Issue 051
July 2009
The Land of the Rising Sun has produced some of the best fighters in the world, and many Japanese fighters are finding their way onto events in the USA. The UFC alone has seen a recent influx of talent from Asia, so with this in mind we present an at-a-glace guide to some of the Japanese names you might encounter in the UFC and beyond.
Hayato ‘Mach’ Sakurai, 35-8-2
IN BRIEF: Hard-hitting veteran welterweight, one of Japan’s best competitors.
THE GOOD: Power in both fists, standing and on the mat. Tons of experience.
THE BAD: Can sometimes be a slow starter and has been caught cold.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His scrap with Jens Pulver was visually stunning, as was his KO of Olaf Alfonso in 2006.
WHAT NEXT? Enters the final four of the DREAM welterweight Grand Prix on July 20.
Shinya Aoki, 20-4-0
IN BRIEF: Hyper-flexible grappling wizard known for his garish pants and crazy subs.
THE GOOD: Has a rubber guard that would make Eddie Bravo jealous.
THE BAD: Not the strongest of strikers. Can’t take a dig, as evidenced by Joachim Hansen and Sakurai.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His manhandling of the super-tough Caol Uno showed how good Aoki’s grappling really is.
WHAT NEXT? Will fight in July or August on DREAM.
Takanori Gomi, 30-5-0
IN BRIEF: Wildly inconsistent scrapper once considered the top lightweight in the world.
THE GOOD: Fast hands, aggressive style and extremely popular among fans.
THE BAD: Gomi’s weakness is his mental strength. Often fudges fights he should breeze though.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His first fight with Luiz Azeredo was an exciting three-minute battle with a vicious KO finish.
WHAT NEXT? He wants a fight in the UFC, but will concentrate on getting his ranking back.
Yoshihiro Akiyama, 12-1-0 (2NC)
IN BRIEF: Exciting and well-rounded middleweight, took gold medals in judo at world championships.
THE GOOD: Powerful striking, excellent grappling skills and very aggressive.
THE BAD: Has been accused of greasing himself up – his fight with Sakuraba was declared a no contest as a result.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: For grappling, his submission of the ferocious Melvin Manhoef. For striking, his KO of Denis Kang.
WHAT NEXT? Joins the UFC and makes his American debut on UFC 100.
Yushin Okami, 23-4-0
IN BRIEF: UFC middleweight fighter who holds a 2006 win (albeit by DQ) over Anderson Silva.
THE GOOD: Decent power in his hands, very solid grappler with good ground ‘n pound.
THE BAD: Though he has wins over Dean Lister, Mike Swick and Jason MacDonald, lack of personality has held him back.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His KO win over the late Evan Tanner was very impressive.
WHAT NEXT? Back from a layoff due to injury, he’s after a shot at Anderson’s 185lb title.
Caol Uno, 27-9-4
IN BRIEF: 33-year-old veteran who seems to have been around forever. Back in the UFC after almost six years away.
THE GOOD: Excellent submission wrestler, much improved striking skills.
THE BAD: Sometimes a little too unorthodox for his own good.
MUST-SEE FIGHT: Check out some of his fights on the K-1 MMA events.
WHAT NEXT? Further fights in the UFC lightweight division.
Mitsuhiro Ishida, 18-5-1
IN BRIEF: Nicknamed ‘The Endless Warrior’, Ishida is a talented and aggressive lightweight known for his work rate.
THE GOOD: Strong wrestling, good submissions, cardio for days.
THE BAD: Sometimes lacks the ability to finish fights (72% of his wins are by decision).
MUST-SEE FIGHT: His 2007 war with Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez, 15 minutes of non-stop action.
WHAT NEXT? A possible return to the USA and a rematch with Melendez. Strikeforce want him badly.
