Grappling specialist Emi Tomimatsu looks to take another step towards Deep Jewels atomweight title contention when she returns to action on November 23rd at Deep Jewels 10 in Tokyo, Japan. The former interim strawweight champion battles rising star Satomi “Sarami” Takano.
Deep Jewels officials announced the 105-pound matchup earlier this week. Tomimatsu most recently earned a quick submission win over short-notice replacement Natsuki Shimomakise at Deep Jewels 9 this past month. Takano edged out prospect Jeong Eun Park at Road FC 25 one week prior.
Tomimatsu (9-10-0) earned a shot at the inaugural Deep Jewels strawweight title in February 2014 after avenging a past loss to Mika “Future Princess” Nagano. She was named the Deep Jewels Interim Strawweight Champion when her opponent, Mizuki Inoue, failed to make weight for the title fight, but Tomimatsu’s championship reign was short-lived and Inoue took the belt from her in an August rematch. After going 1-1 in her next two bouts, Tomimatsu decided to drop down to 105 pounds. Her atomweight debut ended in a close loss to Mina Kurobe, but she rebounded by easily taking out Shimomakise.
Takano (7-6-0) was viewed by Deep Jewels officials as a future star early in her career and she was placed in tough matchups against much more experienced opponents. The result was that Takano began her pro career with a 3-5 record, but she has since turned things around with wins in four of her past five fights. The winning streak began with an impressive submission of Ga Yeon “Deadly Beauty” Song in December. Takano’s bid to become Deep Jewels Atomweight Champion ended in a TKO loss to “V.V” Mei Yamaguchi in May, but she got back on track by defeating Park in her return to Road FC.
Deep Jewels 10 takes place on November 23rd at Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo, Japan. The event also features the pro MMA debuts of kickboxing teammates Hana and Nori Date, who earned their spots on the Deep Jewels roster by winning amateur bouts for the upstart T-Rex promotion.
(Photo Credit: Deep Jewels)