[poll id=”5″]
Experienced Japanese fighters who should crossover next
Below are Japanese fighters with the highest “division point dominance” ratings who have never fought in the USA, have at least 10 fights, and compete within weight divisions that the UFC/StrikeForce currently utilize (Men, Women 135-145).
Sadly, there is not much to look forward to, as far as proven experienced fighters go.
1. Masakazu Imanari (#18 Bantamweight, 25-10-2)
Imanari is ranked #1 on his list, based on the possibility of him making the Flyweight limit (of which I have no idea if he can or not) and for his exceptional ledger. It is quite surprising Imanari has only left Japan in his last two fights, but has still not left eastern Asia. He holds a rare distinction of being listed in two of the Top 10 FightMatrix All-Time Ranking lists, being the #6 Featherweight and #8 Bantamweight of All-Time, spending considerable time in both divisions. He has even competed at Lightweight. Now 36, the door is closing on Imanari. He is battle-tested against foreign fighters, with wins over Jorge Gurgel, Mike Thomas Brown and Abel Cullum. Though, he is very inconsistent. Here’s hoping we see him get one chance in the UFC.
2. Rin Nakai (#6 Women 135lb, 11-0-1)
The musclebound 5’1″ Nakai may be more famous for her risque photos (just Google search) than her undefeated record, but if Rousey runs out of American challengers, Nakai may be an interesting opponent for the minute or two that the fight lasts.
3. Mitsuhisa Sunabe (#7 Flyweight, 16-7-4)
Fresh off of a win this Sunday against a lesser opponent, Sunabe might be the best Flyweight in Japan right now. Even though, he competes at 120lb, at 5’8″, he could be an interesting match-up for the typical Flyweight fighter. The losses are starting to add up though.
4. Haruo Ochi (#9 Flyweight, 9-2-1)
After moving down from 132lb to 123lb, Ochi is undefeated at 5-0 with his last three wins coming against three fighters in the Top 20 Flyweight All-Time list. Entering his physical prime at age 28, the book on this guy is too thin to make any conclusions, but with another solid win, he quickly becomes a worthy contender for at least a one-off UFC Flyweight opportunity.
5. Akira Kibe (#16 Flyweight, 16-10-2)
A late bloomer, Kibe finally gets into the rankings by entering the weak Flyweight division after spending the first 10 years of his career as an undersized Bantamweight and Featherweight. Despite having gone 6-0 in his last six, Kibe’s ledger suggests he’d probably be fodder for America’s top Flyweights.
Yasuhiro Urushitani is not listed. Although he never fought in the USA, he did participate in a UFC show in Australia.
The Ultimate Fighter 15, Episode 11 Review
In Episode 11, Team Cruz’s Vinc Pichel defeated Chris Saunders by majority decision. The remaining two Team Faber fighters were left to face each other, with Al Iaquinta stopping Andy Ogle with a TKO in the first round.
The semi-finals will be taking place in the next week’s episode:
Team Faber’s Al Iaquinta vs Team Cruz’s Vinc Pichel
Team Faber’s Mike Chiesa vs Team Cruz’s James Vick
Current win tally is Team Cruz 5, Team Faber 7 in team-vs-team matchups.
Here’s who remains:
MMA Rankings Updated: 05/16/2012
Notable Info
- Special mid-week update which includes effects from last night’s UFC.
Ultimate Fighter 15, Episode 10 Review
In Episode 10, the teams split the first two quarterfinal bouts. Team Cruz’s James Vick pulled out a decision against Joe Proctor, while Team Faber’s Mike Chiesa forced a stoppage against Justin Lawrence with ground-and-pound in the overtime round.
Current win tally is Team Cruz 4, Team Faber 6.
Here’s who remains:
Keep Reading
MMA Rankings Updated: 5/6/2012
Notable Info
- There were a fair amount of past data issues resolved prior to this week’s update, so there will be fluctuations throughout the rankings.
The Ultimate Fighter 15, Episode 9 Review
In Episode 9, Team Faber pulls further ahead, as Andy Ogle defeated Mike Rio with a reak naked choke in the second round. This concludes the opening round of the tournament, with firth two quarter-final bouts taking place next week.
Current win tally is Team Cruz 3, Team Faber 5.
All rankings are approximate as-of Episode 1.
[#148 WW] Daron Cruickshank
Episode 1: defeated [#175 LW] Drew Dober by unanimous decision
Episode 2: lost to [NR] James Vick by first-round knockout
[#134 LW] John Cofer
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Mark Glover by unanimous decision
Episode 7: lost to [NR] Vinc Pichel by submission
[#217 LW] Mike Rio
Episode 1: defeated [#177 LW] Ali Maclean by submission
Episode 9: lost to [#137 FW] Andy Ogle by submission
[#231 LW] Cristiano Marcello
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Jared Carlsten by submission
Episode 3: lost to [NR] Justin Lawrence by knockout
[#245 LW] Sam Sicilia
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Erin Beach by knockout
Episode 8: lost to [#248LW] Chris Saunders by split decision
[#248LW] Chris Saunders
Episode 1: defeated [#354 LW] Chase Hackett by unanimous decision
Episode 8: defeated [#245 LW] Sam Sicilia by split decision
[NR] Myles Jury
Episode 1: defeated [#194 LW] Akbarh Arreola by unanimous decision
Episode 4: lost to [NR] Al Iaquinta by decision in the overtime round
[#268 LW] Vinc Pichel
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Cody Pfister by submission
Episode 7: defeated [#134 LW] John Cofer by submission
[#307 MW] Mike Chiesa
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Johnavan Vistante by submission
Episode 5: defeated [#411 LW] Jeremy Larsen by unanimous decision
[#137 FW] Andy Ogle
Episode 1: defeated [#378 LW] Brendan Weafer by unanmious decision
Episode 9: defeated [#217 LW] Mike Rio by submission
[#279 LW] Chris Tickle
Episode 1: defeated [#188 LW] Austin Lyons by knockout
Episode 6: lost to [#287 LW] Joe Proctor by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
[#287 LW] Joe Proctor
Episode 1: defeated [#168 LW] Jordan Rinaldi by sumbission
Episode 6: defeated [#279 LW] Chris Tickle by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
[#411 LW] Jeremy Larsen
Episode 1: defeated [#167 LW] Jeff Smith by unanimous decision
Episode 5: lost to by [#307 MW] Mike Chiesa by unanimous decision
[NR] James Vick
Episode 1: defeated [#131 WW] Dakota Cochrane by split decision
Episode 2: defeated [#148 WW] Daron Cruickshank by first round knockout
[NR] Al Iaquinta
Episode 1: defeated [#193 LW] Jon Tuck by unanimous decision
Episode 4: defeated [NR] Mile Jury by decision in the overtime round
[NR] Justin Lawrence
Episode 1: defeated [#164 WW] James Krause by knockout
Episode 3: defeated [#231 LW] Cristiano Marcello by knockout
FightMatrix Program: UFC on FOX 3 (2012-05-02)
Lightweight (155)
[#7] Nate Diaz (15-7-0) vs. [#8] Jim Miller (21-3-0)
Jim Miller is the All-Time #22 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Nate Diaz (2-1-0)
2011-12-30: W vs. [#13LW] Donald Cerrone (17-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2011-09-24: W vs. [#35LW] Takanori Gomi (33-8-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:27 of round 1
2011-04-30: L vs. [#14WW] Rory MacDonald (13-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Last 3 Fights: Jim Miller (2-1-0)
2012-01-20: W vs. [#36LW] Melvin Guillard (29-11-2) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:04 of round 1
2011-08-14: L vs. [#1LW/#8DD] Ben Henderson (16-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
2011-03-19: W vs. [#91LW] Kamal Shalorus (7-2-2) via TKO (Punches) in 2:15 of round 3
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Nate Diaz 127, Jim Miller 106
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#6] Josh Koscheck (17-5-0) vs. [#7] Johny Hendricks (12-1-0)
Josh Koscheck is the All-Time #4 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Josh Koscheck (2-1-0)
2012-02-04: W vs. [#20WW] Mike Pierce (13-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2011-09-24: W vs. [#30WW] Matt Hughes (45-9-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:59 of round 1
2010-12-11: L vs. [#1WW/#4DD] Georges St Pierre (22-2-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Last 3 Fights: Johny Hendricks (3-0-0)
2011-12-30: W vs. [#12WW] Jon Fitch (23-4-1) via KO (Punch) in 0:12 of round 1
2011-08-06: W vs. [#20WW] Mike Pierce (13-5-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-03-26: W vs. [#40WW] TJ Waldburger (15-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:35 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Josh Koscheck 91, Johny Hendricks 127
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Middleweight (185)
[#15] Rousimar Palhares (14-3-0) vs. [#17] Alan Belcher (17-6-0)
Last 3 Fights: Rousimar Palhares (3-0-0)
2012-01-14: W vs. [#101MW] Mike Massenzio (13-6-0) via Submission (Heel Hook) in 1:03 of round 1
2011-08-27: W vs. [#32MW] Dan Miller (13-6-0) via UD (29-27, 30-27, 30-25)
2011-03-03: W vs. [#50MW] David Branch (10-2-0) via Submission (Heel Hook) in 1:44 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Alan Belcher (3-0-0)
2011-09-17: W vs. [#67MW] Jason MacDonald (25-15-0) via Submission (Punches) in 3:48 of round 1
2010-05-08: W vs. [#56MW] Patrick Cote (17-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:25 of round 2
2009-12-12: W vs. [#56HW+] Wilson Gouveia (14-8-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:03 of round 1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rousimar Palhares 112, Alan Belcher 231
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Keep Reading
A lineal championship recently changed hands.
The term “lineal championship” has traditionally been linked to boxing moreso than MMA, but in case you didn’t know, we track our own lineal championship histories.
In short, it’s “the man, who beat the man, who beat the man, etc.” Some judgment calls are required to fill in gaps that champions create when moving divisions, retiring, and taking extended absences — not to mention, when the lineage actually starts. It’s really more interesting than it is legit, especially considering the fighters haven’t known the titles were on the line and the matches weren’t impacted in any way (extended length).
When Eddie Alvarez recently beat Shinya Aoki, he claimed our Lineal Lightweight Championship. This win came after his loss to Chandler, so he’s rated below Chandler but still holds the lineal title.
Currently, five of the UFC champions hold lineal designations. Ian McCall’s will likely be consumed or merged with the UFC Flyweight championship, with Overeem’s and Alvarez’s claims staying dislocated from the Zuffa juggernaut’s champions.
Dropping Retired/Suspended Fighters
With the latest release, we dropped two retired fighters from the rankings: Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture.
Moving forward, we’re going to be a bit more steadfast in the removal of retired/suspended fighters, but only if we’re incredibly sure that they will go at least 15 months without a fight. If retired fighters come back, they will be ranked once again.
Given Cyborg’s status and the fact that her last fight was a no contest, we’ll be dropping her on the next ranking update. If we’ve missed anyone, feel free to submit recommendations.
The Ultimate Fighter 15, Episode 8 Review
In Episode 8, Chris Saunders took a split decision after a two-round war with Sam Sicilia, putting Team Faber in the lead once again. Next week, the remaining opening-round matchup between Mike Rio and Andy Ogle.
Current win tally is Team Cruz 3, Team Faber 4.
All rankings are approximate as-of Episode 1.
[#148 WW] Daron Cruickshank
Episode 1: defeated [#175 LW] Drew Dober by unanimous decision
Episode 2: lost to [NR] James Vick by first-round knockout
[#134 LW] John Cofer
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Mark Glover by unanimous decision
Episode 7: lost to [NR] Vinc Pichel by submission
[#217 LW] Mike Rio
Episode 1: defeated [#177 LW] Ali Maclean by submission
[#231 LW] Cristiano Marcello
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Jared Carlsten by submission
Episode 3: lost to [NR] Justin Lawrence by knockout
[#245 LW] Sam Sicilia
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Erin Beach by knockout
Episode 8: lost to [#248LW] Chris Saunders by split decision
[#248LW] Chris Saunders
Episode 1: defeated [#354 LW] Chase Hackett by unanimous decision
Episode 8: defeated [#245 LW] Sam Sicilia by split decision
[NR] Myles Jury
Episode 1: defeated [#194 LW] Akbarh Arreola by unanimous decision
Episode 4: lost to [NR] Al Iaquinta by decision in the overtime round
[#268 LW] Vinc Pichel
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Cody Pfister by submission
Episode 7: defeated [#134 LW] John Cofer by submission
[#307 MW] Mike Chiesa
Episode 1: defeated [NR] Johnavan Vistante by submission
Episode 5: defeated [#411 LW] Jeremy Larsen by unanimous decision
[#137 FW] Andy Ogle
Episode 1: defeated [#378 LW] Brendan Weafer by unanmious decision
[#279 LW] Chris Tickle
Episode 1: defeated [#188 LW] Austin Lyons by knockout
Episode 6: lost to [#287 LW] Joe Proctor by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
[#287 LW] Joe Proctor
Episode 1: defeated [#168 LW] Jordan Rinaldi by sumbission
Episode 6: defeated [#279 LW] Chris Tickle by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
[#411 LW] Jeremy Larsen
Episode 1: defeated [#167 LW] Jeff Smith by unanimous decision
Episode 5: lost to by [#307 MW] Mike Chiesa by unanimous decision
[NR] James Vick
Episode 1: defeated [#131 WW] Dakota Cochrane by split decision
Episode 2: defeated [#148 WW] Daron Cruickshank by first round knockout
[NR] Al Iaquinta
Episode 1: defeated [#193 LW] Jon Tuck by unanimous decision
Episode 4: defeated [NR] Mile Jury by decision in the overtime round
[NR] Justin Lawrence
Episode 1: defeated [#164 WW] James Krause by knockout
Episode 3: defeated [#231 LW] Cristiano Marcello by knockout
Technical Difficulties
Last week’s rankings were inadvertently cleared out, so we put a temporary set in it’s place. On our next update, we’ll clear this temporary one out and replace it with the official one that will show movement from last weekend’s.
PS – The weekend update will include the MMA Attack show in its entirety.