Sato and Kajiwara Victorious at Krush.9
by Fraser Coffeen on Aug 15, 2010 9:42 PM EDT
in Krush News
Email
Print
This weekend the big show in Japan was Krush.9 - the latest from the unofficial partner organization to K-1.
In the main event, the #8 ranked Yoshihiro Sato defeated Yuji Nashiro. Najiro started the fight strong, turning in a solid round 1, but as so he often does, Sato took control as the fight progressed, scoring more damage against his less experienced opponent en route to the unanimous decision win.
For Sato, this was a much needed victory. Ever since his breakout win over Buakaw in 2008, the Japanese heir apparent has been hot and cold with some notable loses on his record. This marks his 2nd win in a row, as he defeated Yuya Yamamoto in the MAX Final 16, and should help regain some of the momentum he lost against Pajonsuk in May. This was Nashiro's third high profile fight this year. He started the year with a loss to Nagashima at the MAX Japan GP before defeating Kenta at Krush.8. While he has not yet scored that big win, Nashiro is definitely gaining valuable experience and increasing his profile.
The other featured bout pitted MAX 63kg fighter Naoki Ishikawa against Ryuji Kajiwara. Reports sound like this was an action packed, excellent fight. After two very close rounds, Kajiwara ran away with it in the 3rd, scoring two knockdowns to take home the clear decision victory. This marks Ishikawa's 2nd straight loss including the defeat by Kizaemon Saiga at the MAX 63kg GP Finals. Ishikawa started the year looking like a he would be one of the major players in K-1's new division, but he has not delivered up to his potential in recent performances. A strong proponent of knees in the clinch, Ishikawa is likely struggling to adapt to the new K-1/Krush rules. Until he makes that adjustment, we may continue to see him falter. With this win, hopefully Kajiwara earns himself a spot at the next K-1 63kg event.
3 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
“This was Nashiro’s third high profile fight this year. He started the year with a loss to Nagashima at the MAX Japan GP before defeating Kenta at Krush.8. "
Just a nitpick, but it’s his fourth. He also KO’d Yamauchi Yutaro at Krush.
I’d actually bet on him if he were to rematch Jienotsu.
Good call on the Yamauchi fight. Thanks!
Interesting thought on a potential Jienotsu rematch. I’m not sure I’m with you, but it’s not absurd. Thing is, Nagashima is just so tricky to predict right now. Was his MAX Japan win an anomaly, and he’ll return to his less than stellar 2009 ways soon? Or has he turned a corner and it’s 2009 that was the anomaly? It’s too early to say, but I can say this – a lot of people wrote him off heading into that event and he was obviously a MUCH different fighter from when we had last seen him. I think in a rematch, Nashiro would be far better prepared to deal with the new Nagashima.
HeadKickLegend.com
by Fraser Coffeen on Aug 16, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Naokick fought well so I’m not disappointed in the way he lost unlike the Saiga fight. Kajiwara’s style suits K-1, though he’s not bad when with elbows and clinching allowed either. He’s a good fighter so it’s not the end of the world for Ishikawa. But losses like these are more likely to happen if he’s not allowed to use the clinch as both a defensive and offensive weapon.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
