JMMA has slowly been starting to resurface amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. With some alterations to the fight card, Pancrase 316 will kick off this holiday Friday, July 24th, 14:45 Japan Standard Time. Hosted once again at Studio Coast, get set for 11 explosive bouts featuring an array of Japans top talent. Add a further 12 Neo Blood tournament matches in Straw, Feather, Bantam, Light and Middle weight divisions, Pancrase 316 is sure to deliver!
In the main event, Featherweight King of Pancrase Isao Kobayashi collides with Akira Okada in a 3 round non title bout. Isao is riding an impressive 4 fight win streak and most recently avenged his last loss, besting Kyle Aguon to retain his belt. Fighting out of the Never Quit gym, Kobayashi is highly experienced with an impressive 25-5-4 record. A durable and adaptable “all-rounder” the Featherweight king is adept at using his Judo base to pressure and control the tempo. Sporting a 18-8-3 record Akira is cutting weight to test the waters at145lbs after coming up short in his last 3 fights. Physically intimidating as a lightweight, at Featherweight expect Akira to pack even more firepower as he looks to make a statement and cause a huge upset.
Emika “Fujin” Raika reached the pinnacle of boxing, claiming titles in multiple organizations and weight classes before taking the brave step to try her hand at mma. Thrown in at the deep end “Fujin” quickly evolved to become a well versed mma fighter, riding a 2 fight win streak and sporting a 10-6-1 record overall. Fighting out of Right Thing Academy the no2 ranked Raika will face no3, Wajutsu Keishukai AKZA’s Takayo Hashi. A 15 year veteran with a 16-8-1 record, ex-champion Hashi will be looking to bounce back from consecutive losses. A versatile fighter, Hashi really excels on the mat and will be fishing for another submission win to keep hopes of another title run alive.
Yuta Nakamura meets Kikuiri in a classic striker vs grappler Welterweight match up. A veteran of 50 fights, jujitsu specialist Nakamura has fought at Light, Welter and Middleweight. In contrast, Kikuiri carries only 6 bouts under his belt and moves up a division to test his knockout power. Both fighters are prolific finishers, Kikuiri utilizes his height and range masterfully, finding his mark and turning opponents light out. 17 year Veteran Nakamura is tough as nails and not easily finished. The BJJ ace has the kind of grappling acumen to stifle, suffocate and submit.
Flyweights Kohei Sugiyama and Naoki Arikawa clash to see who climbs further up the ladder in a highly competitive division. Both fighters are submission savvy and possess a multifaceted skillset. Sugiyama has faced the tougher competition and possesses crushing ground and pound combined with quick submission finishes. Arikawa carries the speed, with accurate, fast striking on the feet he is also adept at transitions and submissions.
Yuki Kosaka returned to the cage last year after a 4 year hiatus falling short by the narrowest of margins. With 13 years of experience to fall back on Kosaka faces a tough challenge in 2019 Neo Blood tournament victor, Masahide Hiroaka. A product of Krazy Bee Gym, Hiroaka is on a 3 fight win streak and will carry a lot of confidence heading into Friday’s Bantamweight showdown.
Making his 4th professional appearance, aggressive striker Sho Sekihara will be riding the momentum of a brutal 1st round KO finish last outing. With 26 fights under his belt opponent Jun Doi will not be intimidated. Doi has fought at a high level and has the kind of grappling, clinch and cage control that matches well against the wild violence of Sekihara.
Shooto Rookie Tournament winner Tokitaka Nakanishi makes his Pancrase debut following 2 solid back to back victories. Komori saw his 4 fight win streak come to an end last outing and will be determined to get back on track. Both Featherweights will be hungry to make a statement in a division stacked with talent.
Lightweights Shinichi Taira and Kazuki Kasai promise an explosive start to the Pancrase 316 main card. Heavy handed Taira secured a reputation for knockouts in ZST and would love to add another victim to the list. Kasai fights out of Mach Dojo and while capable of banging it out on the feet he does his best work on the ground.
Main Card
Yuta Nakamura, T-REX JIUJITSU ACADEMY vs Masayuki Kikuiri NEVER QUIT.
Kohei Sugiyama SPLASH vs Naoki Arikawa K-PLACE
Masahide Hiraoka Krazy Bee vs Hanareme MonjiroTK, Reversal, Me We
Jun Doi, Miburo vs Sho Sekihara, Reversal Standout
Mayo Komori, Grabaka vs Tokitaka, Ishitsuna MMA
Shinichi Taira, ZST vs Kazuki Kasai, Mach Dojo
Prelims, 14:45 start
Yuki Yasunaga, Yellow Mans vs Tiger Date, Team Date
Hiroyasu Sakurai, Never Quit vs Toshiomi Kazama, Wajutsu Keishuke Hearts
Rikiya, Krazy Bee vs Jouou DATE, Team Date
Neo Blood Tournament, 18:00 start
12 matches spanning 5 divisions