MMA legends make a comeback on the down low in rather juicy Japan card
One of my favorite Guilty pleasure type promotions is Gan Ryu Jima.
If anyone gets bored of gossip and is interested in a bit of old school show mma happening in 28th Dec. in Japan. Rafael Lovato Jr. making a comeback with Josh Barnett, Tom Lawler, Melvin Manhoef on the card and a bunch of solid new skool Rizin guys too.
Here’s the link to the promotion’s website. It’s in Japanese, but you can see the match ups and if you have any Qs, I’ll endeavor to answer.
It’s on RIZIN pass and this event is essentially a pretty big RIZiN card which as far as I know, is taking place on their trademark fight ‘island’ concept (circle mat surrounded by a moat). It’s pretty cool, and their original rule set is close to what Karate combat uses now.
This time though, they are accommodating Lovato et al by having mma rules contests too.
Gan Ryu Jima started a few years back and I got in to it when I came home and my wife excitedly called me in to check out this new moat fighting promotion. We both got hooked on it. Especially her, and the mix of legit ninja fights and just obscure Mongolian wrestler Vs North Korean military deserter type matches was pure Japan style Card making.
It had been totally frozen since Covid.
But It’s just come back with the same mix of loony match making and looks like they have new investors.
I’m stoked for this and their future cards. The mma promoters in Japan have gone full on F the TV now though, and lost all trust in the shady ass government, so they are doing everything PPV on apps.
I’m wondering if some country outside of Japan will be able to get it on YT, because I don’t there will be any of the usual stream sites showing it.
Anyway. It will be a fun one.