How good was Uematsu before he was stricken ill as compared to the fighter he is today? Did he lose a step in his game or is it just the fact he's faced better competition?
i think it's a bit of both.i think he'll do well at 132,he could be champ.i think uematsu was actually better when he was less well rounded.
He doesn't look as fluid as he was before. That guy was so fast it was mind blowing. He looks like any normal grappler now.
I definitely think the illness left a permanent mark on his body.
It seems reasonable Uematsu could drop to 132. Isnt he only like 5'4?
Wasnt the illness some sort of virus or something he contracted in Thailand?
Yeah, what exactly was his 'illness'?
I don't know what the illness was, but it was reported that it put him in a coma. He lost a lot of weight, dropping to around 100 lbs. Nearly died.
i don't know how much he was tested at the time, but he looked the awesomest.
best Uematsu match?
Uematsu vs. Ohkouchi was a very cool fight. Uematsu pulled off the pro wrestling move sunset flip in that one. It doesn't seem possible, but he did it.
Uematsu/Nonaka 2, Uematsu/Kazeta, and Uematsu/Toida 2 are great as well.
Ryan, would you call Uematsu/Toida one of the most compelling feuds in MMA? :)
Uematsu vs. Asahi was alright.I'd say the best Uematsu fight though is his second fight against Nonaka.Awesome scrambles.
Uematsu is probly my all time fave beind Rumina of course.
Uematsu vs Nonaka 2 was awesome. As Gunjin said the scrambles were unreal in that fight. flashy standup, and lots of wrestling. The Uematsu fireman's carry into an armbar attempt by Nonaka, and escape was one the the most exciting things I have ever seen. Even if it only lasted a few seconds. And to this day I don't understand how Uematsu pulled off that north/south escape.
Ive only seen a highlight of Uematsu vs Ohkouchi, but the sunset flip was on there. Still can't believe to this day it worked lol.
Hope the move down does well for him. Uematsu vs Hokazono would be pretty sick once Uematsu got a few warm up fights.