411's Yarennoka/K-1 Hero's Roundtable Preview

Posted by Caleb Newby on 12.30.2007

Two huge shows take place New Years Eve in Japan! Chief among the many fights is Fedor Emelianenko's long awaited return to MMA competition against the 7'2" Hong Man Choi! Preview that and the rest of the day's huge action here, only on 411!

And you thought we were done after UFC 79! Not quite buster.

In case you were not aware, there are two fantastic MMA cards over in Japan for their traditional New Year's Eve supershows. Of course, if you are in North America they are not on at the best of times. I believe the M-1 sponsored Yarennoka starts at 6am Eastern time on December 31, live on HDNet and replayed later in the day at a normal hour (sorry for those of you who don't have HDNet available. You will miss out. Or have to get creative with your hi-speed internet).

Additionally we have the K-1 Hero's Dynamite event starting at... you know, I am not even sure when it starts. Unfortunately the only way you get to watch this live is through the previously mentioned creative use of internet functions.

Between the two cards we have a who's who list of top tier MMA talent, headlined by Fedor. Of course, Fedor isn't exactly fighting a Josh Barnett here, but it's something at least.

For this roundtable, we've picked a sample from each card to preview, four bouts from Yarennoka and four from K-1 Heros. Also note that many of the guys here really like to bag on these "freakshow" fights. They lack a sense of humor and fun. Remember that when reading them. Giant 400 pound men facing Japanese men less than half their size isn't ALWAYS bad. Moderation folks.

On to the roundtable!

YARENNOKA!

Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Luiz Azeredo

Damian Sarcuni: Hoo har! With Aoki's opponent changed this is quite possibly the most anticipated matchup on the whole card. I hate Azeredo with a passion, and I get a lot of flack for it. But let's be realistic, with the exception of a win over Anderson Silva in Silva's very first pro MMA fight, Azeredo hasn't found a single win against top competition. Yes he took Gomi to his limit, but that's because Azeredo is such a passive fighter. In many ways, Kawajiri is Gomi Lite, but I find his grappling a tad more impressive. Hate or not, Kawajiri should manhandle Azeredo.
Winner: Kawajiri via TKO round 2

Randy Harrison: This one seems like it could be the most hotly contested fight of the night as both guys have a ton of skill and heart. Azeredo has his win over Anderson Silva and very little else on his resume and his record is hovering a couple of fights above .500. As for Kawajiri, he's managed to beat guys like Joachim Hansen and Vitor Ribeiro, and has proven consistently that he can beat the top fighters in the sport in his weight class. He should have no trouble muscling around Azeredo and winning the fight. Azeredo might put up a bit of a struggle to have this fight end in a decision because his style is such that he can avoid taking any real serious damage more often than not, and that style will suit him well against "The Crusher" but whether it be by decision or by a stoppage, make no mistake about it, Kawajiri is going to win this fight.
Winner: Tatsuya Kawajiri, Decision

Dustin James: Wow, it's been awhile since we have seen Kawajiri in an MMA fight. Last time I saw him I believe he lost to Gilbert Melendez about a year ago. Kawajiri had better been training his ass off because going a year without a fight could give you a little ring rust. Luckily he draws Azeredo as an opponent. Azeredo always looks good against horrible competition, yet falters when it's a top name. This should be a fairly easy one for Kawajiri.
Winner: Tatsuya Kawajiri - TKO, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: Kawajiri hasn't fought in a year, which would normally make me hesitant to pick him but Azeredo hasn't fought in over a year (3 weeks more time off than Kawajiri) so it all evens out. Azeredo normally can't beat the top guys (ok, so he beat Anderson Silva in Silva's first professional fight) and Kawajiri is no slouch. I think Kawajiri will take it too him early and score a quick TKO.
Winner: Tatsuya Kawajiri, tko, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: The best bout of the 11 on this roundtable and probably the most competitive, though that doesn't say much. I'm an Azeredo fan, unlike my man Damian, but there's just too big a gulf in class between these two fighters. Kawajiri's only lost two fights in the last five years to Takanori Gomi and Gilbert Melendez. They just happen to be the top two guys in the lightweights in the division. Azeredo's a nice talent but where's his big win. He's lost to Gomi twice, lost to Sakurai, lost to Joachim Hansen and even lost to Tony DeSouza. If you want to count the win over Anderson Silva that's fine. But that was back in May of 2000. Kawajiri's a big fight for Azeredo and he hasn't shown he can shine on the big stage. There's no difference here.
Winner: Tatsuya Kawajiri

Caleb Newby: This is going to be fun. And by "this" I mean the entire roundtable. Has it really been a year since the big "Kawajiri beat Melendez!!1!" fiasco? That was fun. A lot of people were upset. I'll take the perennial top 10 guy over the definitely not top 10 guy most every time. This is no exception.
Winner: Kawajiri – TKO, Rd2

Michael Huckaby: This fight isn't going to be quite as easy for Kawajiri as some people think but he'll still get the win. "T-BLOOD BITCH" as some would say. I don't even know that Kawajiri is going to be able to finish him but I'll suppose so and pick it.
Winner: Kawajiri, TKO, Rd2

Leland Roling: I'll spare the brief history of Kawajiri and say this... his nickname is the "Crusher" for a reason. Azeredo has had problems defending against the striking game, and Kawajiri will bring it hard for most of the fight. I think he'll overwhelm Azeredo by the 2nd round.
Winner: Kawajiri, TKO, round 2


Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Gilbert Melendez

Damian Sarcuni: This one seems a little unfair. Melendez is undefeated and is basically a rising star throughout the MMA world. Ishida is no can by any means, and was impressive in his Pride Bushido tenure. But he hasn't fought in exactly 1 year! I'm all for rising to meet the challenge, but I think Ishida is in over his head with this fight. Melendez will dominate, but keep your eye on Ishida. He's got talent and there will be a moment or two where he might surprise you. None the less, this is a throw away match for Melendez.
Winner: Melendez via TKO round 1

Randy Harrison: I am very excited to get to see Melendez fight again as I am a huge fan of his. He put on a bit of a lackluster performance against a tough Tetsuji Kato at the Strikeforce Playboy Mansion show and will be looking to put on a fireworks display against Ishida here. Ishida is a more than competent challenger in this fight as he had some success in Pride and is on the cusp of the top ten if not actually in the tenth spot. Look for Melendez to win the striking battle early and often however, and continue forward with his perfect record unblemished as Ishida will be overwhelmed by the fury of "El Nino"
Winner: Gilbert Melendez, TKO Rd 2

Dustin James: Woo hoo! It hasn't been that long since the last El Nino fight, but I'm all but ready for another one! Ishida is another guy that hasn't fought in a year and seems too lose to top names. I just can't see Melendez walking out of this with a loss. But I can see him walking away with a decision victory. Melendez has had a decision victory his last 3 fights, while Ishida LOVES going to a decision. He has 11 victories out of 15 by decision! The fight may come down to the judges, and whoever impresses them most.
Winner: Gilbert Melendez - Decision

Jeremy Lambert: Ishida is another guy who hasn't fought in a year, where he lost to Gomi. Melendez fought at a recent Strikeforce event and won despite breaking his hand early in the fight. If Ishida is going to win, he's going to have to do it early because the longer this fight goes, the more is favors Melendez. I think Melendez survives the early onslaught and pulls out the victory.
Winner: Gilbert Melendez, decision

Lotfi Sariahmed: It's a fight that looks good on paper but, like Kawajiri v. Azeredo, it won't be that good. Ishida won eight fights in a row dating back to the end of 2004 until the end of 2006 with his win over David Bielkheden. A lot of people got on the Ishida bandwagon because here was this wrestler who knocked off Marcus Aurelio who had just knocked off Gomi. But I think it's safe to say Aurelio was clearly overlooking Ishida toward his rematch with Gomi. On top of that, when Ishida did get his fight with Gomi, he completely forgot how to fight on the ground and Gomi dispatched of him easily. So against arguably the second best guy in the lightweight division, it doesn't bode well for Ishida. There is no one area where Ishida is SO much better than Melendez and I think "El Nino" will prove it in this fight.
Winner: Gilbert Melendez

Caleb Newby: I'll enjoy this fight. And while Ishida is a great fighter, Melendez is on a roll. He is arguably the number one lightweight in the world right now after all. My conservative route would have me take Melendez via decision, but let's be crazy here. And since I think there is a 10 minute first round on this card, all the better.
Winner: Melendez – TKO, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: Easily the fight of the night and the only reason I'd watch this card over K-1 Dynamite. I tried to explain to friends how good Ishida was before the Gomi fight and then the ridiculous KO happened and I didn't have a leg to stand on. I don't think Melendez can finish him but he'll certainly win.
Winner: Gilbert Melendez, decision

Leland Roling: Ishida has been touted as having such a good takedown defense that he will be able to stop Melendez... I disagree. Ishida has a great takedown defense and counter, but Melendez has better striking and a granite chin. Along with his excellent training team at Cesar Gracie, Melendez should have ample training to simulate Ishida. Melendez should take this one.
Winner: Gilbert Melendez, decision


Hayato Sakurai vs. Hidehiko Hasegawa

Damian Sarcuni: It's really hard to follow Hasegawa's career if you aren't familiar with the DEEP organization. Sakurai is the obvious favorite here, but Hasegawa does have some noted skills on the ground. It's hard to get any details out of the paper for this one, since so much of Hasegawa's wins come by decision. It is what it is, and that's a fight that will go to Sakurai, hands down.
Winner: Sakurai via submission round 2

Randy Harrison: This fight looks to be pretty much a done deal as Sakurai has fought and beaten some of the world's best while Hasegawa has mainly fought in DEEP against guys who seem to be a step below the top level of MMA. Both have spotty records but Hasegawa's is much weaker given the competition he has faced and I expect Sakurai to win this one going away and continue the handy little winning streak he has been on, despite not competing in MMA since his Pride 33 win over Mac Danzig.
Winner: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai, Decision.

Dustin James: I don't know much about Hasegawa, but talk about under-matched. Since 2005, Hasegawa is 5-4-2. Yuck. That basically tells me enough to know that Sakurai shouldn't struggle too bad with him. I can't see Sakurai finishing him, but I can see him getting the love from the judges.
Winner: Mach Sakurai - Decision

Jeremy Lambert: MACH~! I don't follow Hasegawa but I'm a huge MACH MARK~! Hasegawa has a meh record and hasn't fought a notable name so I'm going with MACH~! based on the fact that I've actually seen him fight, I know he has skills, and I mark for him.
Winner: MACH~!, submission, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: This is an interesting bout. Logic would say Sakurai and I'm picking him to win the bout. But Hasegawa is a game opponent. This will be the third time Hasegawa has fought in the last five months after losing and drawing with Dong Hyun Kim on back-to-back DEEP cards. If Sakurai's not on his game Hasegawa could steal a win but otherwise it's hard for me to pick against Sakurai.
Winner: Mach Sakurai

Caleb Newby: I'm not afraid to admit it. I know nothing about Hasegawa. He fought in DEEP, that's all I know. Mach Sakurai on the other hand, I know that cat. And he is more top tier level competition. So facing the prospect of a DEEP guy I know nothing about facing off against one of MMA's premier athletes, it's not difficult to choose. And yes, I realize my insight so far is not exactly that of which legends are made.
Winner: Sakurai – TKO, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: I suppose this all depends on how quickly they stand them up. Sakurai will TKO Hasegawa, it's just a matter of when. Hasegawa's only chance is to lay on him and ride him out to a decision loss, which won't happen.
Winner: Mach Sakurai, TKO, Rd2

Leland Roling: Hasegawa has had problems recently. He dropped a battle at DEEP 31 to Dong Hyun Kim, but then rematched him at DEEP 32, which ended in a controversial draw that many people felt Kim won. Either way, Hasegawa hasn't had impressive streaks of greatness. He's dropped a number of decisions to mid-tier competition, and hasn't defeated any opponents that were overly impressive in their careers.

Sakurai, on the other hand, has fought some of the best competition out there. In his last fight, he dominated recent TUF winner Mac Danzig and knocked him out cold in the second round of their PRIDE battle. He defeated Joachim Hansen, Jens Pulver, and won a hard fought decision over Shin'ya Aoki. With 7 wins in his last 8 fights, look for Sakurai to continue his dominance. Sakurai should be able to TKO Hasegawa sometime after the midpoint of this fight.
Winner: Hayato Sakurai, TKO, round 2


Shinya Aoki vs. Jung Bukyung

Damian Sarcuni: Oh those nutty Koreans, forever struggling to fit in with the rest of Asia. What a one sided match this is! We have Aoki, one of the most lethal submission artists Japan has ever seen, up against a Korean Judo silver medalist who has never had an MMA fight before. Sigh. I hope Bukyung at least gives Yoon Dong Sik or Sokoudjou a call. The road between Judo and MMA can sometimes be a long, hard one.
Winner: Aoki

Randy Harrison: Mr. Aoki, enjoy your late Christmas present courtesy of your good friends at M-1 and Yarennoka. Aoki was scheduled to face Gesias Calvancante in what was going to be the toughest test in either man's career and possibly a fight of the year candidate on the last night of 2007. Instead we get this fight which looks to be nothing more than a glorified training session for Aoki. Sure Bukyung is an Olympic silver medalist in judo, but he's been training full-time in MMA for less than a year, which leads me to believe that he will be in WAY over his head the second he grabs Aoki and tries to throw him to the mat. Unless he can throw Aoki clear out of the ring and concuss him on the floor with one of those judo throws, Aoki will take this one in a WALK.
Winner: Shinya Aoki, Submission, Rd 1

Dustin James: Speaking of under-matched. In pro wrestling this is what you call "WWF Superstars" material. You know, the matches where they have the Texas Tornado defeat Barry Hardy. I can't blame the Yarennoka officials to much though as Bukyung was a last minute replacement for the awesomeness that is JZ Calvancante. Too bad that match couldn't happen. Maybe Aoki will come down to the ring and then all of a sudden the lights will go out, then the lights will come back on and it's JZ and he has Aoki in a rear naked choke! Oh wait, it's NOT wrestling. Oops.
Winner: Shinya Aoki - Submission, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: Man it sucks that JZ got hurt as it ruined the possibility of an awesome fight. Instead bets will probably taken as to who will have the easier time: Aoki or Fedor. Jung is a good judo artist but his throws aren't the best in the world, according to Karo Parisyan, he throws like a little girl. Get well soon JZ.
Winner: Shinya Aoki, submission, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: From extraordinary bout v. a Top 10 lightweight to a showcase bout against a guy who no one outside of Japan has heard of. And even if you say you have I think you're lying.
Winner: Shinya Aoki by flying d'Arce choke

Caleb Newby: Like everyone, I am lamenting the lack of "JZ" in Bukyung's spot. If Aoki doesn't have the crazy long rainbow tights I'll be even more upset.
Winner: Aoki – Sub, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: And perhaps the fight of the year is ruined with this fight. Instead of staying up until 11am watching Yarennoka I suppose I'll stay up until 11am watching K-1 Dynamite all because JZ couldn't go. Aoki will win this fight simply and easily and if you could ever put your house on a fight do put it on this one.
Winner: Shinya Aoki, sub, Rd1

Leland Roling: Aoki is one of the best grapplers in mixed martial arts. Flexibility allows him to employ the rubber guard at will. He should be able to finish the 2000 Olympic judo medalist easily.
Winner: Shinya Aoki, submission, round 1


Fedor Emelianenko vs. Hong Man Choi

Damian Sarcuni: Oh wow, they put a white guy on this card?! Heh, I just kid. At this point if you pick against Fedor you are only doing so out of jealousy. However, don't underestimate Choi's skills! The man has incredible size and power, AND actual striking skills to back it up. His K-1 record speaks for itself, with wins over top opponents like Semmy Schilt and Bob Sapp. This one is over as soon as Fedor takes it to the ground, but it WILL be a competitive fight!
Winner: Emelianenko via submission round 1

Randy Harrison: Emelianenko is the recognized #1 heavyweight mixed marital artist in the world, despite his less than thrilling resume as of late. Choi is 1-0 in MMA and is known simply for being really, really big. I know that Choi has the ability to be a dangerous opponent and has some big kickboxing wins, but this is MMA and Fedor is going to eat him alive if he gets this fight to the mat. Fedor will win this fight by anything he wants and frankly, Choi might be lucky to escape with all of his limbs attached and the ability to walk.
Winner: Fedor Emelianenko, Submission, Rd 1

Dustin James: I don't really know what to say about this fight besides......hmmmmm. All's I know is that Fedor should not stand with Choi. He needs to take it to the ground as quick as possible and apply a submission. If Fedor stands with Choi he does have the possibility of getting caught. And folks. That would suck.
Winner: Fedor Emelianenko - Submission, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: Where's a GIF of someone laughing uncontrollably?
Winner: Fedor, however the hell he wants to end it, 5 seconds into the 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: I don't know if I'd laugh or cry or be angry or what if Hong Man Choi won this fight.
Winner: Fedor "If I don't fight a real opponent soon I don't deserve my #1 ranking" Emelianenko

Caleb Newby: I love these types of fights. I really do. I don't care what everyone else says. As long as Fedor is fighting some real competition a few months after this, it's all good. Fedor will take Hong Man Choi down and submit him in typical Fedor fashion. Not many surprises here.
Winner: Fedor – Sub, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: While Fedor might get a raw deal by idiots on the internet, he isn't helping his cause with these fights. Then again, Randy Couture fighting a 7'2 K-1 kickboxing champ would probably be all over ESPN and be a major deal, in Japan it's simply a freak match. Without knees Choi doesn't really have a chance. Fedor is going to close the distance, take him down, and submit him in the first round. That's pretty much that.
Winner: Fedor Emelianenko, sub, Rd1

Leland Roling: Choi was atrociously bad against Jerome Le Banner in the K-1 GP Final on the 8th of this month. Slow striking was countered by a much smaller opponent fairly easily. Add in the possibility of being taken down in an MMA matchup against one of the most dangerous men on the ground and it should equal an easy victory for Fedor.
Winner: Fedor Emelianenko, submission, round 1

K-1 HERO'S PREMIUM DYNAMITE

Punk Minowa vs. Zuluzinho

Damian Sarcuni: Who said Pride is dead? If you were looking for a circus match, you've found it. I hate it when Minowa takes on larger opponents who are actually skilled and then mysteriously beats them in matches that never seem to get broadcast in the US. It makes MMA seem so fa...fak...god I can't even say it. Anyway, logic and physics would states that Zuluzinho will win this easily, but Minowa fights rarely have much logic in them.
Winner: Minowa via submission round 1

Randy Harrison: The freakshow aspect of Pride is one of the reasons that I am glad that the promotion is gone, but thankfully there is K-1 Hero's to take up arms and continue to put on epicly mismatched opponents for everyone to shake their heads and giggle at. If Minowa can avoid being smothered by Zulu's rather prodigious tit-flesh. I think he can definitely manage to put the big ox on his back and submit him. Minowa better hope to get this done early cause the longer it goes the longer he risks having Zulu fall on top of him and end his career.
Winner: Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa, Submission, Rd 1

Dustin James: Yucccckkk. I have zero interest in this fight. Actually, I lie. I have a little interest. My interest lies in seeing if any kind of snack foods fall out of Zuluzinho's trunks. Especially if the fight lasts more than a round.
Winner: Chairs, they always breath a sigh of relief when Zuluzinho is standing.

Jeremy Lambert: PUNK~! FREAK FIGHT~! AWESOMENESS~! Unless Zulu falls on Punk and turns him into a pancake, Punk is taking this one.
Winner: Punk Minowa, submission, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: Freak Show match one of three and if you really pushed me on it, one of four. Minowa beats freak show fighters but can't really do anything against the real guys. His best win may be against Phil Baroni or maybe Stefan Leko. He faces a man here who has more fat flaps than he does actual muscle. So I think Minowa can handle himself here...that is of course he finds himself on his back. In which case have mercy.
Winner: Ikuhisa "Punk" Minowa

Caleb Newby: Oh this is great. More crazy circus matches! 400 pound Zulu vs. 180ish Minowa. Give me cartwheels, summersaults, and playing to the crowd please! As much as I'd love to see Zulu take this one, I am going to have to go with the potentially insane Minowa.
Winner: Minowa – Sub, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: I struggle to be the first person to pick Zulu but I don't know that I can do it. Fine, Minowa will probably roll into him and get a first round sub but for some reason I have a respect for Zulu I probably shouldn't have. That Zulu/Butterbean roll was maybe the greatest experience of my life.
Winner: Punk Minowa, sub, Rd1

Leland Roling: When Zulu shows me he can actually pull guard, I might consider picking him. For now, his weight will be an advantage, but a disadvantage as well. He doesn't have the mobility or flexibility to stop Minowa from moving around him quickly.
Winner: Minowa, submission, round 2


Bob Sapp vs. Bobby Ologun

Damian Sarcuni: One of the annoying things about having K-1 Hero's run a card is that so often they call upon their kickboxing lineup to round out their cards. Both Sapp and Ologun are Japanese celebrities who are on somewhat of a comeback trail. Sapp is the clear favorite here, but Ologun does have experience facing larger opponents...then subsequently losing to them. Eh, whatever, this match is more meant as a money maker than anything else. Ologun needs to take it to the ground. That probably won't happen.
Winner: Sapp via KO round 1

Randy Harrison: Bob Sapp is looking to come into his Strikeforce appearance in 2008 with some momentum and he'll be looking to gain that momentum from beating up on Bobby Ologun. I don't know a ton about Ologun but I do know that Sapp is HUGE and a bad, bad man, so as long as he can avoid having Ologun "brokeded his nose" Sapp should finish this one off in relatively short order.
Winner: Bob Sapp, TKO, Rd 1

Dustin James: Wow, I didn't know that Bob Sapp was fighting on this card. I honestly can't see Sapp losing to Ologun. Sapp will want to keep the fight standing and try to knock Ologun out. I can try to close my eyes and see if I can see another outcomes besides a Sapp TKO......but it doesn't happen.
Winner: Bob Sapp - TKO, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: With a freak fight and Bob Sapp opening the card I'm starting to believe TNA put this card together. The only thing I know about Ologun is that Hong Man Choi knocked him out in 16 seconds. So for everyone say Sapp takes this in a walk, I challenge him to knock out Ologun in 15 seconds or less. That will make this fight interesting, YEAH! *thumbs up*
Winner: Bob Sapp, 1st round, 22 seconds

Lotfi Sariahmed: Freak Show match two of three. I don't want to say anything that will get me in trouble here so I'll tread carefully. Lets just say I don't think Bob Sapp got the way he did without some extra help. He'll steamroll this Ologun character and continue to be the freak show potentially on his way to the WWE or maybe even TNA. Who cares about this fight? Honestly.
Winner: Bob Sapp

Caleb Newby: If we had to see this many fights of this type all throughout the year I would start to mind. Let's see Sapp win here and then get his much(?) anticipated fight against Mark Hunt later in 2008.
Winner: Sapp – TKO, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: Bob Sapp is fighting meaning Bob Sapp needs money. I really hope after two years that he gets wrecked but I won't get my hopes up.
Winner: Bob Sapp, TKO, Rd1

Leland Roling: Ologun's comedic act is popular in Japan, but when you take on a "Beast" in Bob Sapp, you better have some significant skill to counter his power and size. Ologun really doesn't have that factor. Look for Sapp to begin bringing his legacy back in Japan.
Winner: Bob Sapp, TKO, round 1


Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Masakatsu Funaki

Damian Sarcuni: Oh cool, Funaki is fighting again! Heh...heh...heh....

WHAT THE HELL IS HE THINKING?!

Sakuraba is well past his prime yes, but Funaki is a LUNATIC to take this fight, or any fight! Not only is he past his prime, he hasn't fought in almost seven years. His greatest accomplishment in MMA is arguably lasting nearly 13 minutes in the ring with Rickson Gracie, which is all well and good but hardly warrants a fight against Sakuraba at this stage in the game. If Japan had a serious athletic commission, there's no way they would approve this fight.
Winner: Sakuraba via decision (I hope)

Randy Harrison: Mr. Sakuraba, enjoy your late Christmas present courtesy of your good friends at K-1 Hero's. To say Funaki has been inactive would be an understatement as the man has barely fought since the world's odometer clicked on past the old 2000 mark. Sure Sakuraba has slowed down and various injuries and the amount of wars he's been in over the years have taken their toll, but he's still entertaining to watch and this is going to be a fight where he has an opponent that he can entertain with and look good against. It won't set the MMA world on fire, but it will be very well received by Sakuraba's adoring public in Japan.
Winner: Kazushi Sakuraba, Decision

Dustin James: Another Wow. I didn't know that Funaki was back either. I must be slipping. This fight is going to be one sided beyond belief. Sakuraba will come out and finish Funaki with a submission before Funaki can say "Bingo". Yes, that was a sad attempt at an old joke aimed at Funaki. Either way, this match would never happen on U.S. soil because of the law preventing senior citizens to compete in MMA. Ok, I'll stop now.
Winner: Kazushi Sakuraba - Submission, Rd 1

Jeremy Lambert: And the wrestling theme continues with a guy named Funaki on the card. INDEED! Funaki hasn't fought in 7 years so who knows how his skills are these days. My guess is...diminished. Sakuraba is past his prime but he's at least fought more than one time this century and he's still Kazushi F'N Sakuraba.
Winner: Kazushi Sakuraba, submission, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: Just imagine your grandfather were to fight my grandfather. Now just add a pinch of MMA ability (and I do mean a pinch) and you have this fight. These fighters should have retired or in Funaki's case, stay retired.
Winner: The AARP because of the free plugs on the HDNet broadcast

Caleb Newby: Ok, these strange fights are starting to get a little… much. Funaki last fought in 2000. George W. Bush was newly elected. Britney Spears was more or less normal and popular. I was in college. Things don't look good for Funaki.
Winner: Sakuraba – Sub, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: Historian I am, I really have nothing to add about this fight. Sakuraba should retire and Funaki should have stayed so. How does this not have the makings of Saku winning by fixed decision? Is there money I could stake on this?
Winner: Kazushi Sakuraba, decision

Leland Roling: Legend vs. Legend except Funaki hasn't fought since 2000. A great submission grappler, Funaki has beaten some of the best in the world nearly a decade ago. Now he'll have to meet a fighter who has been fighting in the new school of mixed martial arts. Can he stop Sakuraba from trouncing him? I don't think so.
Winner: Kazushi Sakuraba, TKO, round 2


Joachim Hansen vs. Kazuyuki Miyata

Damian Sarcuni: I firmly believe that Jaoachim Hansen is the man capable of bringing the entire UFC/WEC lightweight division to its knees. I get so upset when I see Pride fighters who don't necessarily do well in big time UFC matches, because I know guys like Fedor and Hansen are the ones who will rip through the division. Of course, these are the guys that just "happen" to not get signed. Anyway, Hansen is getting a throw away match here. Miyata's got a mixed, inexperienced record with nothing interesting on it except a loss to Genki Sudo. Ah well, it'll be entertaining to watch Hellboy work.
Winner: Hansen via submission round 2

Randy Harrison: Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen is coming off of a hotly disputed loss in his return to Shooto recently and is going to be looking to prove himself against a tough opponent in Miyata. Miyata has had trouble everytime he has stepped up in competition level and Hansen is definitely a step-up when it comes to the lighter fighters. Hansen is going to have a chip on his shoulder coming in, and he's going to be wanting to prove a point and make Miyata his own personal bitch. Hansen wins big and redeems himself in this one, submitting the cagy Miyata.
Winner: Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen, Submission, Rd 1

Dustin James: Hansen is basically getting a feeder match here and man does he need it. He's coming off a decision loss to Eiji Mitsuoka that happened back in November. Not to mention Hansen is 2-4 in his last 6 fights. Ouch. That's not good for a fighter who is as talented as Hellboy is. He should get back on the winning track here.
Winner: Joachim Hansen - Submission, Rd 2

Jeremy Lambert: You wouldn't know it from his past few fights but Hansen actually has some talent. Miyata on the other hand has a 5-5 pro record and doesn't seem to fair too well against top level fighters. This fight is basically a confidence booster fight for Hansen, much like Matt Hughes has admitted he took early in his career. Hopefully it works for Hansen as well as it worked for Hughes.
Winner: Joechim Hansen, tko, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: Would you look at that a real fight? "Hellboy" is back after a shocking loss in his return to MMA competition against Eiji Mitsuoka. On his best day, Hansen is a top 10 lightweight. Unfortunately with two losses in his last three fights (albeit one of them was to Aoki in the gogoplata fight), there are some questions about Hansen. With losses to Aoki, Kawajiri and Sakurai in three of his last six fights, is Hansen on the downside of his career? I doubt it, but it's not an absurd question. Miyata's a step up in class from Mitsuoka but the top 10 lightweight Hansen should be able to handle him.
Winner: Joachim Hansen

Caleb Newby: I really like Joachim Hansen and want to see him get on a roll. Miyata should be just the guy to get that roll going.
Winner: Hansen – Sub, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: I genuinely have less to say about this than nearly any fight ever. I don't think Hansen can finish Miyata, which is sad in it's own right considering how much better he is. Hellboy will win this fight, sadly I have little else to say and I feel stupid for saying that.
Winner: Joachim Hansen, decision

Leland Roling: Hansen had some tough luck in his last fight in which the judges felt his opponent won after a controversial second round. Lucky for Hansen, he can now redeem himself with a big win over Miyata, a less than stellar opponent. Hansen should be able to put Miyata to the floor for the submission.
Winner: Joachim Hansen, submission, round 2


Kid Yamamoto vs. Rani Yahya

Damian Sarcuni: Welcome back! (doo doo) Your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back! (doo doo) to that same old place that yo- what do you mean you don't know that song? It's not THAT old! Sigh...Yamamoto is back from a feeble attempt at surpassing the MMA sport. Before that, he was on a serious dominant winning streak, finishing off some top opponents far faster than a wrestler should be able to. His fight in September was a grind to a decision, but he should just now be about back up to speed with his ring rust shaken off. Yahya, meanwhile, has found some success both in K-1 Hero's and in the WEC, besides a loss to the dominant Chase Beebe. It's hard to call this one. Yamamoto will want to keep it standing, but it's hard to tell who is the superior ground fighter. I think Yamamoto has a few more tools to use in this fight, but Yahya catching a slick submission won't surprise me either.
Winner: Yamamoto via TKO round 3

Randy Harrison: The always exciting Kid Yamamoto makes his return to K-1 and he's drawn a worthy opponent in ground fighting wizard Rani Yahya. Yahya is fresh from taking WEC Champ Chase Bebee the distance but I don't think that is going to help him against someone as devastating as Yamamoto is. I don't care much for Kid personally as I've always thought that he's a bit of an ass, but there's no disputing the talent that he has and the talent gap between Kid and Yahya, while not huge, is more than enough to decide this fight. Kid has a bad taste in his mouth from his last foray into fighting and he's going to want to take it out on someone. Unfortunately for Yahya, he's that someone.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto, TKO Rd 1

Dustin James: It's hard not get excited about a Kid Yamamoto fight. Last time I saw Yahya he was fighting in WEC, and he could give Yamamoto some real competition. However, I think Kid is too good as well as too AWESOME to lose this fight. Kid didn't look good in his last fight so you can bet he will go for a quick KO of Yahya.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto - TKO, Rd 2

Jeremy Lambert: Yahya is a worthy opponent for Kid but coming off of a lackluster performance and having as much talent doesn't bode well for Yahya. If Yahya can weather a quick storm from Kid, I think he'll have a decent chance of taking it to decision and possibly winning but I expect Kid to come out strong and end this one early, erasing his performance against Fernandes from the minds of fans.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto, tko, 1st round

Lotfi Sariahmed: Yamamoto hasn't lost since 2002 to Stephen Palling, a winning streak of 13 in a row with nine of those coming by knockout. Bibiano Fernandes certainly didn't lose his last fight to the man they call Kid for lack of trying. Yamamoto squeaked out a unanimous decision victory in relatively unimpressive fashion. You could chalk it up to a nine month layoff between fights but, like Hansen, Yamamoto's going into this bout with some questions. And while Yahya is coming into this bout with Yamamoto after being manhandled by Chase Beebe, he's still very talented on the ground. Yamamoto can't afford to just get by on a performance similar to his one against Fernandes if he wants win #14.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto

Caleb Newby: This is going to be fun. I love me some Rani (how can his chasing after Hominick like a madman after a takedown not make you smile?) and he is slick on the ground, but he won't be able to overcome Kid's striking and wrestling. Kid is one of the best pound for pound guys in the game today, and I'd be shocked if he was defeated here.
Winner: Yamamoto – TKO, Rd1

Michael Huckaby: I <3 Yahya but Yamamoto is probably going to just kill him. This kills me, Yahya/Beebe was easily one of the top fights of the year but Yamamoto has such a striking advantage I can't even fathom that Yahya can win. Yamamoto will stuff his takedowns and just rain down blows.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto, TKO, Rd2

Leland Roling: Kid Yamamoto has unbelievable wrestling ability and pure power for his frame. He'll be stronger than Yahya, and his wrestling should nullify Yahya's submissions. Yahya does have a tough will to survive and should be able to last, but Yamamoto will most likely dominate the fight.
Winner: Kid Yamamoto, decision



Everyone agrees!? Does that mean it is all already written in stone? Not likely, as MMA has the tendancy to cause upsets, but time will tell. Thanks for reading, and see ya next time!