Sengoku: "Ninth Battle" Results
by Robert Sargent
World Victory Road crowned its first Featherweight Champion at Sengoku: "Ninth Battle," but it wasn't without considerable controversy. After losing earlier in the night, Masanori Kanehara replaced an injured Hatsu Hioki and won the tournament.
In the main event of the evening, knockout artist Mizuto Hirota knocked out Satoru Kitaoka in the fourth round to claim the Sengoku Lightweight Championship.
Sengoku Lightweight Championship
Mizuto Hirota vs Satoru Kitaoka
Sporting a blue and pink mohawk, Hirota, the reigning Cage Force Lightweight Champion, prevented Kitaoka from securing any of his patented leglocks early in the fight and kept the fight standing whenever possible, and eventually stopped Kitaoka in the fourth round to claim the Sengoku Lightweight Championship.Kitaoka scored an immediate takedown to begin the fight, but Hirota quickly battled back to his feet. Kitaoka managed to get the fight to the mat once again and worked from Hirota's half-guard. Kitaoka slammed Hirota's head against the mat, then attempted a standing guillotine choke as Hirota stood up. Hirota fought out of the hold and briefly looked for a guillotine choke of his own. Time was called as Hirota was warned for using the ropes. Action resumed and Kitaoka landed a lead right hook, then scored another takedown. He postured up and landed some solid punches, then drilled Hirota with a stomp to the face. Kitaoka attempted an arm-in guillotine, but Hirota escaped and stood up. Kitaoka landed a high kick and a left cross, but was rocked by a right cross counter from Hirota. More big punches and a head kick landed for Hirota, who scored an emphatic takedown. Hirota landed short punches from side-control until the bell, but it was not enough to steal the round. 10-9 Kitaoka.
Between rounds, Guy Mezger rivalled Frank Mir in the category of horrendous commentary, and could not pronounce either fighter's name correctly. Regardless, round two began with quick punches from Hirota and Kitaoka countered with a body kick and an uppercut that just missed. Hirota easily evaded a spinning back fist and a takedown attempt from Kitaoka, then peppered him with a variety of strikes. Kitaoka could not score a takedown, so he pulled guard. Hirota promptly stood up and the fighters traded single punches. Kitaoka missed with another spinning back fist and failed in another takedown attempt. Hirota continued to stuff Kitaoka's takedowns and scored with quick combinations. He managed to drag Kitaoka down to the mat, but stood up seconds later. Hirota landed another combination and attempted a flying knee, then stuffed a takedown at the bell. 10-9 Hirota.
Kitaoka opened round three with a high kick and followed with a hard left cross seconds later. He continued to stay on the outside and threw single strikes, then scored a takedown. Kitaoka peppered Hirota with hammerfists from the top and looked to pass to mount. Hirota regained guard, but Kitaoka continued to land strikes from the top. He stood up and stomped the head of Hirota, then worked from Hirota's guard again. Kitaoka looked to set up a leg submission, but gave it up in favour of a jumping stomp attempt. Kitaoka briefly secured a front headlock, but Hirota escaped. Time was called and the overzealous referee gave Hirota a Yellow Card for alleged inactivity. Hirota threw a head kick and tagged Kitaoka with a pair of punches, which prompted Kitaoka to look for a takedown. Hirota, bleeding from the nose, had none of it and Kitaoka pulled guard. 10-9 Kitaoka.
Round four began with a takedown attempt from Kitaoka, but Hirota defended and landed a one-two. Kitaoka continued to try to take the fight to the ground, but Hirota wound up on top and landed numerous hammerfists before standing up. Kitaoka tried for another takedown, but Hirota unleashed a series of vicious knees to the face. Hirota landed some big hammerfist strikes until Kitaoka stood up. Once again, Kitaoka shot for a desperation takedown, but Hirota defended with more knees. With his nose bleeding badly, Kitaoka rolled over and Hirota punished him with punches and hammerfists. Kitaoka stood up and tried for one last takedown, but ate more knees for his efforts and the fight was stopped. Mizuto Hirota becomes a two-promotion Lightweight Champion.
Winner: Mizuto Hirota by TKO (Knees) at 2:45 of round four. He improves to 12-3-1 and becomes the new Sengoku Lightweight Champion.
Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Final
Masanori "Kin-chan" Kanehara vs Michihiro Omigawa
After Hatsu Hioki was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a suspected concussion suffered in his bout with Kanehara earlier in the night, Kanehara moved on to the finals and made the most of his second chance by defeating Omigawa.Kanehara opened the fight with quick one-twos, then countered a front kick by dragging Omigawa to the mat. He immediately took Omigawa's back and tried to secure a rear naked choke. Kanehara locked on a body triangle and punched the sides of Omigawa's head as Omigawa walked around the ring. Kanehara continued to punch and pulled Omigawa down to the mat once again. Omigawa attempted a rolling throw, but Kanehara maintained position and eventually wound up in Omigawa's half-guard. Omigawa regained guard and tried for a guillotine choke, but Kanehara escaped. The process repeated itself a few seconds later. Omigawa landed a solid upkick and tried to stand up, but Kanehara took his back again. Omigawa regained guard and tried for an armlock before the bell. 10-9 Kanehara.
Round two began with a variety of kicks from Kanehara, but Omigawa replied with a hard left hook. Kanehara landed a flying knee and a big combination that backed Omigawa up. Omigawa defended a takedown attempt and landed knees to the head. This continued for a full minute before Kanehara reversed and rained down a series of knee strikes to the face of Omigawa. Kanehara landed more knees until Omigawa regained guard. Kanehara struck from the top and Omigawa landed short punches from the bottom. Kanehara moved to mount and tried to secure an arm-triangle choke. He let it go and landed big punches from the top. The fight returned to the feet and Kanehara landed a one-two before the bell. 10-9 Kanehara.
Omigawa came out swinging in round three and landed a few good shots, but Kanehara countered with two quick combinations and a head kick that momentarily staggered Omigawa. The fighters traded more punches and Kanehara landed a knee to the body, then tried for a takedown. Omigawa reversed and worked from Kanehara's half-guard. A scramble ensued and Omigawa tried for a heel hook, but Kanehara stood up and drilled him with knees from a Thai clinch. Both fighters threw big punches and Omigawa narrowly missed with a spinning back fist. Kanehara hurt Omigawa with a left hook to the liver. He tried to pull guard, but Omigawa wound up in Kanehara's half-guard. From side-control, Omigawa landed short punches and knees, then tried for a guillotine choke as Kanehara stood up. Omigawa moved to mount and teed off with big punches. Kanehara rolled and gave up his back, then got to his feet. 10-9 Omigawa.
Two judges correctly scored the fight for Kanehara, while a third scored it a Draw and awarded their "Must Decision" to Omigawa. Masanori Kanehara becomes the first Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Champion, but it comes under controversial circumstances due to Hioki's injury and Omigawa's nonsense victory over Marlon Sandro earlier in the night.
Winner: Masanori Kanehara by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29 [Must Decision - Omigawa]) after three rounds. He improves to 14-6-5 and becomes the first Sengoku Featherweight Champion.
Non-Tournament Bouts
Kazuo "Grabaka Hitman" Misaki vs Kazuhiro Nakamura
This #1 contender's bout for the Sengoku Middleweight Championship saw Misaki make fairly short work of Nakamura, which sets the stage for a rematch between Misaki and champion Jorge Santiago.The fighters traded unorthodox strikes early on until Nakamura connected with a hard right hook. Misaki replied with a knee to the body and the fighters traded more looping punches. Nakamura landed another solid right hook and Misaki once again countered with a knee. Time was called after an inadvertent low blow from Nakamura. Action eventually resumed and both fighters landed stinging right hands. Misaki landed a left hook to the liver, but Nakamura's counter kick strayed south once again. After a brief break, Misaki scored with two combinations and a knee to the body. He floored Nakamura with a jumping knee to the jaw, then dove in for the finish, but a dazed Nakamura somehow scrambled back to his feet. Misaki secured a guillotine choke and dragged Nakamura back down to the mat. Nakamura tried to fight it off, but could not and was quickly rendered unconscious.
Winner: Kazuo Misaki by Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 3:03 of round one. He improves to 22-9-2, 1 NC.
Blagoi Ivanov vs Kazuyuki "Ironhead" Fujita
Making his Sengoku debut after defeating Fedor Emelianenko in a Combat Sambo match, Ivanov did enough to earn a decision victory over Japanese legend Fujita, though the scoring of the bout, like many others on the night, was extremely confusing.The fighters circled each other for the first 45 seconds, then began to unleash big flurries of wild punches. Both connected, with Fujita first holding an edge and Ivanov coming back with a four-punch combination and a knee. After more circling, Ivanov absolutely teed off with huge looping punches and connected squarely with two wild left hooks that staggered Fujita briefly. More punches followed from Ivanov and he dropped Fujita against the ropes. Fujita quickly recovered and used a single-leg to take Ivanov down. From half-guard, Fujita tried to pass to mount, but could not. Ivanov regained butterfly guard, but Fujita spun and tried to secure a guillotine choke. Ivanov stood up and the fighters traded big punches in the final seconds. Close round, but it goes to Ivanov due to the knockdown. 10-9 Ivanov.
Round two featured another wild exchange of punches, with Ivanov getting the better of it and tagging Fujita with a trio of looping hooks. He followed with a knee and Fujita scored a takedown. The fight soon returned to the feet and a badly fatigued Ivanov landed two straight lefts to the face. Ivanov kept Fujita at a distance with occasional left crosses, but the pace slowed considerably. Following a failed trip takedown from Fujita, both fighters landed punches and clinched in the corner. Ivanov backed away and landed a pair of left hooks before clinching again. Fujita briefly rocked Ivanov with punches against the ropes, but Ivanov fired back with big shots of his own in reply. Ivanov landed a knee and Fujita countered with a series of uppercuts. Extremely close round. 10-10.
Ivanov connected with a nice left hand in round three and Fujita shot in for a takedown. He could not get Ivanov down and time was briefly called to clear blood from Fujita's forehead. Fujita tried for another takedown, but failed and was met with a kick to the body for his efforts. Ivanov scored with a combination and a liver kick. He followed with a kick to the jaw as Fujita ducked and the fighters clinched briefly. Ivanov continued to bloody the face of Fujita with jabs and crosses, but Fujita scored a takedown. Fujita worked from half-guard and tried to set up an arm-triangle choke. He nearly secured it, but could not pass Ivanov's half-guard. Another very close round. 10-10.
One judge scored the fight 30-27 for Ivanov, while another somehow scored it 30-28 for Fujita. The final judge scored it 29-29 and gave a Must Decision to Ivanov, who took the Split Decision. All three judges' totals were bizarre, though the 29-29 made the most sense.
Winner: Blagoi Ivanov by Split Decision (30-27, 29-29 [Must Decision - Ivanov], 28-30) after three rounds. He improves to 2-0-0, 1 NC.
Dan "The Handler" Hornbuckle vs "The Japanese Sensation" Akihiro Gono
After controlling much of the first two rounds, Hornbuckle ended the fight in emphatic fashion with a brutal head kick that knocked Gono out cold midway through round three.The opening round began with an exchange of leg kicks and Gono followed with a right cross to the body. More quick strikes landed for Gono and he followed with a right hook and a leg kick. Hornbuckle clinched and landed knees, but Gono backed away. A nice left hook counter landed for Gono and Hornbuckle replied with a one-two and a leg kick. A body kick and a quick punch-kick combination landed for Hornbuckle and he punished Gono with a liver punch and a series of knees from a Thai clinch. Gono fell down and Hornbuckle landed a stomp to the face and knees on the ground that cut Gono below the left eye. Gono regained guard, but Hornbuckle passed to half-guard and landed punches and elbows to the body. Hornbuckle stood and missed with an axe kick and Gono got to his feet. 10-9 Hornbuckle.
The fighters traded quick punches early in the second round and Gono landed a hard leg kick. He scored with a body kick and another leg kick, then pushed Hornbuckle to the mat. Hornbuckle got back to his feet and the fighters traded more strikes. Gono pushed forward with overhand rights, but most missed their mark. Hornbuckle countered with a one-two and a pair of lead right hooks. Gono landed quick punches and a knee, but Hornbuckle scored a takedown. He tried to pass Gono's half-guard, but Gono kept him in place. Hornbuckle finally passed to mount, but Gono held on and prevented Hornbuckle from doing anything. Hornbuckle managed to posture up and landed a handful of decent punches, but the round came to an end. 10-9 Hornbuckle.
Hornbuckle opened round three with a hard leg kick and a front kick. Gono connected with a right hand counter that backed Hornbuckle up and he continued to try to land single knockout punches. A quick one-two to the body and head landed for Gono and Hornbuckle clinched. The fighters separated and Gono landed an uppercut. He began to find his range with punches, but Hornbuckle circled away. A right cross landed for Hornbuckle and he caught a kick from Gono. While holding Gono's leg, Hornbuckle unleashed a brutal head kick that knocked Gono out cold. Huge win for Hornbuckle.
Gono was unconscious for quite some time and was taken to a local medical facility. He was diagnosed as having a concussion and damage to his neck, but he was awake and was expected to recover.
Winner: Dan Hornbuckle by KO (Head Kick) at 2:44 of round three. He improves to 18-2-0.
Eiji Mitsuoka vs Clay French
Making short work of the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion, Mitsuoka secured a flying guillotine choke in round one and dragged French to the canvas, which forced French to quickly submit.Round one began with leg kicks from both fighters and Mitsuoka attempted a trip takedown. French defended and Mitsuoka landed knees to the legs. He swept French's leg and took him down, but French used butterfly guard to get to his feet. However, Mitsuoka jumped into a flying guillotine choke and French fell forward to the mat, then quickly tapped out. A very impressive win for Mitsuoka, who has emerged as a top lightweight contender.
Winner: Eiji Mitsuoka by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:50 of round one. He improves to 16-6-2.
Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout
"The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung vs Matt "Jagger Bomb" Jaggers
After landing some solid strikes in the first round, Jung countered a takedown from Jaggers in round two by trapping Jaggers in a fight-ending triangle choke to pick up an impressive win.Both fighters looked to land big knockout punches in the opening seconds and Jung connected with three straight haymakers. Jaggers immediately shot for a takedown, but Jung stuffed it and worked from Jaggers's guard. The fight was moved to the middle of the ring and Jung landed punches from the top. Little happened and the referee stood the fighters up, then warned Jaggers for inactivity. Jaggers connected with a hard right hook, but Jung countered with a left hook at exactly the same time and a stunned Jaggers bounced off of the ropes. He tried to take Jung down, but Jung blasted him with a combination. Jaggers managed to get the takedown, but Jung kept him in his guard. Jaggers landed a handful of short punches from the top, but Jung punched from the bottom and nearly scrambled back to his feet. 10-9 Jung.
Jung connected with a right hook and a head kick in round two, then narrowly missed with a haymaker uppercut. Jaggers scored a takedown and the fight was moved to the centre. Jung absolutely teed off with punches and hammerfists from the bottom, then secured a triangle choke. He briefly looked to add a Kimura as well, but opted to tighten the choke instead and Jaggers quickly submitted. Another excellent win for Jung.
Winner: Chan Sung Jung by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:20 of round two. He improves to 7-1-0 and will advance to the finals of the tournament if both semi-finalists from one fight are injured.
Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Semi-Final
Michihiro Omigawa vs Marlon Sandro
In a fight with highly questionable scoring, Omigawa was awarded a Split Decision victory that seemed to be very much undeserved.Sandro opened the fight with a front kick and a combination, but Omigawa replied with a nice one-two. Sandro scored with a pair of right hooks and a jumping switch knee, then stunned Omigawa with a trio of punches. Omigawa clinched and tried for a trip takedown, but Sandro evaded and landed a shot to the body. More big punches landed for Sandro and he scored with a looping left hook. Omigawa clinched in the corner, but nothing happened and the fighters were separated. Sandro connected with a huge right hook, but Omigawa replied with a one-two that backed Sandro up. Omigawa tried for a takedown, but met with no success. Sandro scored with another combination and Omigawa countered with a left hook. Sandro followed with another three-punch flurry. 10-9 Sandro.
An exchange of hard leg kicks opened round two and Omigawa missed with a spinning back kick. Sandro landed a one-two and Omigawa countered with a right hook and a combination. The fighters continued to trade heavy punches and Sandro landed two knees in a clinch. Omigawa replied with punches and Sandro then answered with some of his own. More punches were exchanged and Sandro scored with a lengthy combination that ended with an uppercut. A left hook and a knee followed, but Omigawa held strong and threw a combination. Omigawa began to taunt and Sandro landed two leg kicks. Omigawa replied with a pair of hard overhand rights, but Sandro blasted him with a flurry and another knee. Omigawa tried for a takedown and Sandro jumped into a flying guillotine choke. He dragged Omigawa to the mat and kept him in the choke until the bell. Close round. 10-9 Sandro.
Quick punches were exchanged in the final round and Sandro landed a knee. One-twos repeatedly landed for both fighters and Omigawa landed a leg kick and a body shot. Sandro shot in for a takedown and Omigawa defended. Sandro landed a knee in a Thai clinch, but Omigawa quickly punched free. The fighters exchanged hooks and Omigawa pressed Sandro into the corner. Two combinations landed for Sandro, but Omigawa immediately replied with a pair of overhand rights. Another right landed for Omigawa and Sandro answered with knees in a Thai clinch. Omigawa tried for a takedown, but opted to knee Sandro's legs instead. Both fighters connected with big punches and Sandro got the better of the exchange. Omigawa clinched and managed to score a takedown with 20 seconds to go. He punched from the top and evaded a heel hook attempt before the bell. Very close round. 10-10.
One judge narrowly scored the fight in favour of Sandro, while the other two ruled it even at 30-30, despite the fact that Sandro had dominated the first round. The latter two judges both awarded their Must Decisions to Omigawa, which allowed the Japanese underdog to move on to the finals, but it appeared as though Sandro had been robbed.
Winner: Michihiro Omigawa by Split Decision (30-30 [Must Decision - Omigawa], 30-30 [Must Decision - Omigawa], 29-30) after three rounds. He improved to 7-7-1 with the win and advanced to the finals of the tournament.
Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Semi-Final
Hatsu Hioki vs Masanori "Kin-chan" Kanehara
Completely dominating the first two rounds, Hioki went on to win a clear-cut Unanimous Decision, but suffered a concussion in the process and was unable to continue on to the finals of the tournament. Despite losing, Kanehara advanced on in his place.Hioki opened the fight with a leg kick and a snap kick to the head, then knocked Kanehara down against the ropes. Kanehara sprung back to his feet and tried briefly for a takedown, then landed a one-two. Hioki took Kanehara down and worked his way to mount. He looked to set up a triangle choke from mount, but switched to punches instead. Hioki postured up and rained down punches, then slammed Kanehara's head down. Kanehara tried to sweep, but found himself trapped in a triangle choke and then an armbar. He escaped both, but Hioki went for the submissions again. Kanehara escaped once more, but Hioki landed punches from the top. He passed to side-control and landed knees to the body, then moved to mount again. More punches followed as Hioki handily took the round. 10-8 Hioki.
Kanehara rushed forward with punches in round two, but Hioki took him down. Hioki passed to mount and landed punches, just as he had in round one. He transitioned into an armbar, but Kanehara spun out of it and took Hioki's back. He tried to set up a rear naked choke, but Hioki reversed position. Kanehara absolutely drilled him with an upkick, but Hioki moved to north-south position and landed knees. He moved back to mount and landed punches, but Kanehara gamely punched back from the bottom. Kanehara regained guard, then used upkicks to push Hioki off. Kanehara stood up and rushed in with punches, but Hioki clinched and took his back. Kanehara kneeled down and defended a rear naked choke until just before the bell. 10-9 Hioki.
The final round began with an exchange of quick kicks and punches and Hioki connected with a left cross. Kanehara landed a one-two and followed with a head kick. A trio of punches scored for Hioki and he landed a left hook seconds later. Kanehara scored with a one-two and a leg kick, then a right cross, but Hioki answered with a front kick to the face. Hioki landed a one-two and caught a kick from Kanehara, then clinched. Hioki shot for a takedown, then secured a front headlock. Kanehara pushed Hioki onto his back and worked from Hioki's half-guard. Kanehara postured up and landed a few punches, but Hioki trapped Kanehara in rubber guard. Kanehara broke free and landed a big right hand, but Hioki regained guard. The fighters traded hammerfists and Hioki tried to set up a triangle choke. Kanehara stood up and dropped a trio of big punches to end the round. 10-9 Kanehara.
The judges unanimously awarded the fight to Hioki, but he had difficulty in answering questions from ringside physicians after the fight and was taken to hospital with a suspected concussion. As a result, Kanehara moved on to the finals.
Winner: Hatsu Hioki by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-28) after three rounds. He improved to 20-3-2 with the win, but an injury suffered in the bout prevented him from advancing in the tournament.
Non-Tournament Bout
Yoshihiro "Kiss" Nakao vs Mu Bae Choi
After losing the first round, Nakao recovered and did just enough in the latter two rounds to take the decision win in an uneventful fight.Nakao opened the fight with leg kicks, then defended a takedown attempt from Choi and landed knees. Choi continued to stalk Nakao around the ring, but Nakao landed kicks and scored a takedown. Choi quickly worked back to his feet and Nakao landed punches. Choi clinched and took Nakao's back, then punched the sides of Nakao's head. Nakao broke free of the clinch and landed leg kicks, but Choi clinched and took Nakao's back again. Time was briefly called to fix the tape on Choi's glove and Nakao swung wildly with haymakers after the restart. Choi ducked under and reversed a takedown from Nakao. The fight returned to the feet and Choi landed big strikes in the corner before the bell sounded to end the close round. 10-9 Choi.
Round two began with a lunging left hook from Nakao and he scored a takedown against the ropes. Choi sat up and Nakao landed two knees before the fight returned to the feet. Nakao scored another takedown and landed punches from side-control. Choi rolled over and got to his feet, but not before eating another knee from Nakao. Choi took Nakao's back in a clinch and Nakao attempted a standing Kimura. The referee separated the fighters and Nakao began throwing wild haymakers. He took Choi down and punished him with punches from the top as Choi turtled. Choi seemed to be unfazed and stood up, then punched Nakao into a corner. Choi attempted a standing arm-triangle choke, but Nakao escaped. Choi twice took Nakao's back in the clinch, but could do nothing with it and the round came to an end. 10-9 Nakao.
Nakao tried for a takedown in round three and eventually got it, but not before taking a series of leg kicks in return. Nakao landed punches from half-guard and passed to north-south position, but Choi rolled over and stood up. Nakao scored a partial takedown and landed knees to the head of a kneeling Choi. The fight restarted on the feet and Nakao scored a takedown. He landed weak strikes and passed to side-control, where he remained for quite some time. Nakao continued to land punches from the top, then trapped Choi's arms and tried for a Kimura. Choi spun free, but Nakao landed more knees. Choi fought back to his feet in the final few seconds, but Nakao handily won the round and the fight in the process. 10-9 Nakao.
Winner: Yoshihiro Nakao by Unanimous Decision (30-28, 30-28, 30-29) after three rounds. He improves to 8-2-0, 2 NC.
Sengoku Gold Cup Finals
Ikuo Usuda defeated Koji Ando by Unanimous Decision (20-19, 20-19, 20-20 [Must Decision - Usuda]) after two rounds. He improves to 5-0-0 with the win.Shigeki Osawa defeated Toru Harai by TKO (Punches) at 4:24 of round one. He improves to 3-0-0 with the win.
Ryosuke Komori defeated Takeshi Numajiri by TKO (Punch) at 3:25 of round one. He improves to 4-1-0 with the win.
Controversy aside, Sengoku: "Ninth Battle" did feature some exciting fights, but the conclusion of the tournament definitely wasn't ideal for World Victory Road.
