worry about it landing in the hands of biased judges because she aims to demolish Nakai.

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight & Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Nippon Gaishi Hall (9,525)

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5286/5256488952_30b7a05db4_z.jpg

 

We are LIVE! From the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya, Japan for the Middleweight and Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals. It's PURE Fighting Championships X!

 

After a handful of entertaining bouts last time around, they return in hopes of doing the same tonight. Our main event will be KSW superstar Mamed Khalidov against UFC and WEC Veteran, Jake Rosholt. Also on tap is Hiroshi Izumi versus Magomed Sultanakhemdov. Rounding out the card will be appearances from former Sengoku Champion, Jorge Santiago, Ralek Gracie, former champs Ryuta Sakurai and K-Taro Nakamura, and top flight talents such as Alberto Mina, Gunnar Nelson, and Hernani Perpetuo. This isn't even including familiar names such as John Howard, Taisuke Okuno, and Andrews Nakahara! But to start things off, we'll have the Queen of Pancrase, Rin Nakai face Erin Toughill in what should be her greatest challenge to date.

 

Without further ado, it's now time for the OPENING CEREMONIES!

 

http://blog.hardrock.com/image.axd?picture=2009%2F9%2FBEP3.jpg

 

Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Nippon Gaishi Hall for PURE Fighting Championships X: Middleweight and Welterweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals!

 

Tonight, sixteen fighters have made their mark and gained ground on realizing their dreams of becoming world champion! Only eight men will move on and be that much closer to realizing those dreams. Who will make these dreams an actuality and who will fall just short!?

 

This is sport. This is art. This is excellence. THIS. IS. PURE!

 

Opening Bout. Introducing first, from the United States, ERRRIIINNNNN TOOUGGGHHHHILLLLLLLL

 

http://www.mmalinker.com/wiki/images/b/b9/ETough.jpg

 

Her opponent, from JAPAN, RINNNNNNNN NAAKKAAIIIIIIIIIIII

 

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Second Bout. From Brazil, HERRRNAAANNNNIIII PERRRRPEEETTTTUUUOOOOOO

 

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From Iceland, GUNNNNNARRRRR NELLLLLSOOONNNNNNNNN

 

http://www.mmaviking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Gunnar_Nelson_London_Post.jpg

 

Third Bout. From the United States, JOOHHNNNNNN HOWWWAARRRRDDDDD

 

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From Brazil, ALLLBERRRTOOOOOO MIIIIIIINNAAAAAAAAA

 

http://www1.cdn.sherdog.com/image_crop/200/300/_images/fighter/20110912014102_alperto22.JPG

 

Fourth Bout. From Australia, ROOBBBBERRRTTTT WHITTTTTAAAKKEERRRRRRR

 

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From JAPAN, TAAIIIIISUUKKKEEEEEE OOOOOOKUUUUUUNNNOOOOOOO

 

http://www.mmalinker.com/wiki/images/f/f0/TaisukeOkuno.jpg

 

Fifth Bout. From Brazil, ANNNNDREEEWWWWSSS NAAAKAAAAHAARRRRAAAAA

 

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From JAPAN, K-TARRROOOOOO NAAAKKAAAAAMUUUUUURRRRRRAAAAAAA

 

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Sixth Bout. From Wales, JOOOHHHNNNNNN PHIIILLLLLIIIIPPPPPPPSSSSS

 

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From Brazil, JJJORRRRRGGGEEEEE SAAANNNNTTIIIIIAAAAGOOOOOOO

 

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Seventh Bout. From Brazil, RAAAAALEEKKKKKK GRAAAACCIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE

 

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From JAPAN, RYYYUUUUUUTTTAAAA SAAAAKKKUUUURAAIIIIIIIIIII

 

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Eighth Bout. From Russia, MAAAGOOOOMMMMEEEDDDD SUULLLLLTAANNNAAAAAKKHHHHMEEEEDOOOOOOVVVVVV

 

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From JAPAN, HIIIIROOOOOSHHIIIII IIIIIIZUUUUUUMMMIIIIIIIIII

 

http://www.mmalinker.com/wiki/images/e/e8/HIzumi.jpg

 

MAIN EVENT. From the United States, JAAAAAKKEEEE ROOOOOSHHOOOLLLLTTTT

 

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From Poland, MAAAMMMEEEEDDDD KHHAAALLIIIIDDOOOOOVVVVVVVV

 

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Opening Bout: Erin Toughill x Rin Nakai

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>Toughill slips past a left jab and fires back with a nice jab.

>Toughill drops a shoulder, trying to sucker Nakai in with a feint.

>Nakai slips out of the way of a leg kick.

>Backing out of range, Toughill circles tentatively.

>Not letting up, Nakai quickly steps in closer to attack Toughill.

>There's a takedown attempt from Nakai.

>Nakai can't get past the sprawl of Toughill, and finds herself pushed face-down to the ground.

>Toughill hits a devastating soccer kick to the head!

>That was brutal, and Nakai is left unconscious!

 

>The winner, by Knock Out; Erin Toughill!

>Official Result: 'Steel' Erin Toughill defeats Rin Nakai (Knock Out (Kick) in 2:32 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

 

2nd Bout: Hernani Perpetuo x Gunnar Nelson

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>A wayward low right kick allows Perpetuo to hit a left jab to the cheek.

>A left jab misses and Nelson counters with a nasty-looking kick to the inside of the left knee.

>Moving in closer, Perpetuo looks like he may want to wrestle Nelson.

>Nelson seems happy to grapple with Perpetuo.

>Nelson tries to wriggle free, but Perpetuo controls him well and gets in a few close-range punches too.

>The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other.

>A flurry of punches fail to land, giving Perpetuo the opportunity to counter with a crisp left hand punch.

>Perpetuo comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.

>Perpetuo and Nelson get closer, both looking eager to engage at close range.

>Nelson comes in, looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range.

>Perpetuo tries to time a counter right hand, but can't get it.

>Perpetuo cannot stop the takedown, and has to pull guard.

>Nelson tries to push apart the guard, maybe thinking of trying to isolate a leg.

>Able to isolate a leg, Nelson locks in a tight heel hook that forces Perpetuo to tap out!

 

>The winner, by submission; Gunnar Nelson!

>Official Result: Gunnar 'Gunni' Nelson defeats Hernani Perpetuo (Submission (Heel Hook) in 3:32 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

 

3rd Bout: John Howard x Alberto Mina

 

Round 1:

>Round one begins!

>Howard moves in quickly after a wayward punch and hits a kick to the body.

>A jab doesn't find its intended target, allowing Howard to fire back with several big punches, forcing Mina back up against the ropes!

>Mina collapses to the ground and is still getting pounded on!

>The referee pulls Howard away, stopping the match!

 

>By TKO, the winner is John Howard!

>Official Result: 'Doomsday' John Howard defeats 'Soldier of God' Alberto Mina (TKO (Strikes) in 1:04 of round 1). The match was rated as being Good.

 

4th Bout: Robert Whittaker x Taisuke Okuno

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Okuno counters a flurry of punches with a solid left jab.

>Okuno gets Whittaker with a nice jab.

>A flurry of punches miss Okuno and allow him to counter-strike with a solid left.

>Advancing, Okuno counters a left jab by using a crisp jab.

>Both fighters advance and strike, but neither hits anything.

>Okuno counters a right kick to the legs with a nice left hand.

>Whittaker counters a left jab by hitting a big right kick to the outside of the thigh.

>Okuno is looking to get in close and strike from the pocket.

>Okuno moves into the pocket.

>Whittaker slips past a teep and hits a picture-perfect roundhouse kick to the side of the ribs.

>Okuno dodges a kick to the body and fires back with a stinging jab.

>A left jab misses, Okuno counters with a jab.

>Okuno slips past a straight punch and hits a crisp left jab.

>Okuno slips past a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a crisp left.

>Okuno dodges a jab, and fires back with a clean punch.

>Okuno slips past a jab and scores with a nice left.

>Slipping past a left jab, Whittaker hits a left jab to the cheek.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>Using head movement to slip past a left jab, Whittaker hits a hard right kick across the side.

>Okuno sees a leg kick coming but strikes first with a solid punch.

>From the pocket, Okuno catches Whittaker with a flying knee, knocking him off his feet!

>Whittaker shakes it off quickly though, and is ready for any potential follow-up attack.

>On his back, Whittaker can't do much to stop a kick to the leg.

>On his back, Whittaker eats a stomp to the chest!

>Whittaker gets back up after making Okuno step back to avoid an up-kick.

>Okuno keeps his cool as Whittaker throws a feint to the left.

>Advancing, Whittaker counters a left jab by using a hard right kick to the legs.

>Okuno feints an attack, keeping Whittaker on his toes.

>A weak body kick is countered by Okuno with a nice left hand.

>Advancing, Okuno counters a left jab by using a clean jab.

>A jab misses and Okuno counters with a crisp left hand punch.

>Okuno counters a right kick to the legs with a crisp left hand punch.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>A left jab misses and Whittaker counters with a stinging leg kick.

>Those strikes to the legs are going to take their toll.

>Okuno counters an attempted body kick with a solid left jab.

>The time runs out on round one.

 

Round 2:

>Fantastic round, the fans have been out of their seats the entire time.

>There's the bell and round number two begins!

>From what we could hear of his corner, it sounds like Whittaker has been instructed to push the pace and try to overwhelm Okuno in this round.

>Moving forward, Okuno counters a series of wayward big punches with a straight left.

>Whittaker slips past a left jab and counters with a flurry of quick punches to sting Okuno.

>Okuno darts in, feints a jab, darts back out.

>Okuno counters a left jab with a nice jab.

>Whittaker counters a left jab by hitting a barrage of big punches on Okuno!

>A flurry of rights and lefts all miss, allowing Okuno to hit a stinging jab.

>Whittaker lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a nice sequence of jabs.

>Okuno slips past a straight punch and hits a solid punch.

>Okuno uses head movement to slip past a punch, then hits a stinging jab.

>Slipping past a flurry of punches, Okuno counters with a stinging jab.

>Whittaker slips past a jab and scores with a nice jab.

>A left jab misses the mark and allows Okuno to counter with a solid punch.

>A flurry of rights and lefts all miss, allowing Okuno to hit a crisp left.

>Okuno slips past a straight punch and then hits a punch.

>Using good head movement, Okuno slips past a punch and hits a spinning heel kick to the legs!

>Retreating, Whittaker looks punch-drunk...he may be in big trouble!

>A huge right hand lands, Whittaker didn't see it coming and is knocked to the ground...he is out cold!

 

>The winner, by Knock Out, is Taisuke 'Goten' Okuno!

>Official Result: Taisuke 'Goten' Okuno defeats Robert Whittaker (Knock Out (Punch) in 4:38 of round 2). The match was rated as being Fantastic.

 

5th Bout: Andrews Nakahara x K-Taro Nakamura

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Nakamura slips out of the way of a jab.

>They both meet with strikes, but neither does any damage.

>Nakahara snaps off a nice left jab from the pocket.

>Nakamura steps back just in time to avoid a wild swing.

>Both fighters throw strikes, no significant damage is inflicted by either.

>In close proximity from the strikes they threw, they fall into a messy clinch.

>Using his wrestling skills, Nakamura is trying to push Nakahara up against the ropes.

>He does so, and now has Nakahara pinned to the ropes.

>Nakamura tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Nakahara struggles and doesn't let himself get controlled.

>Nakahara is trapped against the ropes and Nakamura hits him with a short left uppercut.

>Nakamura tries to smother him against the ropes with wrestling, but can't keep control of Nakahara who is fighting it.

>Nakamura looks for a foot stomp, but Nakahara is fighting too hard and it makes it impossible to balance properly to deliver the strike.

>Nakamura tries to foot stomp Nakahara, but he puts himself off balance and gets turned around against the ropes.

>Nakahara breaks the grapple and prepares to launch some strikes at Nakamura.

>Showing good head movement, Nakamura weaves out of the way of a wild right hand.

>Nakahara stings Nakamura from inside the pocket with an excellent combination.

>Both fighters come in and throw strikes, there is no real damage done by either.

>From the missed strikes they clinch.

>Nakamura looks for a trip takedown.

>Nakahara blocks the takedown attempt.

>A whizzer almost allows Nakahara to create enough space to get free, but Nakamura shuts that opportunity down.

>We go past the halfway point of this round.

>Using his wrestling skills, Nakamura is trying to push Nakahara up against the ropes.

>He does so, and now has Nakahara pinned to the ropes.

>Nakamura pins Nakahara up against the ropes and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head.

>Nakamura pins Nakahara up against the ropes and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head.

>Nakamura smothers Nakahara against the ropes, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage.

>Nakahara is controlled up against the ropes and eats a sharp right to the ear.

>With Nakahara stuck against the ropes, Nakamura tries to complete a takedown.

>Nakahara will not go down, he blocks the takedown despite the best efforts of Nakamura.

>Andrews Nakahara is looking really tired.

>Nakahara tries to uses a whizzer to turn Nakamura, but is blocked from doing so.

>Nakamura attempts to wrestle Nakahara to the ground.

>Nakahara keeps his composure, and Nakamura cannot get past his takedown defence.

>Nakahara turns Nakamura slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch.

>With the ropes trapping Nakahara, Nakamura looks to try and take him down.

>Nakahara keeps his composure, and Nakamura cannot get past his takedown defence.

>Nakahara tries to get free of the clinch, but is stuck.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>With Nakahara stuck against the ropes, Nakamura tries to complete a takedown.

>Nakahara digs in and manages to defend the takedown.

>Andrews Nakahara looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion.

>Keita Nakamura is breathing very hard.

>Nakahara turns Nakamura slightly, but can't create enough space to get free of the clinch.

>The time runs out on round one.

 

Round 2:

>We are back underway!

>Moving forward, Nakahara counters a left jab with a barrage of big right hands!

>Nakamura, standing in the pocket, has to check a leg kick.

>Good head movement allows Nakamura to avoid a wildly thrown right hand.

>Nakamura checks a low kick.

>Nakahara uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Nakamura slips past a flurry of rights and lefts and hits a clean left jab.

>Using good head movement, Nakamura slips past a punch and hits a punch.

>Andrews Nakahara looks like he is almost out on his feet with exhaustion.

>Nakahara uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Nakahara tries for a left jab but Nakamura uses head movement to avoid it.

>Nakamura checks a low kick.

>Nakamura, who looks drained, comes in looking for a quick double leg takedown from close range.

>Nakamura eats a stiff counter right hand and almost goes down!

>Despite being tired, Nakahara looks like he wants to stand in the pocket and strike with Nakamura.

>Standing his ground, Nakamura looks happy to engage Nakahara in the pocket.

>Not comfortable in the pocket, Nakahara steps back and creates some space.

>A tired Nakamura moves forward, looking for a takedown.

>Nakahara attempts to avoid Nakamura as he shoots in.

>Nakamura can't get the takedown, Nakahara was too quick to back away.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>A straight left fails to land and Nakamura is able to fire back with a straight left.

>Moving in closer, a tired-looking Nakahara apparently wants to strike from the pocket.

>Nakamura lets Nakahara get closer.

>Nakamura uses head movement to dodge a punch, then strikes back with a clean left jab.

>Nakahara uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Nakamura uses head movement to slip past a punch, then hits a punch.

>Nakamura uses good head movement to avoid a huge right hook and counters with a crisp left.

>A left jab misses, Nakahara counters with a clean left jab.

>Nakamura checks a leg kick.

>Nakamura checks a low kick.

>Nakahara uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Good head movement allows Nakamura to avoid a wildly thrown right hand.

>Nakamura lets a jab sail wide and counter-strikes with a clean left jab.

>Using good head movement, Nakamura slips past a punch and hits a clean left jab.

>Nakahara slips past a jab and scores with a right hook to the body.

>The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left.

>Nakamura uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Not comfortable in the pocket, Nakahara steps back and creates some space.

>Nakamura steps back to avoid a left jab.

>Slowed down by physical tiredness, Nakahara still looks to get in close and strike from the pocket.

>Nakamura now has Nakahara standing in the pocket.

>We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

 

>The judges have given their decisions, which are about to be announced.

>Judge #1: Nakamura.

>Judge #2 has Nakahara as the winner.

>Judge #3 has given Nakamura the win.

>Making 'K-Taro' Keita Nakamura the winner by split decision!

>Official Result: 'K-Taro' Keita Nakamura defeats Andrews Nakahara (Split Decision in 10:00 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor.

 

6th Bout: John Phillips x Jorge Santiago

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>They come together and throw strikes, both miss.

>Phillips steps back to avoid a one-two combination.

>Santiago shoots in, looking for a takedown.

>Santiago has the takedown! Phillips pulls half guard.

>Looking to catch his breath, Santiago is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body.

>Santiago attempts to kimura Phillips from the top of half guard.

>Phillips doesn't allow the kimura to be applied.

>Phillips tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Santiago.

>Santiago begins trying to get his leg free of half guard and get a better position.

>He can't find a way past half guard.

>Phillips tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Santiago.

>Santiago attempts to arm triangle Phillips from the top of half guard.

>Phillips blocks it.

>Phillips tries to sweep Santiago but can't do it.

>The referee decides that there is a lack of progress being made and stands them back up.

>Phillips gets Santiago with a punch to the ribs, but it lacked power.

>Santiago quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>Santiago uses a smart combination to get Phillips to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>Santiago goes under an attempted counter right hand.

>Santiago gets a big takedown and he ends up in half guard.

>We are now at the halfway point of the round.

>Santiago tries to pass the half guard.

>He does excellently, getting into side control.

>In side control, Santiago begins working to get a mount.

>Phillips can't fend off his opponent and is mounted.

>Santiago tries to lock Phillips in an americana.

>Santiago gets the americana fully applied, moves to side control for leverage, and Phillips has to tap out!

 

>Jorge Santiago takes the victory by way of submission!

>Official Result: Jorge Santiago defeats John 'The White Mike Tyson' Phillips (Submission (Americana) in 6:19 of round 1). The match was rated as being Decent.

 

7th Bout: Ralek Gracie x Ryuta Sakurai

 

Round 1:

>The fight begins!

>Gracie tries for a left jab but Sakurai moves out of range.

>Gracie drops his shoulder as a feint, trying to draw a strike.

>Sakurai is looking to turn this into a wrestling match, and is getting in closer to Gracie.

>Gracie tries to counter Sakurai with a right hand, but it only thumps into the gloves.

>A quick exchange of strikes produces nothing worth mentioning.

>Gracie catches Sakurai with a left hand.

>Gracie swings wildly to get Sakurai to cover up, then shoots in looking for a takedown.

>The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Sakurai pulling guard.

>Gracie looks to pass guard and get side control.

>Gracie is too much for Sakurai, passing guard and gaining side control.

>Gracie looks to roll Sakurai slightly and slip behind.

>He does it, getting behind Sakurai.

>Gracie successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish.

>Gracie pounds away with punches, hitting several big shots.

>Gracie, with both hooks in, attempts to get a rear naked choke fully applied.

>Sakurai defends himself well against the choke.

>Gracie maintains his hooks, despite Sakurai trying to break them.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Gracie tries to finish Sakurai off with a rear naked choke.

>The rear naked choke is fully applied, Gracie has Sakurai flattened out completely, there is no option but to tap out!

 

>Ralek Gracie takes the win by submission!

>Official Result: Ralek Gracie defeats Ryuta Sakurai (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 5:36 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

 

8th Bout: Magomed Sultanakhmedov x Hiroshi Izumi

 

Round 1:

>There's the opening bell!

>Sultanakhmedov feints rushing in, but withdraws.

>They exchange strikes, but neither fighter inflicts any real damage.

>Izumi comes in, looking for a quick takedown.

>The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Sultanakhmedov is left on his back pulling guard.

>Izumi begins trying to pass guard and get a better position.

>Sultanakhmedov can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control.

>Izumi begins trying to get himself into mount.

>He doesn't get the mount, but only because Sultanakhmedov rolled over and gave up his back instead.

>Izumi successfully gets both hooks in, and seems primed to finish.

>Izumi attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having both hooks fully in.

>Sultanakhmedov doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied.

>With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Izumi tries to finish Sultanakhmedov off with a rear naked choke.

>The rear naked choke is fully applied, Izumi has Sultanakhmedov flattened out completely, there is no option but to tap out!

 

>The winner, by submission, is Hiroshi Izumi!

>Official Result: Hiroshi Izumi defeats Magomed 'White Wolf' Sultanakhmedov (Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:37 of round 1). The match was rated as being Great.

 

Main Event: Jake Rosholt x Mamed Khalidov

 

Round 1:

>And here we go!

>Rosholt counters a tight combination by hitting a left.

>Rosholt darts in and out of range quickly, trying to get Khalidov to commit to throwing a strike.

>Khalidov slips past a left jab and counters with a nice left hand.

>A jab misses and Rosholt counters with a clean left.

>Rosholt looks to be trying to close the distance between them.

>Khalidov ends up grappling for supremacy with Rosholt.

>Rosholt is trying to push Khalidov so that his back is up against the ropes.

>Rosholt can't manage it, and Khalidov gets out of the grapple entirely.

>Rosholt looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Khalidov.

>Rosholt grabs Khalidov and pulls him into a grapple.

>Rosholt is trying to muscle Khalidov up against the ropes.

>Khalidov doesn't let himself be driven back though, and gets out of the grapple.

>Rosholt misses with an attempted right hook to the body.

>Khalidov quickly gets in closer, looking to attack.

>Khalidov comes in closer, looking to attack from the pocket.

>Keen to keep space between them, Rosholt backs away.

>Rosholt throws three punches in quick succession, but Khalidov was out of range.

>Not letting up, Khalidov quickly steps in closer to attack Rosholt.

>Khalidov chooses to shoot in on Rosholt.

>Rosholt tries to step away from the takedown.

>Rosholt avoids the takedown attempt.

>Rosholt covers up to absorb a tidy combination of punches and then hits a nice jab.

>We move into the second half of this round.

>Rosholt misses with an attempted right hook to the body.

>Khalidov steps in closer to force the issue.

>Khalidov chooses to shoot in on Rosholt.

>Rosholt stuffs the takedown, so Khalidov has to settle for pushing him up against the ropes.

>Rosholt wrestles back against Khalidov, not letting him maintain control for any length of time.

>Khalidov has gotten underhooks in and is looking to take Rosholt to the ground.

>Rosholt blocks the takedown attempt and turns Khalidov around so that he has his back to the ropes.

>Rosholt steps back to achieve some separation from Khalidov and gets ready to strike.

>Khalidov uses head movement to cause a left jab to sail harmlessly by.

>Stepping back, Rosholt creates a bit of distance.

>Moving in closer, Rosholt looks like he may want to wrestle Khalidov.

>Khalidov is pulled into a grapple.

>Rosholt and Khalidov break the grapple and are apart again, circling.

>Rosholt looks like he might be trying to get in close and wrestle with Khalidov.

>Rosholt grabs Khalidov and pulls him into a grapple.

>Rosholt gets a couple of ineffective strikes in, but ultimately loses control of the grapple after being caught off-balance.

>Khalidov is looking to muscle Rosholt back against the ropes.

>Khalidov does it, Rosholt is stuck with his back to the ropes.

>There's under a minute left in this round.

>Khalidov tries to keep him up against the ropes with wrestling, but Rosholt struggles and doesn't let himself get controlled.

>Khalidov uses underhooks to gain solid control, and is looking for a takedown.

>Khalidov gets the takedown by using the underhooks for control and working a trip! Rosholt pulls guard.

>Khalidov tries to control Rosholt against the ground, but finds it a struggle.

>Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

 

Round 2:

>And here we go, round two!

>Rosholt counters a superman punch with a left.

>Breathing very hard, Mamed Khalidov is looking ragged.

>Rosholt sees a right body kick coming, grabs it, shoots in for a takedown, and gets it! Khalidov pulls guard.

>Rosholt pounds away from the guard with elbows, but Khalidov isn't troubled by them.

>Khalidov tries to pull Rosholt in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't.

>Rosholt tries to pass the guard.

>Rosholt struggles but cannot find a way past and remains stuck in guard.

>Rosholt deflects a couple of punches that Khalidov threw from below.

>Rosholt begins trying to pass the guard.

>He does excellently, getting past the guard and into side control.

>Rosholt tries to lock Khalidov in an arm triangle.

>Rosholt gets the arm triangle, sinks it in deeply, and Khalidov has to tap!

 

>Jake Rosholt takes the win by submission!

>Official Result: Jake Rosholt defeats Mamed 'Cannibal' Khalidov (Submission (Arm Triangle) in 3:01 of round 2). The match was rated as being Poor.

 

MWGP Semifinals:

Ralek Gracie x Jake Rosholt

Hiroshi Izumi x Jorge Santiago

 

WWGP Semifinals:

K-Taro Nakamura x Taisuke Okuno

John Howard x Gunnar Nelson

 

Prediction Results:

 

CageRage: 8-10

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships XI: Lightweight & Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Card Finalized

 

PURE Fighting Championships XI: Lightweight & Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals

@ Fukuoka Marine Messe/ 4th Week of November

 

Opening Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Chris Horodecki (19-5-1)

x

Renato Carneiro (6-0-1)

 

2nd Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Antonio McKee (29-5-2)

x

Luiz Firmino (16-6)

 

3rd Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Masanori Kanehara (22-11-5)

x

L.C. Davis (18-5)

 

4th Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Wicky Akiyo (12-7-1)

x

Won Sik Park (11-4-1)

 

5th Bout:

Sokoudjou (13-11)

x

Bobby Lashley (7-2)

 

6th Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Yasuaki Kishimoto (15-5-2)

x

Luciano Azevedo (17-9-1)

 

7th Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Ronys Torres (26-5)

x

Joe Ellenberger (15-1)

 

8th Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Yuji Hoshino (19-7-7)

x

Devidas Taurosevicius (16-5)

 

Main Event: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Mizuto Hirota (15-5-1)

x

Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2)

[CageRage]

Opening Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Chris Horodecki (19-5-1)

x

Renato Carneiro (6-0-1)

 

2nd Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Antonio McKee (29-5-2)

x

Luiz Firmino (16-6)

 

3rd Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Masanori Kanehara (22-11-5)

x

L.C. Davis (18-5)

 

4th Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Wicky Akiyo (12-7-1)

x

Won Sik Park (11-4-1)

 

5th Bout:

Sokoudjou (13-11)

x

Bobby Lashley (7-2)

 

6th Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Yasuaki Kishimoto (15-5-2)

x

Luciano Azevedo (17-9-1)

 

7th Bout: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Ronys Torres (26-5)

x

Joe Ellenberger (15-1)

 

8th Bout: FWGP Quarterfinal:

Yuji Hoshino (19-7-7)

x

Devidas Taurosevicius (16-5)

 

Main Event: LWGP Quarterfinal:

Mizuto Hirota (15-5-1)

x

Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2)

[wekka]

PURE Fighting Championships XI: Lightweight & Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals Preview

 

PURE continues their venture outside of the Tokyo/Yokohama area, as the arrive in Fukuoka with the quarterfinals to their Lightweight and Featherweight grand prix in their eleventh event to date.

 

Headlined by hometown favorite Mizuto Hirota against perennial spoiler Maciej Jewtuszko, the rest of the card is full of equally exciting bouts, due to major surprises in the Opening Round and Alternate bouts.

 

The card is highlighted by names like Ronys Torres, Yuji Hoshino, Antonio McKee, Masanori Kanehara, Wicky Akiyo, L.C. Davis, Chris Horodecki, and Devidas Taurosevicius. Also names on the brink of stardom such as Renato Carneiro, Joe Ellenberger, and Yasuaki Kishimoto. On top of all that, a openweight superfight is also scheduled between HWGP participant Sokoudjou and Bobby Lashley, in what is billed as being one of, if not the final, bout of his on and off again MMA career.

 

Now, here is our preview of the card:

 

Mizuto Hirota (15-5-1) x Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2)

 

In his first bout of the grand prix, Mizuto Hirota looked completely superior against his opponent, Tyrone Glover. Hirota's takedown defense looked on point and his strikes were thrown with pinpoint accuracy, leading to late first round knockout victory. He carries solid momentum going into the main event at his hometown.

 

Maciej Jewtuszko shocked the world, knocking out heavily favored Alexander Sarnavskiy in under a minute in their opening round bout. His grappling could still use a lot of work but when you're able to throw dangerous combinations from the get go, survival is merely an understatement.

 

Verdict: While Jewtuszko has knockout ability, it doesn't seem to be a factor in this fight with Hirota's solid chin. Couple that with the fact that Hirota has strong wrestling as well, Hirota should be on pace to be the victor. Our pick is Hirota by TKO.

 

Yuji Hoshino (19-7-7) x Devidas Taurosevicius (16-5)

 

Yuji Hoshino advanced to the quarterfinals in an extremely uneventful fight, until he won by surprising submission over strong jiu-jitsu practitioner, Freddy Assuncao. What we did learn is that Hoshino continues to be an exceptional wrestler at 145 and has maintained his ability to finish well into his career. The only weakness he seems to have will be his age and seasoned and young opposition.

 

Devidas Taurosevicius looked absolutely dominate in his fight against an undersized Jimmie Rivera, keeping him grounded for the majority of the fight and eventually coaxing the tapout via rear naked choke late in the first. Albeit against a natural bantamweight, Taurosevicius continues to improve both his grappling and striking, allowing him to remain a threat in his later years.

 

Verdict: Both guys match-up extremely well and it might be a war of attrition come fight night. When forced to make a pick, we'll have to go with the stronger grappler of the two. That's why Hoshino will be our pick by decision.

 

Ronys Torres (26-5) x Joe Ellenberger (15-1)

 

Ronys Torres completely outmatched and outmuscled his opposition in his opening round bout against Joseph Duffy, as he smothered him, clinched him, and put him out with ease within the mid-way point of the first round. Torres has always been an exceptional grappler and striker, but always seems to fall short in bigger fights. His next fight will be a clear indicator of what might happen to his career.

 

Joe Ellenberger was originally supposed to face Japanese prospect Takasuke Kume in an incredible match but was paired with strong Japanese wrestler Katsuhiko Nagata instead, as a late replacement. What followed didn't make a difference, as Ellenberger starched his opponent in under a minute. We couldn't tell if his wrestling is up to snuff, as one would assume it is, but what we did find out is that Ellenberger is equally the brutal striker as his brother is.

 

Verdict: It's simply hard to pick against Ellenberger in this fight. His wrestling will play a big factor in the outcome. Outside of that, he's clearly superior in speed and knockout power. Ellenberger is our pick by eventual TKO.

 

Yasuaki Kishimoto (15-5-2) x Luciano Azevedo (17-9-1)

 

In his first taste of the larger stage, Yasuaki Kishimoto impressed in his bout with Luiz Azeredo. Overcoming earlier adversity after getting dropped in the first round, Kishimoto came to life and dominated from that point on, staying in top control, completely neutralizing Azeredo's bottom game, and wearing Azeredo down to earn the eventual submission victory. While Kishimoto does have his fair share of fights, there is still much more to learn about his potential because as of now, he's already a very well-rounded and scrappy fighter.

 

Luciano Azevedo pulled off a mild upset, dominating a grand prix favorite in ISAO. Azevedo proved too strong for ISAO, nearly taking him down almost immediately. From there on, Azevedo looked lightyears ahead of his young opponent, gaining superior position at will untill he took ISAO's back and tapped him out with ease. Even coming off a ho-hum streak of fights, Azevedo looked invigorated in his return to Japan and looked to be one of the strongest grapplers in the entire grand prix.

 

Verdict: This is a truly tough fight to call. Azevedo looked like he did in his prime, which could be a problem to the still largely untested Kishimoto, who did survive a barrage of submission attempts from Daisuke Nakamura for fifteen minutes. We're going to go against the popular pick and take Kishimoto by decision, due to his scrappiness and his improvements since the Nakamura fight.

 

Sokoudjou (13-11) x Bobby Lashley (7-2)

 

The last time we saw Sokoudjou was in PURE's inaugural event, where he was defeated in a largely entertaining fight with Stav Economou at heavyweight. While maintaining his speed and power at a higher weight class, his questionable cardio still remained. He will again return to heavyweight in hopes of turning around his career.

 

His opponent will be Bobby Lashley, a large, imposing, and stifling wrestler. Unfortunately, along with questionable cardio of his own, that's all that remains to be seen from Lashley at this point in time. While he can certainly pile up the damage from accumulated ground and pound, he does lack one punch knockout power. Regardless, his wrestling is strong enough to usually coast him to victory.

 

Verdict: Depends on whose cardio decides to last the longest, honestly. That is unknown at this point in time and although Sokoudjou could potentially knockout Lashley, we see Lashley coasting his way to an eventual TKO or Submission victory due to his wrestling.

 

Wicky Akiyo (12-7-1) x Won Sik Park (11-4-1)

 

In his fight with Kanehara, Wicky Akiyo looked unbelievable as he rushed the middle of the ring and completely overwhelmed his solid opponent. While his quickness and punching ability has never been in question, he devastating power as seen in his last bout was unseen before. With word of his grappling ever improving since working with Matt Hume, we could be seeing the beginning of a new star at 145.

 

In his first fight in over a year, Won Sik Park returned with a spectacular performance as he laid waste to Isaac DeJesus and dominated him everywhere the fight went. His wrestling defense looked solid but he did seem a little gunshy at the beginning of the fight, which changed quickly as he gained more confidence in the ring, eventually finishing his opponent. With that performance behind it, you have to think that Park will be nothing but better from here on out.

 

Verdict: This fight could be razor thin, as Park has decent grappling and an underrated striking game. Wicky just looked far too good to against though and against superior opposition. Wicky will be our pick by decision.

 

Masanori Kanehara (22-11-5) x L.C. Davis (18-5)

 

Although put out quickly by Wicky Akiyo in his opening round bout, Kanehara made the most of his reserve opportunity and looked lights out against the quick and efficient Taiki Tsuchiya, His chin could still remain a problem, but his reach could also cause problems for others. If Kanehara can't find success in this bout, he has hinted at a move to 135.

 

L.C. Davis looked pedantic early in his return fight at Japan against Tyler Toner, as he ate strikes and was unable to implement his wrestling for the first ten minutes. Afterwards, he looked like a very game opponent, as he dropped Toner early in the second and kept him grounded for most of the fight on. As seen earlier in the fight, he has looked rather uninspired as of late and could really use more motivation.

 

Verdict: This fight could honestly go either way. We believe as it grows closer to the championship, that Davis will feel more motivated to perform to his fullest capability. That's why he's our pick by decision.

 

Antonio McKee (29-5-2) x Luiz Firmino (16-6)

 

Antonio McKee did VERY little in his ho-hum victory over Abdul Mohamed. While his wrestling still looks world class, he seems to have regressed back into a lay and pray artist after showing a mean streak in his more recent fights. More than capable of being a well-rounded mixed martial artist, it remains to be seen how truly affected he is with his loss to Shinya Aoki.

 

Luiz Firmino looked fantastic, yet in great danger, in his last bout against Mairbek Taisumov. Early in the fight, Firmino was getting the worst of all striking exchanges as he was dropped hard late in the first. He remained composed and took advantage of an overzealous Taisumov and caught him in a combination armbar/triangle lock. That was the only bright spot of the fight for Firmino, but it does say a lot about his will to win, which could prove to be major factor in his path to the championship.

 

Verdict: While McKee has looked awfully susceptible to submissions in the past, his top control just looks far too good at this point in time. We also expect him to show a little more effort in finishing the fight, especially against a noticeably better opponent. McKee is our pick by TKO.

 

Chris Horodecki (19-5-1) x Renato Carneiro (6-0-1)

 

In his bout with Lion Takeshi, Horodecki looked overmatched by Lion's strikes and was put out, albeit controversially. He was given another chance in a reserve bout with the highly favored Doo Ho Choi, and performed extremely well submitting the highly touted prospect. Now he's back in a position for a chance at championship glory.

 

Renato Carneiro fought a very conservative fight against Taiki Tsuchiya, and after brushing off close calls, Carneiro implemented his dominating grappling and schooled Tsuchiya until he earned the tap. Carneiro could definitely use more work on his striking but his grappling is without a doubt some of the best in the world at 145.

 

Verdict: Horodecki does seem to struggle with higher level grapplers, which is exactly what Carneiro is. Carneiro is our pick by late submission.

[Griffo]

This dynasty had me playing my own save like this haha good stuff!

[wekka]

This dynasty had me playing my own save like this haha good stuff!

 

Lol that's awesome. So what have you retained or tried differently with your save?

[Griffo]

I just created the biggest heavyweight freak show tournament the world has ever seen haha so much fun