September 23, 2017
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan
Main Card on FXX: (9 CT)
Ovince Saint Preux (20-10) -550 vs. Yushin Okami (34-10) +425
Good guy OSP. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua goes down with his 92nd knee injury, and the Tennessean accepts a replacement on very short notice to save the Main Event. Nice.
St. Preux comes into this contest needing a big "name" win to re-energize his career. Things started out great for Ovince but when he faced the elite of the division (Jon Jones, Jimi Manuwa, and Volkan Oezdemir) he found himself contending with a 3 fight losing streak. OSP rebounded in April when he defeated Marcos de Lima, but it was an apparent step down in competition. A win is a win though nonetheless. St. Preux is quick knockout power in his hands and a knack for finding odd submissions when given opportunity. The man is talented and its just a crying shame he never made the move to an elite MMA camp that could have elevated his game.
Welcome home "Thunder" Okami!! Perennial contender and Japanese hero, Yushin was bounced from the UFC in '13 after but a single loss. Some fans find Okami "boring" but the guy is a talented grappler, and monstrously strong for any weight class. Yushin amassed a 13-5 record in the UFC over 7 years and earned a title shot during his regime. Since exiting to smaller promotions (such as the WSOF), Okami has gone 5-2 and is on a 4 fight winning streak.
Now at 36, "Thunder's" prime days are behind him, but that does not mean he isn't dangerous or to be trifled with. Experience is worth a lot in this sport and this is by no means a gimme for OSP. St. Preux has been known to make mistakes in the cage and he's facing a grappling aficionado. Still, OSP should have the advantage standing with his power, and is the better striker. However, if Okami can slow this thing down, and wear on his foe, he may be able to grind this out in a slow burn. MMAFO will be rooting for the grizzled veteran, but OSP likely puts his hands on Yushin to spoil his return though he'll get another chance for stepping up so courageously.
WINNER-Ovince Saint Preux by Rd.2 TKO
#2 Claudia Gadelha (15-2) -280 vs. #5 Jessica Andrade (16-6) +240
Oooh, we've got a barn burner here folks! Two of the nastiest and most talented Brazilian fighters clash to see who remains near the top of the Strawweight division. Who wants to be the #2 woman in the 115 division?
"Claudinha" has only lost, in her entire career, to Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (twice). Gadelha is a dominant wrestler in every since of the word. Whether she is rag dolling bitches around like nothing, or relentlessly punishing them on the canvas, the Brazilian is brutal and without mercy. Claudia's striking is rudimentary but slowly improving and she is not without skill standing.
"Bate Estaca" has found new life dropping down to Strawweight going 3-0 until meeting Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and falling as all do. Andrade is an absolute tank with stunning power on the feet and strong grappling skills as well.
Flip a coin here as both ladies are looking to annihilate each other. We have seen more consistency from Gadelha she has more countering options in what should be an exciting war down to the last moment.
WINNER-Claudia Gadelha by Decision
Takanori Gomi (35-13, 1) +315 vs. Dong Hyun Kim (14-8-3) -380
Oh Gomi, how long have we loved thee and for the 3 years he hasn't even been trying. In fact, Tak has even bragged that he has been training with beer which is a bit insulting to his fans. Anywho, there is no denying our devotion to the "Fireball Man" at this point. Having followed the once greatest Lightweight on the planet since 2004, MMAFO is a bit emotionally invested in our giant headed warrior. Gomi has been given a final chance to redeem the last few years and a grotesque losing streak in his homeland before his adoring fans.
The "Maestro" got his 1st win in the UFC last December after losing his 1st two bouts in the largest American MMA promotion. Kim is happy to get wild and out-of-control like his counterpart but he has far less wear on the tires and seemingly desire.
History seems to tell us this will end in tears as Gomi puts out minimal effort before getting thrashed on the ground.
WINNER-Dong Hyun Kim by Rd.2 TKO
Gökhan Saki (0-1) -165 vs. Henrique da Silva (12-3) +145
The "Turkish Tyson" has arrived in the UFC to breathe some life into the 205 division. The 33 year old is a decorated kickboxer (83-12-1) who fought for 15 years in Glory as well as K-1. Saki has tons of fighting experience but has only competed once in MMA, when he was TKO'd in '04. Gokhan has not competed in the last couple of years as he has been preparing for a return to MMA. Obviously, the man is a skilled and deadly kickboxer, the question is whether or not he'll be able to remain upright against his more well rounded opponents.
"Frankenstein" has lost 3 in a row and was obliterated by Ion Cutelaba in 0:22 this past June. Henry has 11 (T)KO finishes to his credit but he is struggling to find the win column.
This is a set-up by the UFC. Saki is meant to be tested by da Silva, but not win. These two men are going to throw bones until somebody falls down, and you have to side with the veteran Gokhan to win this showcase and inflict damage in his highly anticipated debut.
WINNER-Gokhan Saki by Rd.2 KO
Teruto Ishihara (10-4-2) -155 vs. Rolando Dy (8-5-1, 1) +135
Ishihara returns home to the land of the rising son, still struggling to find his way in the UFC. The Team Alpha Male fighter has swagger for days, but lacks the smarts and ability to contend against any serious threats. Teruto is a pretty fun striker to watch though and brings the battle his "bitches" love.
Dy guy lost his initial UFC bout via eye injury in June, and he's not going to last long.
Ishihara should dominate in style as he is want to do, while Rolando should be journeying back to the minor leagues sooner rather than later.
WINNER-Teruto Ishihara by Decision
Mizuto Hirota (19-8-2) +165 vs. Charles Rosa (11-3) -190
"Boston Dumb" has been alternating wins and losses since joining the UFC and he's a rigid grappler out of ATT.
"Pugnus" is also a robotic fighter, though on the striking side.
Rosa gonna getchoo pregnant Hirota.
WINNER-Charles Rosa by Decision
* Hirota badly missed weight and literally stumbled on and off the scales after what appears to be a dangerous weight cut.
Prelims Card on FXX: (7 CT)
Keita Nakamura (32-8-2, 1) +120 vs. Alex Morono (13-4) -140
"K-Taro" has shown promise as of late but the talent has yet to manifest in wins.
The "Great White" likes to bring combinations in assault form using volume to distress rivals.
Eh, though this should be fun, this will likely fly under the radar for fans. We expect a striking battle and Morono to drain the energy from Nakamura resulting in a judges nod.
WINNER-Alex Morono by Decision
#7 Jussier da Silva (19-5) -450 vs. Yuta Sasaki (20-4-2) +360
"Formiga" must have this win if he is to remain a player at Flyweight. Jussier was inexplicably passed over for a deserved title shot a few times and then came the losses. Da Silva has only lost to the upper echelon of the division, but has done so consistently. The Brazilian is a solid grappler but has never finished a foe with his hands in his entire career if that gives you a hint about his striking.
"Ulka"or "Commissioner Submissioner" as MMAFO likes to call him, likes to take big risks which usually don't pay off. Its fun to witness.
Da Silva should win this all day. The Brazilian is far more talented and will stick to a dry game plan while "Ulka" goes wild with striking to his detriment.
WINNER-Jussier da Silva by Decision
Syuri Kondo (5-0) -115 vs. Chan-Mi Jeon (5-1) -105
The undefeated Kondo is making her UFC debut coming over from Pancrase and a is a former kickboxer and professional wrestler if the 2nd item does anything for ya.
The former Kama champ lost her UFC debut in June but not without showing fun spirit and the lass is only 20 years old! Jeon is exciting and throws everything she has against her rivals but she gassed badly in her debut.
This will be a fun kickboxing affair but its kinda a woman fighting a girl. We don’t mean to be insulting, but it seems that way. Kondo is more sturdy and has been through much more in the combat sports arena while Jeon, though talented, is only beginning. And if Syuri gets in trouble she has some grappling in her back pocket.
WINNER-Syuri Kondo by Decision
Shinsho Anzai (9-2) +205 vs. Luke Jumeau (12-3) -245
The Anzai "Animal" has one of the best Sherdog pictures of all time, but we digress. He's an inexplicable fan favorite who lacks a ton of skills.
"The Jedi" (respect) is on a hot 7 fight winning streak and defeated the oddball Dominique Steele for a successful debut in the promotion. The New Zealander shouldn't have too much trouble here as he takes his time and takes matters to the judges.
WINNER-Luke Jumeau by Decision
Prelim Card on UFC Fight Pass: (6 CT)
Daichi Abe (5-0) +105 vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (13-6-1) -125
The Korean Rich Franklin has found the competition in the UFC to be stiff indeed. "Ace" is a huge Welterweight but has lost his last two outings via TKO (the 1st such losses in his career). Lim tends to come strong early and should put away Abe before he gets off the starting blocks. Hyun is not as bad as his last few fights would lead you to believe.
WINNER-Hyun Gyu Lim by Rd.1 TKO
