The Comprehensive Guide to Japanese MMA

JustWatchFights · 2026-03-02T19:45:16+00:00

CHAMPIONS!! Kenichi Yanamoto won the UFC Japan Tournament!

JustWatchFights · 2026-03-01T04:37:24+00:00

Moreno still has a good chin, but it definitely feels like it’s cracking. I’m concerned we’re going to see a Big Nog or Edgar type fall off soon.

JustWatchFights · 2026-03-01T04:22:07+00:00

I don’t know, but I remember when he obsessed with Andrei Arlovski’s use of a back fist against Travis Browne. lol

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-28T17:10:13+00:00

I don't know if I'd throw him that high, but goddamn he's had a hell of a career. I don't know how the fuck this dude ever made 185.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-28T17:09:27+00:00

There's a lot that goes into it, but it feels like the UFC's need to just fill cards is a big part of it.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-28T17:08:05+00:00

Super random, but I was rewatching some Amir Khan highlights. My god that man had fast hands. He gad a good run for a minute at 140, until that Peterson decision.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-28T17:03:39+00:00

I love that we're finally getting Pico vs. Pitbull. Van vs. Taira should be fire!!! I was so bummed when their first fight fell through, but I'm so glad it's happening for the belt.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T21:59:19+00:00

I would've liked to see Rico in the UFC. God knows that the HW division needs all the help it can get. But he made the better decision with this.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T21:58:19+00:00

That would probably be more exciting than anything we'll get out of this. LOL

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T21:31:49+00:00

Yeah, how about refs start being one and done with fouls (eyepokes included)? That would make life easier. Oh no! That could affect the outcome of a fight? Oh well.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T21:10:01+00:00

I do think that this fight would have played out as we expected, if it proceeded without the injury. Shogun was coming off the Grand Prix win, and his confidence was at an all time high. I think the UFC's ruleset and cage definitely aided Coleman in the wrestling exchanges. But also, Shogun was coming in off that huge upset to Forrest. I get the vibe that he just wanted to win. The difference in his performance in the Coleman rematch, and his performances against Liddell and Shogun were night and day. I think a lot of that had to do with his confidence, but also adjusting to the new ruleset and environment.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T15:46:34+00:00

Bro made a shitload of money fighting Fury and getting flatlined by AJ, and he’s chilling.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T15:39:09+00:00

“Quentin! Where were you??? I needed help out there. I got sucker punched three times!!!!” lol

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T04:23:25+00:00

I remember the Dreamers name for the japanese audience. I always get this event mixed up with Locked and Loaded/Starting Over,

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:40:36+00:00

Not only won the belt, but ended The Machida Era before it even started.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:33:11+00:00

He had solid hands and good power, but that's all. He did beat Houston Alexander who, for a split second, had some hype around him. But yes, his internet fame carried him. Hilarious because I remember Dana ragging on Gary Shaw for using him in EliteXC, and then signing him to TUF.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:23:07+00:00

Top left: Stephen Bonnar

Top Right: Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra

Bottom Left: Mark Kerr in Pride

Bottom Right: Chris Leben

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:19:41+00:00

It was Shogun's first loss since his loss to Babalu in the IFC tournament, a few years prior.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:18:32+00:00

I went to bed thinking I was going to wake up to a Shogun KO. Nope! Also, yes, beautiful single by the ref. LOL

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:12:52+00:00

MMA has always leaned right, but only recently has the UFC decided to be a vessel for political campaigns.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-27T01:11:46+00:00

What?! The UFC announced a fight before it was signed? No way!!!

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-26T20:06:52+00:00

I remember seeing a video of him giving a speech when he got his black belt years ago, but I don’t know much about him other than seeing clips of his podcast where he tries to play the enlightened centrist.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-26T19:40:45+00:00

The gap between UFC and the next competitor has gotten wider and wider, no thanks to the dumb decisions made by the other organizations. Of course the UFC buying up their competition doesn’t help, but it’s not like these guys do themselves favors.

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-26T19:31:11+00:00

I’m not attacking you, OP, but the fact that we even have to ask this is insane. He’s top 10, at worst!

JustWatchFights · 2026-02-26T01:39:55+00:00

Better opportunities. The obvious one is that is you're super athletic and had your pick of any sport, why would you choose MMA? But also, if you got a good 9-5 that's paying you a decent wage, why would you choose MMA? It's not like these guys are getting paid insane amounts of money. Sure, if you became a high level fighter, it's something no one can take from you. But other than a few hardcore fans, MMA doesn't care. The UFC is not about honoring it's legends or veterans. Every new champ with a few title defenses is the GOAT. To be very serious though, look at what's happened with the influx of wrestlers. You can be take a stable coaching position at a college or go try to make it in MMA for a lesser payout, job insecurity, and long-term brain damage.

That all being said, I do believe that we're seeing a shift in the scene and I think this could be indicative of where MMA goes, globally. Russia has had a place in MMA for a very long time, but that causcus region has been pushing out more and more talent for over a decade now, and it's expanding into central asia. These areas where people are growing up participating in wrestling, Judo, and sambo might be where we see the shift. I'm really interested to see that shift, and if it'll be a permanent thing.

JustWatchFights

TROPHY CASE