VTJ 3rd get international IPPV

Vale Tudo Japan 3rd IPPV official purchase web

For a long time, I have hoped that Japanese MMA promotions would provide an opportunity for international audiences to directly watch JMMA events in real time. I know that the fans are passionate about JMMA even if they can't always show their support for it.

I do think that better competition makes for more fun, but I also like the history that details the evolution of a fight. Megumi Fujii, who has had a long fighting career, is a representative of that theme. She struggled to get recognition for Japanese fighters among the international MMA world, and that situation made her more determined to make her own career even stronger.


Megumi Fujii

Fujii had a winning streak (22 fights) that no other WMMA fighter has ever had. She is also known for her extraordinary submission skills. Fujii continued to develop herself by adopting States-side MMA techniques and styles. She improved her striking skills dramatically and began using her jab to properly pressure her opponents, which is something that is sometimes not even seen among male fighters.

VTJ and Shooto promoter Sustain has finally decided to do an international iPPV for Megumi Fujii’s retirement fight against Jessica Aguilar on October 5. This will hopefully lead to regular iPPVs for future events. Watch and tweet during the event to show support and enjoy yourself.

VTJ Fight Card (Include Aguilar Uno, Campuzano, Tokoro, Sasaki)


SKILL MMA's Jessica Aguilar interview (2011)

SKILL MMA's article about Female MMA History

Big thanks to Robert Sargent  (MMA Rising) for English editing.

Shiroobi on Submission Fighters

People who know me naturally realize that I'm more interested in striking than submissions. I admit that my grappling knowledge is limited, but I understand the different views. It's easy to recognize and make MMA's submission game fun to watch.

What's the difference between Caol Uno and Satoru Kitaoka?


Satoru Kitaoka

It's how they adapt their submission game to MMA.

The first aims for submissions continuously. Tries a sub attempt, probably can't finish, retains the position, tries for another submission or strikes on the ground.

The latter aims for one lethal finish, like a guillotine or leg lock.

This is not to say that those fighters only have the styles I mentioned, but you can understand what I'm saying about these fighters' tendencies.

Demian Maia and Shinya Aoki's styles are high-level fusions of the two strategies. That's what makes both special.

Of course, continuous submission attempts isn't the only method. Sub to striking, striking to takedown, sub to standing -- there are many methods. You can easily recognize them and enjoy those skills.

Michihiro Omigawa recently made a storm in Sengoku's featherweight grand prix. How did he improve so much? The main reason is that his ability to chain moves together has matured.

Watch every move and isolate that one move. Then, imagining how the fighter chooses their next move is the viewer's privilege. It's unlimited fun, because each move can be subdivided so many ways.

For reference, watch Michihiro Omigawa vs. L.C. Davis at Sengoku 7. At 3:40 of round two, Omigawa tries a takedown. Omigawa destabilizes Davis' posture with a trip on the left leg, then grabs at Davis' right leg.

This was the most fun move of the fight for me.

Big thanks to Jordan Breen (from Sherdog) for advice.

Big thanks to Chris Nelson (from Bloody Elbow) for English and editing.