Sengoku 11 Quick Hits Pt. 1
The “bastard” children that were born from the ashes of Pride FC continue to impress.
Namely Sengoku has done a particular outstanding job in filling in the void that was left after the Yakuza had dipped there hands in the downfall of the UFC’s than number one competitor.
The 11th installment of this organization went without its fair share of drama, controversies and of course loveable personalities—all the ingredients of what makes up a great promotion, especially those over seas where it seems the people of Japan often favor production over fights that hold credence in the world of mixed arts.
Highlighted below are some of the more significant bouts of the evening’s festivities:
-Dave Herman defeats Jim York via KO (Up kick), Rd. 1
This once promising prospect in Herman initially came on the scene through the EliteXC ranks, with wins over goliaths Mario Rinaldi and Ron Waterman before facing tested UFC veteran Kerry Schall, dispatching him in a matter of 66 seconds. Undefeated at the time, Herman eventually locked horns with the likes of Choi Mu Bae in his intial inception at Sengoku 3, losing via technical knockout in the second round.
Though he’s been able to rally back since than with wins over Josh Barnes and legend Don Frye, its his performance here today at Sengoku, though a win, has left more questions than answers.
Man handled in the early moments of the fight, York established his own pace with a relentless attack of powerful shots, stunning “Pee Wee” with a two-jab combo almost immediately. Herman did his best to take the fight to the ground, but alas, York’s patience and takedown defense nullified any offense delivered by his opponent. Uppercuts to the dome rock Herman before a failed head kick attempt puts him on his back, with York close behind, fishing for a heel hook.
However, Herman had other plans. Dave defends the hold by launching kicks to the head while both men or on their backs catches, a few of which catch York right on the chin. One after another land before Jim goes limp and the bout is ruled a KO.
The knockout in itself was impressive in itself; however, with most rules universally not-allowing kicks or knees to the head of a grounded opponent, one would have to imagine that Herman might have been leaving Japan 0-2 in his two outings for Sengoku.
Suffering from the “Roy Nelson syndrome”, Herman doesn’t have any-one particular camp to call his own, but rather relies on natural talent and technique instead of putting his own ego in check in favor of bigger and better things.
One Roy Nelson is enough—please, “Pee Wee”.
Jorge Masvidal defeats Satoru Kitaoka via KO (Punches, Rd. 2
On a lighter note, former highlight reel victim turned lightweight prospect Jorge Masvidal has done it again. This former street fighter turned mixed martial artist racks up another win over another former champion in Satoru Kitaoka, who in turn, put in one of his worst performances to date.
This Joe Stevenson body-double has one of, if not the most predictable style in all of mixed martial arts. Matt Hughes, eat your heart out, I dub thee, Kitaoka, as the official “one trick pony” of MMA today, period.
To my recollection, I don’t think the first and former Sengoku Lightweight champion threw one jab, punch, kick, feint, head butt, groin kick…anything!
Masvidal dominated from start to finish, albeit Kitaoka was able to put Jorge on his back a number of times, it was the American Top Team product that remained active throughout, locking in guillotine chokes and waiting patiently for his openings. Satoru several times attempted his signature Achilles locks, before realizing midway through, he was getting pounded in the face by the Floridian.
In the closing moments of the first round, Masvidal again was able to lock in a guillotine choke, which had some “umph” to it visibly so, as when the final bell rang, Kitaoka had to be carried to his stool, limping and heaving along the way.
It seemed like only a matter of time before his body quit on him as he was visibly worn from his scrappy Cuban friend, Masvidal.
Though Satoru answered the bell going into the second, he left his heart on the stool, as Jorge patiently waited for Kitaoka’s offense. Successfully landing a double leg, Masvidal again quickly locked in a guillotine choke, before reversing position and landing a barrage of punches that instantly sent any residence in the mind of Kitaoka packing, quickly; no one was home.
With wins over former IFL champion Ryan Schultz, UFC main-stay Joe Lauzon, Yves Edwards, Kimbo protégé “Ray” and NOW Satoru…does this account for a title shot against Mizuto Hirota?
Abso-[expletive]-lutely.
If anyone knows the sort of standup prowess that Hirota possesses, than they would know that a matchup with Masvidal not only holds some significance in the MMA world, but it’s just as much a treat for the fans.
–Stay tuned in for Part 2 of Sengoku 11: Quick Hits, featuring the Jorge Santiago upset, as well as Hatsu Hioki robbery (you thought you’ve seen a rob job come UFC 104 with Machida versus Shogun, but wait till you see this). Also—Kazanori Yokota: bald man with a heart of gold.
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