KSS-SENSHI Fighting Alliance

[Scottie]

Heavyweight and Middleweight brackets released, Patinkin to meet sumo star at SENSHI.9

Sean Smith, 12 January, 2004

 

Japanese promotion KSS-SENSHI will name a heavyweight and middleweight champion by the end of the 2004 after announcing the brackets of the two eight-man tournaments that begin at "SENSHI 2004 Grand Prix Opening Round" on 3 Apr 2004.

 

In the night's main event, the middleweight title tournament gets underway as the world's third ranked pound-for-pound fighter Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-0, 1-0 SENSHI) meets GAMMA veteran Anthony LeToussier (17-4, 1-0 SENSHI) in one of the most hotly-anticipated bouts in KSS-SENSHI history - and one possibly worthy of a final. Both men have won their only bouts in the Japanese promotion, against highly-rated fighters Gekko Goto and Elgar respectively. On the same side of the draw there is sure to be a humdinger of a fight as American slugger Jerry Bogdonovich (13-1, 2-0 SENSHI) faces the biggest test of his career against former GAMMA middleweight champ Maarten de Vries (18-10, 1-0 SENSHI).

 

On the other side of the bracket, three Japanese fighters compete with Valentin Taneyev (14-0, 1 NC, 1-0 SENSHI) for a spot in the middleweight title bout. Taneyev faces fan favourite Genki Shinashi (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) who will hope to produce more than just theatrics against the undefeated heavy-hitting Russian. In an all-Japanese affair, popular kick boxer Bokkai Maruya (2-3, 0-2 SENSHI) will be forced to cut weight as he faces former ALPHA-1 prospect Naozane Yamaguchiya (12-4), in the latter's KSS-SENSHI debut.

 

The headliner of the heavyweight tournament is the heavyweight debut of Niko Soldo (21-4-2, 2-1-1). Despite his recent struggles, it would be the work of a maniac to write Soldo off as he faces a top weight class debut against 36-year old kick boxer Benoit LeVoir (7-6, 0-1 SENSHI) who is bound to have a big weight advantage. LeVoir lost his debut against Aleksander Ivanov, and is "rewarded" with another showdown with a top flight fighter. In that half of the draw, Polish kick boxing great Benedykt Majewski (0-0) makes his long-awaited mixed martial arts debut in the co-main event of the evening against former pro-wrestler Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-8). Despite Inamoto's apparently poor record, the man known as "Fat Boy" has fought nearly all of his career under the ALPHA-1 banner and has won one of his last three fights for that organisation.

 

In the other bouts, two latecomers to MMA do battle as Scotland's Arthur Foster (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) makes his second SENSHI appearance against talented local Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-1, 2-1 SENSHI), and 35-year old GAMMA veteran Tank Manu'a (19-11, 0-1 SENSHI) makes his first appearance since KSS-SENSHI.3 on the back of six losses in his past seven fights against 28-year old judoka Saionji Kodama (4-0).

 

In other big news, KSS-SENSHI have announced the debut of 6 ft 5 in former yokozuna Tennosuke (0-0) in the headline bout of SENSHI.9 on May 22. The Japanese promotion have shown no hesitancy in headlining the card with an apparent "freakshow" bout as the big man faces 38-year old "Iron Man" Junior Patinkin (18-5). Patinkin, a former GAMMA light heavyweight title contender, was cut from the promotion in January following a GAMMA 62 loss to Rupert Dreck, and was happy to accept the big payday against his monster opponent. Elsewhere on the card, two former ALPHA-1 lightweight champs in the twilight of their careers do battle as Fumiaki Hayashi (18-10, 0-1 SENSHI) and Shizuya Nakae (29-16) meet for the first time since Hayashi knocked Nakae out to win the title nearly eight years ago.

 

SENSHI 2004 Grand Prix Opening Round | 03.04.04 | Tokyo, Japan

0. Heavyweight Alternate Bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Clarence Gibb (46-23-2, 3 NC) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ph.png Efren Luat (13-1-1, 0-1-1 SENSHI)

0. Middleweight Alternate Bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Martin Scott (3-0) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Joey Valdez (14-3, 3-3 SENSHI)

1. Heavyweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/gb.png Arthur Foster (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-1, 2-1 SENSHI)

2. Middleweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Bokkai Maruya (2-3, 0-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Naozane Yamaguchiya (12-4)

3. Middleweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Genki Shinashi (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (14-0, 1 NC, 1-0 SENSHI)

4. Heavyweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Saionji Kodama (4-0) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Tank Manu'a (19-11, 0-1 SENSHI)

5. Middleweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (13-1, 2-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/nl.png Maarten de Vries (18-10, 1-0 SENSHI)

6. Heavyweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Benoit LeVoir (7-6, 0-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/cs.png Niko Soldo (21-4-2, 2-1-1 SENSHI)

7. Heavyweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-8) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/pl.png Benedykt Majewski (0-0)

8. Middleweight Tournament Quarter Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Anthony LeToussier (17-4, 1-0 SENSHI)

 

SENSHI.9 (Subject to change) | 22.05.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Leon Banks (33-17, 1-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Ricky Heath (17-8)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Fumiaki Hayashi (18-10, 0-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Shizuya Nakae (29-16)

2. Main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Junior Patinkin (18-5) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Tennosuke (0-0)

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/Middleweight.jpg

 

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/Heavyweight_1.jpg

[Scottie]

"SENSHI 2004 Grand Prix Opening Round" Highlights: LeToussier dethrones Kanchelskis with stunning KO, Majewski wins debut fight in 18 seconds

 

TOKYO, Japan - The revival of Anthony LeToussier's career is on in earnest as he quickly emerged as the favourite to claim the inaugural SENSHI middleweight title following a quarter-final victory over former Blurcat number one pound-for-pound fighter and undefeated sambo sensation Fjodor Kanchelskis.

 

LeToussier, who was perhaps unfairly cut from GAMMA last year following a decision loss to Lawrence Herringbone, won his first fight with KSS-SENSHI against Elgar. The 19-0 Kanchelskis, however, was a different caliber of opponent altogether for the 31-year old French-Canadian kick boxer, but "Live Wire" was keen to prove himself up to the task.

 

In an entertaining opening round, Kanchelskis looked content to engage the Canadian's dangerous striking with his own heavy hands, but struggled to counter LeToussier's accurate feet. At the two-and-a-half minute mark, LeToussier struck as he forced Kanchelskis onto the back foot and struck with a fierce right cross to the jaw. For one of the first times in his career, "The Russian Nightmare" was felled by a punch but recovered quickly to prevent LeToussier from finishing the fight. The Quebec native kept Kanchelskis smothered against the mat for the rest of the round but was forced to defend himself against some submission attempts.

 

In the second round, LeToussier was clearly aware he had got underneath Kanchelskis' skin as he began to verbally taunt him much to the crowd's - and the Russian's - disgust. Unfortunately for Kanchelskis, it worked in LeToussier's favour as the Russian dropped his guard briefly and was caught by another right hand from the Canadian. This time the Russian was caught on the temple and, for the first time in his career, was beaten.

 

LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI) picks up his biggest victory in years with a fantastic knock out of one of the world's best fighters. Kanchelskis (19-1, 1-1 SENSHI) suffers defeat for the first time in his MMA career and is stunningly bounced out in the quarterfinals of this title tournament.

 

Majewski wins MMA debut, knocks Inamoto out in 18 seconds

 

Multiple J-1 kick boxing champion Benedykt Majewski made a stunning start to his MMA career as he took just eighteen seconds to knock out former ALPHA-1 heavyweight Yoshikazu Inamoto to advance to the semi-finals of the heavyweight title tournament.

 

29-year old Majewski refused to touch gloves with the local favourite and in the process earned the ire of the Japanese crowd. The locals, however, were quickly silenced as the fight ended with Majewski's first - and only - punch in his MMA career landing flush on Inamoto's chin knocking the 270 pound fighter down.

 

Before the referee even stopped the fight, Majewski walked away from his opponent who was face-down on the ground and not moving.

 

In a tremendous start to his MMA career, Majewski (1-0, 1-0 SENSHI) made a heck of an impression on the Japanese MMA world and inches a step closer to winning gold in two combat sports. Inamoto (11-9, 0-1 SENSHI) is knocked out for just the second time in his career in the most embarrassing of styles.

 

Soldo wins heavyweight debut, sets up Majewski showdown later this year

 

Some of the shine had come off Niko Soldo's MMA legacy following a record of 2-2-1 in his past five MMA fights, but he managed to earn his third victory in KSS-SENSHI with a second round submission win over French kick boxer Benoit LeVoir.

 

While he took his time, Soldo was never in trouble against the French slugger who looked out of shape and lacking inspiration as he tried to best the Croatian who weighed in some eighty pounds lighter.

 

After a terribly dull first ten minutes where neither fighter showed much intent, Soldo quickly took LeVoir down in the second round where he easily drew a verbal submission with an arm triangle just minutes into the round.

 

Soldo's (22-4-2, 3-1-1 SENSHI) 22nd MMA victory was far from his most impressive, and he will almost certainly need to lift in his next outing against an opponent whose kick boxing is more decorated than that of Soldo. LeVoir (7-7, 0-2 SENSHI) offered nothing against the Croatian and was clearly happy to take his modest purse and run.

 

Bogdonovich decimates de Vries, advances in tournament

 

There is a new star in the making in Tokyo as charismatic American brawler Jerry Bogdonovich picked up his biggest MMA victory with a technical knockout of former GAMMA middleweight champion Maarten de Vries.

 

In a bitter blow for 36-year old de Vries, he was destroyed by a man just two years his junior but without the wealth of experience on the big stage. In the first round, Bogdonovich brutalised the Dutchman with leg kicks and twice put him on the ground with strikes.

 

Early in the second, Bogdonovich saw red as he forced de Vries against the ropes with a clinical combination before felling him with a right hook. Crumpled on the floor against the ropes, de Vries could not protect himself against the brutal uppercuts that followed from Bogdonovich forcing the referee to stop the bout.

 

Bogdonovich (14-1, 3-0 SENSHI) books a place in the semi-finals of the middleweight title tournament with an impressive knockout of the Dutch legend. He meets LeToussier next. De Vries (18-11, 1-1 SENSHI) suffers a devastating defeat as he drifts further and further away from relevance.

 

Other highlights:

 

- In the main card's opening bout, Scottish heavyweight Arthur Foster (6-0, 1-0 SENSHI) made a successful start to his heavyweight title campaign as he submitted local hope Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-2, 2-2 SENSHI). Foster, who debuted with a submission win at SENSHI.7 over Tomomi Yakuta, was outweighed by thirty pounds, and near the end of the first round was close to being sensationally knocked out by a head kick from the 29-year old Kashiwagi. Kashiwagi again knocked Foster down in the second round with a straight left and, failing to finish the fight, found himself stuck deep inside Foster's guard. The inexperienced fighter, from a Muay Thai background, was in real strife against the well-rounded Foster, who managed to trap Kashiwagi with a triangle choke. After a twenty second struggle, Kashiwagi knew he was caught and submitted accordingly.

 

- Former ALPHA-1 light heavyweight Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) made a successful KSS-SENSHI debut as he made light work of Bokkai Maruya (2-4, 0-3 SENSHI) in the middleweight tournament. Maruya was clearly out of his depth as "Big Baby" managed to take the fight down to the ground where he quickly overwhelmed the kick boxer with his ground and pound. Advancing to side control, Yamaguchiya advanced to the middleweight semifinals with an arm triangle.

 

- In an upset, local fighter Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) won his KSS-SENSHI debut with a unanimous decision win over experienced American Samoan fighter Tank Manu'a (19-12, 0-2 SENSHI). In Manu'a's seventh loss in his past eight fights, he would have felt slightly aggrieved by a result that would have gone the other way under a ten-point must system considering his dominant grappling in the first and third rounds. The beating Kodama put on him in the second, though, was clearly enough to woo the judges as he knocked Manu'a down and hurt him badly with ground and pound.

 

- Finally, as if there was any doubt the middleweight title tournament is shaping up to be a humdinger, Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI) did what his compatriot Kanchelskis would not be able to do by making light work of Genki Shinashi (13-5, 1-1 SENSHI). Handing Shinashi just his second loss in six fights, Taneyev took the wrestler down early and submitted him with a vice-like arm triangle. He faces another Japanese fighter next - Yamaguchiya - and will come in as a strong favourite.

 

SENSHI 2004 Grand Prix Opening Round | 03.04.04 | Tokyo, Japan

0. Heavyweight Alternate Bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ph.png Efren Luat (14-1-1, 1-1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Clarence Gibb (46-24-2, 3 NC, 0-1 SENSHI) by submission (rear naked choke) at 6:11 in round 1

0. Middleweight Alternate Bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Martin Scott (4-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Joey Valdez (14-4, 3-4 SENSHI) by submission (kneebar) at 3:23 of round 1

1. Heavyweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/gb.png Arthur Foster (6-0, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-2, 2-2 SENSHI) by submission (triangle choke with armbar) at 2:58 of round 2

2. Middleweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Bokkai Maruya (2-4, 0-3 SENSHI) by submission (arm triangle) at 3:10 of round 1

3. Middleweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Genki Shinashi (13-5, 1-1 SENSHI) by submission (arm triangle) at 2:41 of round 1

4. Heavyweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Tank Manu'a (19-12, 0-2 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

5. Middleweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (13-1, 2-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/nl.png Maarten de Vries (18-10, 1-0 SENSHI)

6. Heavyweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/cs.png Niko Soldo (22-4-2, 3-1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Benoit LeVoir (7-7, 0-2 SENSHI) by submission (arm triangle) at 2:33 of round 2

7. Heavyweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/pl.png Benedykt Majewski (1-0, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-9, 0-1 SENSHI) by KO (right cross) at 0:18 of round 1

8. Middleweight QF - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Anthony LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-1, 1-1 SENSHI) by KO (right cross) at 1:35 of round 2

 

Post-show notes

 

-If there was any doubt the interest was there in tonight's event, a record 2,444 turned out to watch Anthony LeToussier shock the world and upset Fjodor Kanchelskis by knock out. Kanchelskis is another in a line of fighters whose basket KSS-SENSHI have put their eggs in, only for the fighter to drop the basket completely. Late last year, he was signed to a five-fight exclusive deal to ward off interest from other companies and, two fights in, they are stuck with him for at least one more guaranteed fight.

 

- At least this time it came as a result of a star-making performance for LeToussier, who is just as capable of carrying the flame. The promotion did not gain from the fizzling of the other three fighters it has supported - Tomohiro Takeuchi was upset in a terrible contest; Niko Soldo went to a time limit draw against a fading star and was then upset at a European show; and Aleksander Ivanov signed with GAMMA.

 

- Speaking of which, the LeToussier-Jerry Bogdonovich showdown is the easily the best thing to come out of this show, and could be the most hotly-anticipated showdown of the lot. There is an air of inevitability that the winner will face Valentin Taneyev in the title bout later this year, though, with few expecting Naozane Yamaguchiya to pose too many troubles. Taneyev is in the prime of his career and, although not the most exciting personality, is one of the few world-class talents SENSHI have right now.

 

- In the heavyweight division, clearly all of the focus is on the Benedykt Majewski-Niko Soldo showdown with the other side a bit of a fizzer. Majewski left a lot of questions unanswered with his eighteen second KO win over Yoshikazu Inamoto, and few know how he will acquit himself when grappling. Soldo looked disinterested against Benoit LeVoir and must lift against Majewski to prevent a further downward spiral of his career.

 

- In the other bracket - who really cares? It is hard to see journeyman judoka Saionji Kodama beating the talented Arthur Foster, but the fact that one of those men will be competing for the SENSHI heavyweight title shows how little star power the heavyweight division possesses. Already people are questioning whether a welterweight title tournament might have been a better idea.

 

- Speaking of the welterweight division, "SENSHI.9" is pretty much all welterweight bouts, although it is not the deepest card as it stands:

 

SENSHI.9 (Subject to change) | 22.05.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Drew Jenks (11-6) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Kensuke Tanaka (9-1, 1-1 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Leon Banks (33-17, 1-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Ricky Heath (17-8)

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/br.png Elgar (29-11, 0-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Mochihito Yamazaki (10-4, 1-2 SENSHI)

4. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Floyd Haywood (8-4) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eizan Ijichi (14-5-1, 1-0 SENSHI)

5. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Callum Henson (25-11) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Katsunosuki Nakata (10-6, 1-1 SENSHI)

6. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Maxime Giresse (9-1, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Bambang Sriyanto (28-11-2, 1-0 SENSHI)

7. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Fumiaki Hayashi (18-10, 0-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Shizuya Nakae (29-16)

8. Main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Junior Patinkin (18-5) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Tennosuke (0-0)

 

- Finally, the updated tournament brackets are as follows:

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/SFH.jpg

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/SFM.jpg

 

___

[Scottie]

"SENSHI.9" Highlights: Patinkin ruins Tennosuke MMA debut, Hayashi wins battle of former lightweight champs

 

TOKYO, Japan - Few expected much from monster sumo champion Tennosuke's MMA debut, and the result was just as predicted as he was easily beaten by MMA veteran Junior Patinkin in the main event of SENSHI.9 from Tokyo, Japan.

 

The spiteful, entertainment-like build-up to the fight disappeared almost as soon as the fighters entered the ring, as Tennosuke had an almost deer in the headlights look about him. The 35-year old tried to force Patinkin up against the ropes early, but was quickly outmaneuvered by "The Iron Man".

 

Patinkin showed impressive strength to take Tennosuke down with a single-leg takedown, by which point the match was over. Although he couldn't get his arm around Tennosuke's neck for an arm triangle, Patinkin did enough to secure an arm to draw a submission at the three minute mark.

 

Patinkin (19-5, 1-0 SENSHI) snaps a two-fight losing streak, but one cannot help but think that, at 38 years of age, this is the type of fight Patinkin is consigned to. Tennosuke (0-1, 0-1 SENSHI) allegedly signed a multi-fight deal with KSS-SENSHI, but he will surely be kept away from this quality of opponent in the near future.

 

Hayashi outpoints and outwrestles Nakae, wins first fight in seven years

 

For seven years, Fumiaki Hayashi was stuck on eighteen MMA in one of the most momentous slides in MMA history. At SENSHI.9, however, the 36-year old saw the chance to beat his old rival and fellow veteran Shizuya Nakae who had nevertheless seemed to age "better" following two wins in his past four fights.

 

Despite his usual ground and pound approach, Nakae was happy to stand and trade with Hayashi early as he withstood most of Hayashi's jabs and kicks. He left an opening in the second round, though, as a stinking left hand from Hayashi clearly wobbled Nakae, who tumbled into the mat.

 

Nakae defended himself successfully, but the shot clearly gave him pause for thought about his chosen style. Unfortunately for the 39-year old, Hayashi was gaining in confidence as he shot for a rare takedown in the third round and managed to put Nakae down on the mat.

 

The knockdown, however, was always enough for Hayashi (19-10, 1-1 SENSHI) to break his seven year drought to finally pick up his nineteenth victory. Nakae (29-18, 0-1 SENSHI) suffers a debut defeat under the KSS-SENSHI banner, and at 39 must not have much time left.

 

Other highlights

 

- Indonesian middleweight Bambang Sriyanto (29-11-2, 2-0 SENSHI) earned his second straight victory since leaving ALPHA-1 with a first round KO of French fighter Maxime Giresse (9-2, 1-1 SENSHI). In his second quality scalp since a four-fight losing streak ended his ALPHA-1 career, the 37-year old finished Giresse with a brutal right uppercut at the six minute mark.

 

- Former GAMMA lightweight Floyd Haywood (9-4, 1-0 SENSHI) won his first fight since going 3-4 with the North American promotion as he KOed Eizan Ijichi (14-6-1, 1-1 SENSHI) early. In a battle between the former GAMMA and ALPHA-1 lightweights, Haywood was aggressive from the outset and overwhelmed the 32-year old Japanese fighter who clearly was not expecting such attacking striking from the jiu jitsu brown belt.

 

- Finally, in sobering news, Brazilian veteran Elgar's (19-12, 0-2 SENSHI) long MMA career has come to a close following a third round submission loss to Mochihito Yamazaki (11-4, 2-2 SENSHI). Despite knocking Yamazaki down, the 39-year old copped a beating at Yamazaki's hands and was eventually submitted four minutes into the final round. Elgar's career saw him finally appear four times in GAMMA this decade, with a main event loss to Marlon John in a light heavyweight title at GAMMA 44 - Elgar's second GAMMA fight.

 

SENSHI.9 (Subject to change) | 22.05.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Drew Jenks (12-6, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Kensuke Tanaka (9-2, 1-2 SENSHI) by split decision

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Mochihito Yamazaki (11-4, 2-2 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/br.png Elgar (29-12, 0-2 SENSHI) by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:09 of round 3

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Floyd Haywood (9-4, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eizan Ijichi (14-6-1, 1-1 SENSHI) by KO (punch) at 5:14 of round 1

4. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Katsunosuki Nakata (11-6, 2-1 SENSHI) def http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Callum Henson (25-12, 0-1 SENSHI) by KO (punch) at 7:42 of round 2

5. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Bambang Sriyanto (29-11-2, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Maxime Giresse (9-2, 1-1 SENSHI) by KO (punch) at 6:02 of round 1

6. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Fumiaki Hayashi (19-10, 1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Shizuya Nakae (29-17, 0-1 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

7. Main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Junior Patinkin (19-5, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Tennosuke (0-1, 0-1 SENSHI) by submission (armbar) at 3:02 of round 1

 

Cancelled bouts:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Leon Banks (33-17, 1-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Ricky Heath (17-8) - Banks suffered a concussion in training.

 

___

[Scottie]

Foster out of heavyweight tournament with drug suspension, alternate Efren Luat in

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/Foster.jpg

 

TOKYO, Japan - KSS-SENSHI has confirmed that undefeated 30-year old fighter Arthur Foster (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) is out of the SENSHI heavyweight title tournament following a test indicating vastly elevated levels of testosterone.

 

In a controversial move, Foster will be replaced by Filipino heavyweight Efren Luat (14-1-1, 1-1-1 SENSHI) instead of the man Foster defeated in the quarter-finals of the tournament in March, Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-1, 2-1 SENSHI). Luat submitted American veteran Clarence Gibb in the first round of their alternate bout at March's "SENSHI 2004 Grand Prix Opening Round" and will face undefeated Japanese fighter Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) at "SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004" on Jul. 31.

 

In 2002, KSS-SENSHI took the surprise move of testing fighters for performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. Following the news that Foster would be disqualified from the tournament, CEO Ebizo Fujishima said: "This is further proof that KSS-SENSHI is committed to ensuring that fighters are on a level playing field. In this respect, it is clear we lead the way in Japan while our competitors lag far behind."

 

In other news, American middleweight Martin Scott (3-0) also has his March result overturned despite a first round submission win over Joey Valdez. Scott also tested positive for extreme levels of testosterone, and has been banned for twelve months. The news means Valdez is now the alternate for the middleweight title tournament in a decision that some have described as "hypocritical" following the move to ignore Kashiwagi.

 

___

[Scottie]

Majewski/Soldo and Taneyev/Yamaguchiya in double "SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004" headliner

Sean Smith, 20 June 2004

 

TOKYO, Japan - Eight men look to move one step closer to a KSS-SENSHI title after the official press conference for Jul. 31's "SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004" from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

 

In the main event of the evening, kickboxing legend Benedykt Majewski (1-0, 1-0 SENSHI) makes his second MMA appearance against Croatian star Niko Soldo (22-4-2, 3-1-1 SENSHI). On paper it looks like a mismatch, with Majewski in just his second MMA appearance as opposed to Soldo's 29th. However, Soldo's exceptional kickboxing will be put to the test against Majewski whose glittering kickboxing career makes him a truly world class striker. Can Soldo get the big man down? We will find out what Majewski is made of in a fight that surely will go longer than 18 seconds.

 

In the co-headliner, Japanese hope Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) looks to cause the biggest upset of the night as he faces undefeated Russian star Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI). Taneyev, whose only blemish was a recreational drug suspension three years ago, is on a six-fight tear and will look to beat the former ALPHA-1 grappler who has not won consecutive fights in over four years. On the other side of the middleweight tournament, a hotly anticipated North American showdown is set to go off as Anthony LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI), the conqueror of Fjodor Kanchelskis, does battle with Jerry Bogdonovich (14-1, 3-0 SENSHI). In what is set to be a contender for fight of the night, Bogdonovich will look to find a home for his big right hand against the strong striker from Canada.

 

In the final tournament bout, Efren Luat (14-1-1, 1-1-1 SENSHI) looks to take advantage of the suspension of Arthur Foster as he meets undefeated judoka Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI). Luat won a spot as alternate with a submission win over GAMMA veteran Clarence Gibb back in April, but faces 28-year old Kodama who is fresh off a decision win over Tank Manu'a. At stake - a title bout against the winner of Majewski/Soldo.

 

Outside of the tournament bouts, Gekko Goto (13-4, 4-1 SENSHI) headlines the so-called "half-time main event" against ALPHA-1 product Washi Shiganori (12-3). Shiganori has won three straight fights following the three-fight slide that led to his firing from ALPHA-1 in June. In contrast, Goto broke a four-fight winning streak in the main event of SENSHI.8 where he lost to Fjodor Kanchelskis by unanimous decision. In a true battle of the styles, the question is whether Shiganori's varied striking is enough to best the submission grappling of Goto.

 

SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004 | 21.07.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Muhammad Hamzah (22-15, 0-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Markus Waller (13-0, 1-0 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Toshiya Furube (8-3) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fi.png Roope Kuqi (10-1, 1-0 SENSHI)

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Yan Hasluck (9-6, 2-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eien Kawano (9-6, 1-0 SENSHI)

4. Half-time main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Gekko Goto (13-4, 4-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Washi Shiganori (12-3)

5. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ph.png Efren Luat (14-1-1, 1-1-1 SENSHI)

6. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (14-1, 3-0 SENSHI vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Anthony LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI)

7. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI)

8. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/pl.png Benedykt Majewski (1-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/cs.png Niko Soldo (22-4-2, 3-1-1 SENSHI)

 

And just when I thought things were going to plan...

 

BREAKING - LeToussier dislocates shoulder, Bogdonovich faces replacement Goto in semi-final

Sean Smith, 18 July 2004

Former GAMMA fighter Anthony LeToussier is officially out of his Jul. 21 "SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004" bout with Jerry Bogdonovich and the middleweight title tournament. The Canadian kickboxer's management confirmed that LeToussier suffered a dislocated shoulder in training for the bout and KSS-SENSHI officials refused to postpone the fight to a later card.

 

LeToussier, who defeated Fjodor Kanchelskis in the tournament's quarter finals, is said to be privately devastated, but understands the decision to scrap the bout completely.

 

With just under two weeks to the event, KSS-SENSHI officials have confirmed that Bogdonovich will now face Gekko Goto, who was scheduled to meet Washi Shinagori in a "half-time main event" on the same card. The promotion had previously announced Joey Valdez as the new alternate for the tournament, but the 30-year old was unwilling to accept the fight at such short notice. Unable to find another opponent for Shinagori, the 30-year old's SENSHI debut has been delayed.

 

SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004 | 21.07.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Yan Hasluck (9-6, 2-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eien Kawano (9-6, 1-0 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Toshiya Furube (8-3) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fi.png Roope Kuqi (10-1, 1-0 SENSHI)

3. Half-time main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Muhammad Hamzah (22-15, 0-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Markus Waller (13-0, 1-0 SENSHI)

4. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Saionji Kodama (5-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ph.png Efren Luat (14-1-1, 1-1-1 SENSHI)

5. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (14-1, 3-0 SENSHI vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Gekko Goto (13-4, 4-1 SENSHI)

6. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI)

7. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/pl.png Benedykt Majewski (1-0, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/cs.png Niko Soldo (22-4-2, 3-1-1 SENSHI)

[Scottie]

"SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004" Highlights: Soldo advances to title bout following main event classic, Taneyev bullies "Big Baby" in semi

 

TOKYO, Japan - Croatian veteran Niko Soldo has survived an almighty scare to advance to the SENSHI heavyweight title final following a tremendous main event bout with Polish kickboxing legend Benedykt Majewski.

 

The 35-year old veteran of 28 MMA bouts came into the bout as a hot favourite, but there were always questions being asked about how his kick boxing would fare against Majewski's truly world class striking. The answer? Not very, as Majewski controlled the opening exchanges with his heavy jab and numerous attempts at a head kick.

 

Despite being at a massive speed disadvantage, Majewski schooled Soldo on his feet and three minutes in rocked the Croatian star with a vicious right hand. Soldo crumpled from the force of the punch and was forced withstand a barrage of brutal strikes from the Polish monster that very nearly ended the fight - and, in at least one commentator's view, should have.

 

Soldo ate thirty punches during his time on his back, but all of a sudden Majewski was having to defend himself against submission attempts. Although not a submission expert himself, Soldo was particularly active off his back after recovering from the initial shock of the knock down and made life difficult for Majewski who was still looking to land hammerfists.

 

With three minutes left in an action-packed opening round, Soldo managed to secure an arm and lock Majewski in a deep triangle choke. The 29-year old resisted for a while, but eventually was forced to tap to prevent himself going to sleep before the round's end.

 

Soldo (23-4-2, 4-1-1) survives a truly dangerous fight against one of martial arts' best strikers to advance to a winnable title bout. Majewski (1-1, 1-1 SENSHI) is reduced to a .500 record, but will not have lost too many fans following an entertaining main event.

 

Taneyev unimpressive but remains undefeated

 

Russian all-rounder Valentin Taneyev kept his undefeated streak alive as he did just enough to take a unanimous decision victory over 27-year old local fighter Naozane Yamaguchiya to advance to the middleweight title tournament final.

 

The highly rated Russian was a hot favourite coming into the bout, but was surprisingly cagey throughout and took his fair share of punishment from his opponent.

 

Yamaguchiya was also surprisingly reserved as he abandoned his usual style of shooting for a takedown - clearly thinking the Russian's skills on the mat were going to be too much for him. He threw multiple combinations, but failed to make many of them count as Taneyev absorbed most of the damage.

 

Taneyev landed strikes that hurt "Big Baby" and, in the third round, took him down as he looked for a submission. It didn't come, but the undefeated Russian showed his versatility to best the ALPHA-1 veteran wherever the fight went to earn the judges' decision.

 

Taneyev (16-0, 3-0 SENSHI) earns a third KSS-SENSHI victory to set up a marquee title bout later this year. Yamaguchiya (13-5, 1-1 SENSHI) becomes another in a line of fighters to drop a decision to "The Hand Grenade" and will look to rebuild in his next outing inside the ring.

 

Alternate Luat takes split decision, sets up Soldo title bout

 

There is little doubt that the SENSHI heavyweight title tournament is lacking in star power, and the disqualification of Arthur Foster didn't help set up any interest in the bottom half of the draw. Filipino heavyweight Efren Luat, however, made the most of Foster's indiscretions to advance to a heavyweight title showdown with Niko Soldo as he took a razor-thin split decision win over Saionji Kodama.

 

In an ugly fight, not a great deal happened as the two engaged in awkward striking exchanges before Luat twice took Kodama down in the third round and kept him there. The undefeated 28-year old judoka seemingly had no plan to counter the big Filipino's size advantage and only did just enough to earn a win on Basho Itagaki's scorecard.

 

Luat (15-1-1, 2-1-1 SENSHI) advances to the title bout, but the 29-year old clearly has some work to do if he is to give Soldo a challenge. Kodama (5-1, 1-1 SENSHI) suffers a maiden MMA defeat in a very winnable bout.

 

Explosive Bogdonovich KO's Goto, meets Taneyev for title

 

American Jerry Bogdonovich is just one win away from the ultimate Cinderella story after he knocked out ALPHA-1 vet Gekko Goto to advance to a title bout with Valentin Taneyev later this year.

 

The 34-year old "Dockland Destroyer", who lacked formal MMA training when he made his debut, had finished all three KSS-SENSHI opponents by strikes - including Maarten de Vries in the opening round. In Goto, he faced a man who had won four of his past five bouts - beaten only by Fjodor Kanchelskis late last year.

 

Bogdonovich was predicated to struggle against Goto, who was a late replacement for Anthony LeToussier and adopts a completely different fighting style to "Live Wire". It did not stop Bogdonovich coming out swinging, though, as he kept Goto clear with some incredibly well-timed counter punches before swarming on the Japanese fighter at the first sign of weakness.

 

Forced against the ropes, Goto ate a lot of shots from Bogdonovich before the knockout blow slipped through his defences and sent him crumpling to the mat.

 

Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI) was a latecomer to MMA, but he has certainly made a name for himself in Japan. Goto (13-5, 4-2 SENSHI) suffers a devastating setback with back-to-back losses and will need a win in his next outing.

 

Other highlights:

 

- In the "half-time" main event, undefeated American grappler Markus Waller (14-0, 2-0) won MMA's version of squash match as he beat Muhammad Hamzah (22-16, 0-3 SENSHI) and sent the 38-year old Indonesian into retirement. There were no troubles for Waller as, although 19 pounds lighter, he took Hamzah down and, after three attempts, submitted him by kimura. The XCC bantamweight champ is clearly treading water before a bout with Tomohiro Takeuchi, but so far their schedules have not matched up.

 

- Highly rated Finnish heavyweight Roope Kuqi (11-1, 2-0 SENSHI) earned a second straight win inside the KSS-SENSHI ring as he defeated ALPHA-1 vet Toshiya Furube. Furube had gone 3-0 since a three-fight losing streak ended his ALPHA-1 stint, but he was overwhelmed by Kuqi in the first round as the Finn took him down and subbed him in three minutes. 24-year old Kuqi has won two fights in a row now since an October 2003 title bout defeat to Lefter Oktay.

 

- In the opening bout, former sumo Eien Kawano (10-6, 2-0 SENSHI) won his first bout since leaving KSS-SENSHI for a second ALPHA-1 run in October 2002 against Yan Hasluck (9-7, 2-2 SENSHI). Hasluck was no match for Kawano's ground and pound, as the popular grappler forced the freferee to stop the bout early in the second round.

 

SENSHI Danger Dawns 2004 | 21.07.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eien Kawano (9-6, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Yan Hasluck (9-6, 2-1 SENSHI) by TKO (punches) at 2:03 of round 2

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fi.png Roope Kuqi (11-1, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Toshiya Furube (8-4, 0-1 SENSHI) by submission (rear naked choke) at 3:10 of round 1

3. Half-time main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Markus Waller (14-0, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Muhammad Hamzah (22-16, 0-3 SENSHI) by submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round 1

4. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Gekko Goto (13-5, 4-2 SENSHI) by KO (right uppercut) at 1:49 of round 1

5. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ph.png Efren Luat (15-1-1, 2-1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Saionji Kodama (5-1, 1-1 SENSHI) by split decision

6. Middleweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (15-0, 2-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Naozane Yamaguchiya (13-4, 1-0 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

7. Heavyweight Tournament Semi Final - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/cs.png Niko Soldo (23-4-2, 4-1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/pl.png Benedykt Majewski (1-1, 1-1 SENSHI) by submission (triangle with armbar) at 7:10 of round 1

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/Skaeligrmbillede%202015-02-11%20kl.%206.23.16%20.png

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/Skaeligrmbillede%202015-02-11%20kl.%206.23.06%20.png

[Scottie]

Patinkin vs. Sriyanto to headline packed "SENSHI.10" card

Sean Smith, 1 August 2004

 

OSAKA, Japan - KSS-SENSHI move outside of Tokyo for the first time with their twelfth show "SENSHI.10" from Osaka, which will be headlined by a middleweight bout between two MMA veterans Junior Patinkin (19-5, 1-0 SENSHI) and Bambang Sriyanto (29-11-2, 2-0 SENSHI).

 

37-year old Sriaynto, who amassed a record of 9-6 in his long ALPHA-1 career, is on a two-fight winning streak since being cut from ALPHA-1 at the start of last year. His KSS-SENSHI debut came with a decision win over former GAMMA alumnus Dexter Darling, while his second outing saw him KO Maxime Giresse in the first round.

 

Patinkin, meanwhile, made a successful debut in May with a submission win over Japanese sumo star Tennosuke, but this is his first real test since being released from his GAMMA contract in January. The 38-year old will aim to be one of the first contenders to the ALPHA-1 middleweight title when a champion is crowned in December, and a win over Sriyanto would put him in the reckoning.

 

In the evening's co-main event, Anthony LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI) returns to the ring after a dislocated shoulder ruled him out of the middleweight tournament semi-final against Jerry Bogdonovich. The Canadian kickboxer's third KSS-SENSHI outing comes against 30-year old Washi Shiganori (12-3). In what is bound to be an exciting showdown of the strikers, Shiganori makes his first appearance with the Japanese promotion and is on a three-fight winning streak since being cut from ALPHA-1 in 2002.

 

Elsewhere on the card, two lightweight bouts are to take place as Bunrakuken Abe (14-9, 0-1 SENSHI) meets Swedish journeyman Lukas Mellberg (21-7). Abe's first KSS-SENSHI bout ended with a KO loss to Eizan Ijichi at SENSHI.8, but he meets an opponent who has dropped his last two fights to Patrik Pedersen and Georges Nouri in Europe. In the night's opening bout, Fumiaki Hayashi (19-10, 1-1 SENSHI), the former ALPHA-1 lightweight champ, looks to pick up back-to-back victories for the first time in over seven years as he meets Californian GAMMA alumnus Floyd Haywood (9-4, 1-0 SENSHI) who won his SENSHI.9 debut against Ijichi by KO.

 

SENSHI.10 | 06.11.04 | Osaka, Japan

1. Opening bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Fumiaki Hayashi (19-10, 1-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Floyd Haywood (9-4, 1-0 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Katsunosuki Nakata (11-6, 2-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Joey Valdez (14-3, 3-3 SENSHI)

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yosai Godo (8-5) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Duane Weatherly (22-12)

4. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Leon Banks (33-17, 1-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-9, 0-1 SENSHI)

5. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (2-1, 2-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Benoit LeVoir (7-7, 0-2 SENSHI)

6. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Bunrakuken Abe (14-9, 0-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/se.png Lukas Mellberg (21-7)

7. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Washi Shiganori (12-3) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Anthony LeToussier (18-4, 2-0 SENSHI)

8. Main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Junior Patinkin (19-5, 1-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Bambang Sriyanto (29-11-2, 2-0 SENSHI)

 

___

 

Bogdonovich/Taneyev to headline NYE card, but Soldo/Luat delayed until 2005

Sean Smith, 8 August 2004

 

TOKYO, Japan - KSS-SENSHI will hold its debut New Years' Eve show on Dec. 31 in Tokyo, but Niko Soldo's heavyweight title showdown with Efren Luat will wait until 2005 with news that Soldo will not be ready for a title bout at "SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004".

 

Supreme Showdown 2004 is to be headlined by a bout to crown the first SENSHI middleweight champion as undefeated Russian Valentin Taneyev (16-0, 3-0 SENSHI) meets 4-0 American underdog Jerry Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI). Bogdonovich finished both Maarten de Vries and Gekko Goto by strikes en route to the final of the middleweight tournament, but the undefeated Russian will the biggest test of his career so far considering his incredible grappling skills.

 

In other announced bouts, the conqueror of Tomohiro Takeuchu, Shintaro Fugunaga (6-1, 1-0 SENSHI), makes his second appearance in a KSS-SENSHI ring against once-beaten Malaysian fighter Chan Kim Huat (12-1). Some of the shine has come off Fugunaga's stunning upset of Takeuchi following his June loss to Taki Inouye at EPFL Blaze of Glory, but he still has some drawing power left. Chan, however, is a massive test for the 30-year old, as the popular KDMFC lightweight champion is on an eight-fight winning streak.

 

In another announced bout, former pound-for-pound number one Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-1, 1-1 SENSHI) looks to bounce back from his stunning KO loss to Anthony LeToussier against Belarusian journeyman Nestor Morozov (29-15-1).

 

SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004 (Subject to change) | 31.12.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/gb.png Curt Kitson (15-5) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Genki Shinashi (13-5, 1-1 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-1, 1-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/by.png Nestor Morozov (29-15-1)

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/my.png Chan Kim Huat (12-1) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Shintaro Fugunaga (6-1, 1-0 SENSHI)

4. SENSHI Middleweight Title - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (16-0, 3-0 SENSHI)

[Scottie]

"SENSHI.10" Highlights: Sriyanto upsets Patinkin in Yokohama main event, LeToussier sets himself up for title shot

 

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Veteran Indonesian fighter Bambang Sriyanto has made it three wins on the trot in KSS-SENSHI as he was awarded a split decision win over former GAMMA light heavyweight title contender Junior Patinkin in the main event of SENSHI.10 from Yokohama.

 

A furious Patinkin could barely believe his ears as the ALPHA-1 veteran was awarded the win, as the 38-year old Tacoma native stormed from the ring following the judges' decision. Patinkin outlanded Sriyanto 218 standing strikes to 95 and enjoyed significant domination on the ground.

 

However, it would be unfair on Sriyanto to judge the fight on stats alone. He was the more aggressive striker and at times looked to really have Patinkin worried with his power. The key to Sriyanto's tactics was his constant leg-kicking, which seriously slowed the bigger man down.

 

Although Patinkin took Sriyanto down in the third round, the Indonesian did enough to defend himself against the American's notoriously dangerous ground and pound and take a decision victory.

 

"As far as I'm concerned, the result was a joke," Patinkin said following the bout. "I don't buy it for a second - I did more damage in that fight. You only need to look at his face."

 

Sriyanto (30-11-2, 3-0 SENSHI) won't be complaining, though, as he continues a late-career revival with a third straight win over decent opposition. Patinkin (19-6, 1-1 SENSHI) didn't look out of his depth at all, but it is clear that his days as a top fighter are behind him.

 

LeToussier fells Shiganori in entertaining co-main event

 

Another former GAMMA lightweight title contender took to the KSS-SENSHI ring, only this time Anthony LeToussier walked away with a victory as he put a beating on Japanese striker Washi Shiganori.

 

Shiganori, in his first bout with the Japanese promotion, was expected to cause LeToussier problems with his kickboxing talent and ability to fight the full thirty minutes. His confidence was rattled early, however, as LeToussier got the better of the 30-year old in the early exchanges with his accurate right hand.

 

Nevertheless, it took until 24 seconds into the second round for the French-Canadian to make his move as Shiganori dropped his left hand and was punished immediately by "Live Wire" - LeToussier letting fly with a head kick that put an already groggy Shiganori onto his back. The Japanese fighter managed to defend himself well enough, but was clearly struggling with LeToussier's power and speed.

 

Late in the second, Shiganori was again put down by a crunching right cross, but LeToussier for the second time failed to finish his opponent on the ground. The Japanese fighter, however, looked dispirited and battered as he returned from his corner in the third, and it was only a matter of time before "Live Wire" dropped him again.

 

This time LeToussier made no mistake, and after a solid period of ground and pound the referee finally called an end to the carnage.

 

LeToussier (19-4, 3-0 SENSHI) wins a third straight fight, and his list of conquered opponents now includes Elgar, Kancheslkis and Shiganori. Shiganori's (12-4, 0-1 SENSHI) KSS-SENSHI debut ends in defeat, but he can still bounce back from here.

 

Mellberg takes debut SENSHI win, subs Abe

 

Swedish lightweight Lukas Mellberg has won his KSS-SENSHI debut with an easy submission victory over ALPHA-1 vet Bunrakuken Abe.

 

Mellberg, who had dropped his past two fights, was heavily favoured going into the fight, but talented striker Abe would always have a chance so long as the fight remained standing. In the opening exchanges, "Honest" Abe got the better of Mellberg with his compact right jab and surprisingly adept takedown defence.

 

That defence, however, was punctured soon after as Mellberg shot for the double leg takedown and eventually managed to dump Abe onto his back. From there, the "Ice Cold Swede" proved too much for Abe as he transitioned to an armbar from side control and got the tap at the four minute mark.

 

Mellberg (22-7, 1-0 SENSHI) takes a debut victory and his fourth win in six fights. Abe (14-10, 0-2 SENSHI) loses his third straight bout and his once promising career continues to spiral.

 

Kashiwagi KOs, retires LeVoir

 

French tournament kick boxing veteran Benoit LeVoir has fought his final MMA bout following an opening round KO loss to Yoshiaki Kashiwagi - the eighth loss of his career.

 

In Kashiwagi's first fight since his heavyweight title tournament alternative bout loss to Arthur Foster was overturned due to Foster's positive drug test, the Muay Thai star totally outclassed LeVoir in a short bout.

 

Throughout the fight, an apparently jaded LeVoir landed just one kick as Kashiwagi dominated proceedings with some heavy hands and a laser-accurate foot. Two minutes in, LeVoir threw a left haymaker aimed at knocking Kashiwagi out - overextending himself and leaving himself open for "The Eighth Deadly Sin's" big left hand.

 

That left ended LeVoir's night and, ultimately, the former GAMMA fighter's career.

 

Kashiwagi (3-1, 3-1 SENSHI) wins a third MMA bout in a record that now includes one no contest. LeVoir (7-8, 0-3 SENSHI) loses his seventh fight in his past nine bouts and ends his career with a record below .500.

 

Other highlights:

 

- In the night's opening bout, late replacement Ryota Sugimoto (19-2, 1-0 SENSHI) made a successful debut with KSS-SENSHI as he took a unanimous decision victory over Floyd Haywood (9-5, 1-1 SENSHI). Until late-September, Haywood was set to face former ALPHA-1 lightweight champ Fumiaki Hayashi, but torn knee cartilage resulted in Hayashi's withdrawal from the bout and the call-up of talented youngster Sugimoto. It was a disastrous replacement for Haywood, with Sugimoto undefeated since in over five years. The shorter wrestler managed to outpoint Haywood on his feet and smother him on the ground with dominant wrestling and oppressive ground and pound to snatch his biggest victory following an eleven-fight streak on the Japanese regional circuit.

 

- GAMMA veteran Leon Banks (34-17, 2-2 SENSHI) moved to 2-2 under the KSS-SENSHI banner as he subbed Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-10, 0-2 SENSHI) in the third round. Banks put Inamoto on the ground twice with punches, and on the second occasion the 35-year old Boston native elected to finish Inamoto by rear naked choke as the Japanese veteran gave up his back to cover up against Banks' vicious ground and pound.

 

SENSHI.10 | 06.11.04 | Osaka, Japan

1. Opening bout - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Ryota Sugimoto (19-2, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Floyd Haywood (9-5, 1-1 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Louis de la Torre (16-1, 1-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Drew Jenks (12-7, 1-1 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Joey Valdez (15-3, 4-3 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Katsunosuki Nakata (11-7, 2-2 SENSHI) by unanimous decision

4. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Duane Weatherly (23-12, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yosai Godo (8-6, 0-1 SENSHI) by KO (left uppercut) at 2:58 of round 3

5. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Leon Banks (34-17, 2-2 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshikazu Inamoto (11-10, 0-2 SENSHI) by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:53 of round 3

6. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Yoshiaki Kashiwagi (3-1, 3-1 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fr.png Benoit LeVoir (7-8, 0-3 SENSHI) by KO (left hook) at 2:19 of round 1

7. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/se.png Lukas Mellberg (22-7, 1-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Bunrakuken Abe (14-10, 0-2 SENSHI) by submission (armbar) at 4:35 of round 1

8. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ca.png Anthony LeToussier (19-4, 3-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Washi Shiganori (12-4, 0-1 SENSHI) by TKO (punches) at 2:05 of round 3

9. Main event - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/id.png Bambang Sriyanto (30-11-2, 3-0 SENSHI) def. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Junior Patinkin (19-6, 1-1 SENSHI) by split decision

 

___

[Thesnake101]

Hey Scottie, could you make a list with the matchups so that we can make picks? Like the one Rodrigoviolim has in his UFC dinasty.

[Scottie]

"SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004" headlined by Bogdonovich/Taneyev and Majewski/Tennosuke double

Sean Smith, 21 November 2004

 

TOKYO, Japan - KSS-SENSHI has released a full card for "SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004" on New Year's Eve from the Korokuen Hall in Tokyo with new additions to a jam-packed "super card".

 

In addition to the already announced middleweight title bout between Valentin Taneyev (16-0, 3-0 SENSHI) and Jerry Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI), two titans of Japanese combat sports do battle in a near "freak show" co-main event as three-time kickboxing Grand Prix champion "The Pole-Axe" Benedykt Majewski (1-1, 1-1 SENSHI) makes his third MMA appearance against Japanese sumo wrestling legend Tennosuke (0-1, 0-1 SENSHI).

 

In other newly announced bouts, welterweights Kensuke Tanaka (9-2, 1-2 SENSHI) and Suketsune Okuma (10-3, 0-2 SENSHI) do battle; former GAMMA fighter Ricky Heath (18-8) makes his Japanese MMA debut against amateur wrestler Mochihito Yamazaki (11-4, 1-2 SENSHI); and, in the opener, Eien Kawano (10-6, 2-0 SENSHI) makes a third KSS-SENSHI appearance against highly rated Finnish youngster Roope Kuqi (11-1, 2-0 SENSHI).

 

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af77/gammadiary/SENSHI102.jpg

[Scottie]

But, of course, it was never going to be that easy.

 

Chan suffers ankle injury, "SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004" hit again by injury

Sean Smith, 30 December 2004

 

TOKYO, Japan - What was meant to be KSS-SENSHI's crown jewel has suffered yet another blow with news that the co-main event between Chan Kim Huat and Shintaro Fugunaga has also been scratched from the card just a day removed from the New Year's Eve bout.

 

Chan, the 12-1 Malaysian lightweight, disclocated his elbow in his final preparation for his fight with 30-year old Fugunaga prompting the cancellation of the fight altogether.

 

The news follows the cancellation of the previous co-main event between Benedykt Majewski and Tennosuke earlier this month following a suspected sprained ankle to Majewski. The kickboxing champ reportedly rejected a generous bonus to fight through the pain. With Tennosuke already commanding a high wage, KSS-SENSHI officials decided to scrap the bout entirely.

 

Following Majewski's withdrawal, KSS-SENSHI announced two additions to the card which, with Chan's withdrawal, is reduced to eight bouts.

 

SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004 | 31.12.04 | Tokyo, Japan

1. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Eien Kawano (10-6, 2-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/fi.png Roope Kuqi (11-1, 2-0 SENSHI)

2. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Ricky Heath (18-8) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Mochihito Yamazaki (11-4, 1-2 SENSHI)

3. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/br.png Branco (23-8) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Matsudaira Satoh (14-5, 0-1 SENSHI)

4. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Suketsune Okuma (10-3, 0-2 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Kensuke Tanaka (9-2, 1-2 SENSHI)

5. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Bill Brown (12-1) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/mx.png Joey Valdez (15-3, 3-3 SENSHI)

6. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/gb.png Curt Kitson (15-5) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/jp.png Genki Shinashi (13-5, 1-1 SENSHI)

7. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Fjodor Kanchelskis (19-1, 1-1 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/by.png Nestor Morozov (29-15-1)

8. SENSHI Middleweight Title - http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/us.png Jerry Bogdonovich (15-1, 4-0 SENSHI) vs. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c98/chris_kotw/Flags/ru.png Valentin Taneyev (16-0, 3-0 SENSHI)

 

Hey Scottie, could you make a list with the matchups so that we can make picks? Like the one Rodrigoviolim has in his UFC dinasty.

 

Here we go:

 

SENSHI Supreme Showdown 2004

1. Eien Kawano vs. Roope Kuqi

2. Ricky Heath vs. Mochihito Yamazaki

3. Branco vs. Matsudaira Satoh

4. Suketsune Okuma vs. Kensuke Tanaka

5. Bill Brown vs. Joey Valdez

6. Curt Kitson vs. Genki Shinashi

7. Fjodor Kanchelskis vs. Nestor Morozov

8. Middleweight Title - Jerry Bogdonovich vs. Valentin Taneyev

[Paatero]

What a beast poster

[Thesnake101]

1. Eien Kawano vs. Roope Kuqi

2. Ricky Heath vs. Mochihito Yamazaki

3. Branco vs. Matsudaira Satoh

4. Suketsune Okuma vs. Kensuke Tanaka

5. Bill Brown vs. Joey Valdez

6. Curt Kitson vs. Genki Shinashi

7. Fjodor Kanchelskis vs. Nestor Morozov

8. Middleweight Title - Jerry Bogdonovich vs. Valentin Taneyev

[BigRedMachine]

1. Eien Kawano vs. Roope Kuqi

2. Ricky Heath vs. Mochihito Yamazaki

3. Branco vs. Matsudaira Satoh

4. Suketsune Okuma vs. Kensuke Tanaka

5. Bill Brown vs. Joey Valdez

6. Curt Kitson vs. Genki Shinashi

7. Fjodor Kanchelskis vs. Nestor Morozov

8. Middleweight Title - Jerry Bogdonovich vs. Valentin Taneyev

 

The main event is the only one I struggled with due to Jerry's freakish power

[Thesnake101]

I hope this isn't dead, this is by far my favorite Dynasty.

[Paatero]

Say it ain't so!