Shooto [MMA]: Akira Kikuchi (JPN) vs Ramunas Komas (LTU) - Full Version

Описание: Shooto 26.09.2004 Kourakuen Hall, Tokyo Japan - Interesting note, in his prime, Kikuchi was considered one of the best prospects in Japan and was at one point even being scouted by the UFC. Many believed that Kikuchi's size (unlike some of the other Japanese welterweights, who, were really oversized LW's, Kikuchi was a natural 170 lb'er) and Judo background would allow him to hold his own against the larger stronger competition in the UFC. Unfortunately, in 2008, following a decision loss to future grappling star Shinya Aoki (title match) and upset TKO loss to Yoshiyuki Yoshida in an elimination bout, Kikuchi announced his retirement (he was 32 years old). It would have been great to see Kikuchi break into the UFC and/or make a another run for a title shot in Shooto, but all-in-all, he had a great career and left us with some nice fights to enjoy (his second fight with Shinya Aoki is one of my favorite fights). For more MMA content, please check out my playlist (and/or subscribe)

Shooto, also known as Shoot Wrestling, combines punching, kicking, throwing, and submissions in a dynamic martial art offering the best of many traditional martial arts. Shooto's founder, Satoru Sayama, incorporated techniques from Muay Thai, Catch-As-Catch-Can wrestling, Russian Sambo, and Japanese Judo to create "a totally combative sport martial art." Shooto was one of the first true mixed martial arts systems, with amateur matches starting in 1986 and professional matches in 1989. Some of today's top names in MMA can trace their roots back to Shooto.

The USA Shooto Association, founded by Yorinaga Nakamura, is based in Marina del Rey, Califorina. Sensei Nakamura was the first Welterweight Shooto Champion, winning four matches in a row in one day, with three by submission and one by decision in June, 1986. He is the highest ranked Shooto instructor worldwide as certified by Satoru Sayama.

(from: https://www.usashooto.com/)

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