RIZIN FF World GP 2016 Round One Results and Highlights
RIZIN FF World GP 2016 Round One Results and Highlights
RIZIN FF returned last evening with their RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016 -- 1st Round event that took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.The
RIZIN FF returned last evening with their RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016 -- 1st Round event that took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The card featured a 13-bout strong card consisting of the opening round of the organization's 16-man open weight tournament, and some additional non-tournament match-ups that included some familiar faces.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779931024109277184" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
There stunning knockouts, epic post-fight promos, amazing visuals, and, well…Charles 'Crazy Horse' Bennett.
Here are the results and highlights of a crazy night in Saitama, Japan. Credit to @Jolassanda, @ZPGIFs and @GrabakaHitman for another night of fantastic work.
Fight #1 -- Open Weight: Gabi Garcia def. Destanie Yarbrough via submission (keylock) -- Round 1, 2:42
The size discrepancy between the two females was a remarkable sight and it was unsurprising to see that it was Garcia's strength and size that made the difference.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779936452486529024" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
After a few exchanges on the feet, Garcia took the fight to the mat with a takedown and worked her way into full mount where she easily locked up a keylock. Speaking afterward, Garcia declared herself 'The Queen of Japan'.
Fight #2 -- Strawweight (115): Kanako Murata def. Kyra Batara via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779941587816251392" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779940018928357376" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Kanako Murata took home a unanimous decision victory over Kyra Batara in a strawweight affair that went the distance. No doubt powered by her 'Cup Noodle' mascot cheering her on at ringside, Murata had the advantage both on the feet and on the ground where she punished Batara with some stinging knees.
Fight #3 -- Featherweight (145): Charles Bennett def. Minoru Kimura via TKO (punches) -- Round 1, 0:07
Where do we start with this one? The fight lasted all of seven seconds when Kimura came running out the corner and straight into the right hand of 'Crazy Horse' and it was over.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779947104693325824" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779947516641050625" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779949531005870080" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
What followed was one of the promos of all time with Bennett calling out Wanderlei Silva who sat at ringside. Don't just take my word for it. Watch it.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/LegKickTKO/status/779948504701607936" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/campbellcombate/status/779952192149000192" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Just to cap off the craziness, both Bennett and Wanderlei were later involved in a backstage altercation that was captured on camera.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKxkLO3Ako5/" hide_caption="0"]
Fight #4 -- Tournament: Szymon Bajor def. Teodorasu Aukstuolis via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/779953374842134533" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Just when it looked like it was going to be a night of circus acts, Szymon Bajor and Teodorasu Aukstuolis came out and put on an entertaining fight to kick off the 2016 tournament. In the end, it was Bajor who got the decision after getting an important takedown and getting himself into mount from where he rained down ground and pound for a solid three minutes to close out the fight.
In the end, it was Bajor who got the decision after getting an important takedown and getting himself into mount from where he rained down ground and pound for a solid three minutes to close out the fight.
Fight #5 -- Tournament: Amir Aliakbari def. Joao Almeida via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 2:25
Aliakbari advanced with ease in his first-round fight against the Brazilian, Joao Almeida. Aliakbari took the fight to the mat and worked into a crucifix position where he rained down punches for a good minute and a half without answer.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/779956096316219392" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Almeida didn't like the stoppage, but there seemed no way out for him with further punishment prolonged punishment seemingly seen as unnecessary in the eyes of the referee. Aliakbari advances in the 2016 World Grand Prix.
Fight #6 -- Tournament: Valentin Moldavsky def. Karl Albrektsson via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779962172885635073" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The Russian, Valentin Moldavsky kept his unbeaten record and recorded his fifth straight victory with a unanimous decision victory against Karl Albrektsson in the first round of the open weight tournament. Moldavsky will now go on to face Szymon Bajor in the next round on December 29.
Fight #7 -- Tournament: Jiri Prochazka def. Mark Tanios via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779968342039863296" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The tournament continued with the Czech Jiri Prochazka taking the unanimous decision over Mark Tanios. Prochazka showed his dominance in the stand-up and looked to have just a touch more variety and speed in striking. The highlight of the bout was this terrific flying knee that Prochazka landed.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779968266437529600" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Fight #8 -- Bantamweight: Erson Yamamoto def. Kizaemon Saiga via split decision
What a fight! After several slow paced, one-sided fights, Erson Yamamoto and Kizaemon Saiga put on a back and forth barnburner that went the distance.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779974032208850944" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779973596869488640" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779975719048839168" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The fight had everything; a suplex, flying knees, and a relentless pace with both men leaving everything they had in the ring. When it was all said and done, Yamamoto took the split decision and in doing so, earned his first ever professional MMA victory. If you get the chance make sure you go watch this fight.
Fight #9 -- Lightweight -- Daron Cruickshank def. Andy Souwer via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 1, 4:10
Former UFC lightweight Daron Cruickshank notched up his second win in RIZIN FF with a dominant performance over Andy Souwer.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779987029245489152" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Cruickshank took the fight to the mat with a single leg takedown and then took Souwer's back to get the tap with the rear-naked choke.
Fight #10 -- Tournament Bout -- Kaito Hoovelson def. Kazuyuki Fujita via unanimous decision
After several high-quality fights, it was time for the last spectacle bout of the evening.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779990576716472320" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The visual size discrepancy between the two was jarring for anyone used to seeing heavyweights fight at a maximum of 265-pounds. After a sluggish, slow back bout, the 401-pound Kaito 'Baruto' Hoovelson picked up the unanimous decision. It's a not a fight you need to go back to watch.
Fight #11 -- Tournament Bout: Mirko Filipovic def. Hyun Man Myung via submission (arm-triangle) -- Round 1, 2:20
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779995127557292032" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The legendary Cro Cop came into the fight an overwhelming favorite and the upset never looked likely as he dominated from the opening bell. Cro Cop dragged Man Myung down to the mat within the opening minute and after a few adjustments and transitions, he locked on an arm-triangle choke to get the tap.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779996565377351682" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
No sooner had the fight finished, Cro Cop took the mic and called in Wanderlei Silva who was sitting ringside. Silva entered the ring with a mark under his left eye that presumably occurred during his backstage altercation earlier in the night with Bennett. After a few exchanges on the microphone, Cro Cop challenged Silva to a fight at the finals in December.
The Brazilian confirmed he was impressed with Filipovic's performance and accepted the challenge.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/TheRealWashie/status/779998680782811136" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
RIZIN FF chief, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, who was also sitting ringside, then confirmed to the ring announcer that the two would indeed face each other in the second round of the open weight tournament on December 29 …. only in Japan.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780000223867314176" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Fight #12 -- Catchweight: Rena Kubota def. Miyuu Yamamoto via submission (front choke) -- Round 1, 4:52
25-year-old Rena Kubota picked up the win in a battle of two women making their professional MMA debut. The fight was bizarre to say the least, with Rena throwing only a single strike in the first two minutes.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780005721182203904" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
With a minute and a half left in the first round, Yamamoto went for a takedown and succeeded putting Rena on her back. Unfortunately for Yamamoto, she was caught with two big up kicks as she looked to get into Rena's guard. With 30-seconds left in the round and her opponent dazed, Rena got back to her feet and locked in a front choke.
After a brief struggle, Yamamoto was eventually forced to tap with just seconds in the round remaining.
With 30-seconds left in the round and her opponent dazed, Rena got back to her feet and locked in a front choke. After a brief struggle, Yamamoto was eventually forced to tap with just seconds in the round remaining.
Fight #13 -- Featherweight: Kron Gracie def. Hideo Tokoro via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 9:45
In the main event of the evening, Kron Gracie took home the spoils with a submission victory over Hideo Tokoro.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780005721182203904" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
It was a highly entertaining fight that saw several transitions and reversals on the mat as both fighters actively searched for submissions. Gracie was the more dominant of the two, and after wearing his opponent down for over nine and a half minutes, the Brazilian was eventually able to sink in the rear-naked choke for the win with just 15-seconds remaining in the opening round.
The fight capped a fine evening of action at the Saitama Super Arena.
The card featured a 13-bout strong card consisting of the opening round of the organization's 16-man open weight tournament, and some additional non-tournament match-ups that included some familiar faces.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779931024109277184" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
There stunning knockouts, epic post-fight promos, amazing visuals, and, well…Charles 'Crazy Horse' Bennett.
Here are the results and highlights of a crazy night in Saitama, Japan. Credit to @Jolassanda, @ZPGIFs and @GrabakaHitman for another night of fantastic work.
Fight #1 -- Open Weight: Gabi Garcia def. Destanie Yarbrough via submission (keylock) -- Round 1, 2:42
The size discrepancy between the two females was a remarkable sight and it was unsurprising to see that it was Garcia's strength and size that made the difference.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779936452486529024" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
After a few exchanges on the feet, Garcia took the fight to the mat with a takedown and worked her way into full mount where she easily locked up a keylock. Speaking afterward, Garcia declared herself 'The Queen of Japan'.
Fight #2 -- Strawweight (115): Kanako Murata def. Kyra Batara via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779941587816251392" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779940018928357376" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Kanako Murata took home a unanimous decision victory over Kyra Batara in a strawweight affair that went the distance. No doubt powered by her 'Cup Noodle' mascot cheering her on at ringside, Murata had the advantage both on the feet and on the ground where she punished Batara with some stinging knees.
Fight #3 -- Featherweight (145): Charles Bennett def. Minoru Kimura via TKO (punches) -- Round 1, 0:07
Where do we start with this one? The fight lasted all of seven seconds when Kimura came running out the corner and straight into the right hand of 'Crazy Horse' and it was over.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779947104693325824" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779947516641050625" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779949531005870080" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
What followed was one of the promos of all time with Bennett calling out Wanderlei Silva who sat at ringside. Don't just take my word for it. Watch it.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/LegKickTKO/status/779948504701607936" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/campbellcombate/status/779952192149000192" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Just to cap off the craziness, both Bennett and Wanderlei were later involved in a backstage altercation that was captured on camera.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKxkLO3Ako5/" hide_caption="0"]
Fight #4 -- Tournament: Szymon Bajor def. Teodorasu Aukstuolis via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/779953374842134533" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Just when it looked like it was going to be a night of circus acts, Szymon Bajor and Teodorasu Aukstuolis came out and put on an entertaining fight to kick off the 2016 tournament. In the end, it was Bajor who got the decision after getting an important takedown and getting himself into mount from where he rained down ground and pound for a solid three minutes to close out the fight.
In the end, it was Bajor who got the decision after getting an important takedown and getting himself into mount from where he rained down ground and pound for a solid three minutes to close out the fight.
Fight #5 -- Tournament: Amir Aliakbari def. Joao Almeida via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 2:25
Aliakbari advanced with ease in his first-round fight against the Brazilian, Joao Almeida. Aliakbari took the fight to the mat and worked into a crucifix position where he rained down punches for a good minute and a half without answer.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/779956096316219392" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Almeida didn't like the stoppage, but there seemed no way out for him with further punishment prolonged punishment seemingly seen as unnecessary in the eyes of the referee. Aliakbari advances in the 2016 World Grand Prix.
Fight #6 -- Tournament: Valentin Moldavsky def. Karl Albrektsson via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779962172885635073" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The Russian, Valentin Moldavsky kept his unbeaten record and recorded his fifth straight victory with a unanimous decision victory against Karl Albrektsson in the first round of the open weight tournament. Moldavsky will now go on to face Szymon Bajor in the next round on December 29.
Fight #7 -- Tournament: Jiri Prochazka def. Mark Tanios via unanimous decision
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779968342039863296" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The tournament continued with the Czech Jiri Prochazka taking the unanimous decision over Mark Tanios. Prochazka showed his dominance in the stand-up and looked to have just a touch more variety and speed in striking. The highlight of the bout was this terrific flying knee that Prochazka landed.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779968266437529600" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Fight #8 -- Bantamweight: Erson Yamamoto def. Kizaemon Saiga via split decision
What a fight! After several slow paced, one-sided fights, Erson Yamamoto and Kizaemon Saiga put on a back and forth barnburner that went the distance.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779974032208850944" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779973596869488640" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779975719048839168" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The fight had everything; a suplex, flying knees, and a relentless pace with both men leaving everything they had in the ring. When it was all said and done, Yamamoto took the split decision and in doing so, earned his first ever professional MMA victory. If you get the chance make sure you go watch this fight.
Fight #9 -- Lightweight -- Daron Cruickshank def. Andy Souwer via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 1, 4:10
Former UFC lightweight Daron Cruickshank notched up his second win in RIZIN FF with a dominant performance over Andy Souwer.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779987029245489152" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Cruickshank took the fight to the mat with a single leg takedown and then took Souwer's back to get the tap with the rear-naked choke.
Fight #10 -- Tournament Bout -- Kaito Hoovelson def. Kazuyuki Fujita via unanimous decision
After several high-quality fights, it was time for the last spectacle bout of the evening.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/779990576716472320" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The visual size discrepancy between the two was jarring for anyone used to seeing heavyweights fight at a maximum of 265-pounds. After a sluggish, slow back bout, the 401-pound Kaito 'Baruto' Hoovelson picked up the unanimous decision. It's a not a fight you need to go back to watch.
Fight #11 -- Tournament Bout: Mirko Filipovic def. Hyun Man Myung via submission (arm-triangle) -- Round 1, 2:20
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779995127557292032" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
The legendary Cro Cop came into the fight an overwhelming favorite and the upset never looked likely as he dominated from the opening bell. Cro Cop dragged Man Myung down to the mat within the opening minute and after a few adjustments and transitions, he locked on an arm-triangle choke to get the tap.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/779996565377351682" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
No sooner had the fight finished, Cro Cop took the mic and called in Wanderlei Silva who was sitting ringside. Silva entered the ring with a mark under his left eye that presumably occurred during his backstage altercation earlier in the night with Bennett. After a few exchanges on the microphone, Cro Cop challenged Silva to a fight at the finals in December.
The Brazilian confirmed he was impressed with Filipovic's performance and accepted the challenge.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/TheRealWashie/status/779998680782811136" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
RIZIN FF chief, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, who was also sitting ringside, then confirmed to the ring announcer that the two would indeed face each other in the second round of the open weight tournament on December 29 …. only in Japan.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780000223867314176" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
Fight #12 -- Catchweight: Rena Kubota def. Miyuu Yamamoto via submission (front choke) -- Round 1, 4:52
25-year-old Rena Kubota picked up the win in a battle of two women making their professional MMA debut. The fight was bizarre to say the least, with Rena throwing only a single strike in the first two minutes.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780005721182203904" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
With a minute and a half left in the first round, Yamamoto went for a takedown and succeeded putting Rena on her back. Unfortunately for Yamamoto, she was caught with two big up kicks as she looked to get into Rena's guard. With 30-seconds left in the round and her opponent dazed, Rena got back to her feet and locked in a front choke.
After a brief struggle, Yamamoto was eventually forced to tap with just seconds in the round remaining.
With 30-seconds left in the round and her opponent dazed, Rena got back to her feet and locked in a front choke. After a brief struggle, Yamamoto was eventually forced to tap with just seconds in the round remaining.
Fight #13 -- Featherweight: Kron Gracie def. Hideo Tokoro via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 9:45
In the main event of the evening, Kron Gracie took home the spoils with a submission victory over Hideo Tokoro.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/780005721182203904" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
It was a highly entertaining fight that saw several transitions and reversals on the mat as both fighters actively searched for submissions. Gracie was the more dominant of the two, and after wearing his opponent down for over nine and a half minutes, the Brazilian was eventually able to sink in the rear-naked choke for the win with just 15-seconds remaining in the opening round.
The fight capped a fine evening of action at the Saitama Super Arena.