May 3rd, Tokyo, Japan - Kourakuen Hall - Promoted by - Sustain
The main-event features and exciting match-up of grappling expertise as up-and-comer and Olympic level Judoka, Akira Kikuchi, takes on international Shooto and MMA stand-out, Jutaro Nakao. The winner of this clash will be lined-up as the next contender for the SHOOTO MW World title belt (which will be decided in Hawaii on July 9th between Jake Shields and "Bradda" Ray Cooper).
Another hot ticket on this card is number 1 ranker Stephan Palling, taking on rising star Hiroyuki Takaya. This is Paling's opportunity to re-establish his right to challenge for the Shooto world crown once again (after drawing with the Champ last August), but Takaya is looking to keep his momentum going after drawing with the DANGEROUS Joao Roque (who has previously submitted Paling).
Full-line-up:
*** Class-B / 2x5 minute rounds ***
MW [76 Kg] - Kotobukimaru vs. Yu Shiori
BW [56 Kg] - HIRO vs. Shinichi Hanawa
WW [70 Kg] - Takayuki Okouchi vs. Tomonari Kanomata
*** Class-A / 3x5 minute rounds ***
WW [70 Kg] - Takaharu Murahama vs. Kenichiro Togashi
Pacific-Rim Championship Tournament 1st Round
FW [60 Kg] Kentaro Imaizumi (World #1, Pacific Rim #1) vs. Jin Akimoto (World #5, Pacific Rim #4)
BW [56 Kg] - Mamoru (World Champion) vs. Hiroaki Yoshioka (World #5)
LW [65 Kg] Stephen Paling (World #1, Pacific Rim #1) vs. Hiroyuki Takaya (World #4, Pacific Rim #3)
MW [76 Kg] - Jutaro Nakao (World #2, Pacific Rim #2) vs. Akira Kikuchi (World #5, Pacific Rim #5)
Paling all the way
Shooto.net is also saying that Sato may be fighting.
TTT for Kenichiro Togashi the future of the 155lb division!!!
ttt
Watch out for Togashi guys, he is the next big thing.