Japan
« Previous EntriesThe 30 days that changed everything for Bushiroad
Thursday, August 24th, 2023How did the biggest player in Japanese pro-wrestling lose 40% of it’s stock price in a week?
A generation after PRIDE’s death, Japan remains the elusive golden goose of MMA
Tuesday, September 29th, 2020After the death of PRIDE and failure of UFC to capitalize on the MMA vacuum in Japan, is there any hope of rekindling the old magic on the island?
RIZIN’s survival depends on crowdfunding — would you crowdfund your favorite fight promotion?
Tuesday, September 8th, 2020Is crowdfunding the future of raising money for purse bids to build mega-fights?
The anger about WWE’s business dealings with Saudi Arabia and financing of combat sports
Friday, May 3rd, 2019There’s a lot of anger towards WWE working with the Saudi Arabia government. In the process, there’s been some revisionist history about previously dirty financing in combat sports.
The Floyd Mayweather fight was costlier for RIZIN & Fuji TV than first anticipated
Friday, January 4th, 2019Floyd Mayweather’s RIZIN fight drew a 7.9% rating, a disappointing number by most standards. It was a tough weekend for Japanese combat sports ratings.
The death of Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at age 41
Monday, September 17th, 2018Japanese MMA and fighting icon Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto died from cancer at the age of 41.
How do you write about the history of Japanese MMA and PRIDE? Now is your chance to help finance and promote this effort
Saturday, August 25th, 2018Irish MMA author Lee Daly tackled the incredibly large, unwieldy topic of the history of Japanese MMA. Not only did Lee do it right, he assumed a lot of risk in the process.
Conor McGregor & Harumafuji: Bar fights and mafia revenge plots
Wednesday, November 29th, 2017Conor McGregor’s personal behavior is spiraling out of control and could get him killed. A typical story in combat sports.
After monstrous Fuji TV ratings, Bob Arum wants Ryota Murata to fight at the Tokyo Dome
Wednesday, October 25th, 2017After Ryota Murata’s latest fight drew record ratings on Fuji TV, Bob Arum is ready for a big fight at the Tokyo Dome.
Bob Arum’s big bet on Ryota Murata exposed UFC’s struggles in winning over Japanese fans
Sunday, October 22nd, 2017UFC and WWE treat Japan as an important market but one they will only do business with on their own terms. Bob Arum just showed them up.
UFC had 10 years after PRIDE’s death to make Floyd Mayweather-level money in Japan and blew it
Monday, September 25th, 2017Just realized this is the 10th anniversary of the Oh Delicious! UFC-PRIDE manga pic.twitter.com/iUfeBnRRRy — smoogy (@smoogymma) September 23, 2017 There is no stronger cultural stereotype in Japan than that of a mercenary, invading foreigner taking over a business or institution that has no respect for core societal values. The collapse of PRIDE in 2007 […]
The one interesting prospect on UFC Saitama Super Arena card, Shuri Kondo, isn’t booked for TV
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017The one interesting prospect booked for UFC’s 9/23 Saitama Super Arena fight card, Shuri Kondo, isn’t even scheduled to be on television.
Fundraising begins for paralyzed Japanese MMA & professional wrestling legend Yoshihiro Takayama
Tuesday, September 5th, 2017Japanese MMA and professional wrestling legend icon Yoshihiro Takayama is paralyzed from the neck down after an in-ring accident in May.
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