Two More Blockbuster Fights At "Yarennoka!"
by Robert Sargent
At Hayato "Mach" Sakurai's newly-formed Mach Dojo, two more incredible lightweight battles were announced for the upcoming M-1 Global "Yarennoka!" event on New Year's Eve, including Gilbert "El Niņo" Melendez and the return of Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri.
The fights are in addition to battles between Gesias "JZ Calvan" Calvancante and Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki, and Hidehiko Hasegawa vs Hayato "Mach" Sakurai.
Undefeated Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (13-0), the #3-ranked lightweight in the world, will battle against former Shooto Pacific Rim Lightweight Champion Mitsuhiro Ishida, and Tatsuya Kawajiri, the #5-ranked lightweight, will return to action after a one-year hiatus when he battles former PRIDE contender Luiz Azeredo. In a continuance of M-1 Global's working relationship with the DEEP promotion in Japan, DEEP representative Shigeru Saeki announced both fights.
Melendez is coming off of a victory over Tetsuji Kato in Strikeforce in September, and holds victories over Rumina Sato, Clay Guida and Tatsuya Kawajiri. He is widely regarded as the best North American lightweight fighter in the world. A convincing victory over Ishida could vault Melendez up a spot (or two) in the lightweight rankings. Ishida has not fought in one year, since losing to Takanori Gomi at PRIDE Shockwave 2006, but holds a victory over Marcus Aurelio and is a very dangerous opponent for Melendez. Both fighters are fast-paced and exciting, which should translate to an incredible battle.
Kawajiri and Azeredo both have something in common, in that both were involved in Fight of the Year candidate battles with Takanori Gomi on the same night at PRIDE Bushido 9. Both were defeated on that night, with Kawajiri losing by rear naked choke and Azeredo losing by decision. Kawajiri's fight got the nod as PRIDE Fight of the Year for 2005.
Kawajiri's last fight was one year ago, at PRIDE Shockwave 2006, where he lost a close decision to Gilbert Melendez. An injury after the fight prevented him from competing in the next Shooto event. He took the remainder of 2007 off, but looks to return to form in his battle with Azeredo. Kawajiri holds victories over Yves Edwards, Joachim Hansen and Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, and is one of only two fighters to ever defeat Vitor "Shaolin" Ribiero. Azeredo has also taken 2007 off, after winning his last fight over Paul Daley at Cage Rage 17 last December. He is one of only four fighters to ever defeat current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. Both Azeredo and Kawajiri are extremely aggressive fighters, who know only one speed and that is lightning fast. This battle could very easily be a show-stealer.
In addition to the four outstanding lightweight battles, #1-ranked heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko will be competing on the card, though his opponent has not been officially determined. He was tentatively scheduled to battle Hong Man Choi, but Hong will be competing against famed kickboxer Jerome LeBanner this weekend, and his participation in "Yarennoka!" is uncertain. Other rumoured opponents for Emelianenko include #10-ranked light heavyweight Ricardo Arona, #3-ranked heavyweight Josh Barnett and former PRIDE heavyweight star, and K-1 Grand Prix winner, Mark Hunt. A Barnett/Hunt rematch has also been rumoured as a possible bout on the card.
Regardless of how the rest of the card turns out, "Yarennoka!" already has all of the makings to be the greatest mixed martial arts event in history. Failing that, it will most definitely feature four of the most entertaining lightweight battles to ever take place in MMA.
"Yarennoka!" is unquestionably a not-to-be-missed event.
