Potential matchups for a UFC Japan card

[ExitLUPin]

They haven't had an opportunity like this in a long time, but they could make a great card for Japan with staples from there, or fighters who made their name in Japanese promotions like RIZIN (like Jiri). UFC has wanted a Japanese champion for a long time, and no way they don't book Taira for the next title shot.

Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira for the UFC FLW title
Jiri Prochazka vs Carlos Ulberg for the vacant or interim (depending on Poatan) UFC LHW title
Kyoji Horiguchi vs Brandon Royval/Manel Kape winner for a title eliminator
Kai Asakura vs Steve Erceg
Tim Elliott vs Rei Tsuruya
Rinya Nakamura vs SuYoung You

That's a great main card.

 

[Tokoloko]

Jiri should be key factor for Japan card. He is probably even more loved in Japan than he is in his home country. He was recently nominated as no.1 for Rizin MVP after 10 years of promotion - Everyone else nominated is from Japan.

 

[ExitLUPin]

Jiri should be key factor for Japan card. He is probably even more loved in Japan than he is in his home country. He was recently nominated as no.1 for Rizin MVP after 10 years of promotion - Everyone else nominated is from Japan.

Jiri should definitely be on a Japan card, no question.

 

[rear naked ankle pick]

Me vs 10 barefoot japanese hotties

 

[xhaydenx]

Main card in this order:

Mizuki vs Dern for SW belt.

Rin Nakai.

Van vs Taira vs FLW belt.

Guchi vs Kape.

 

[ExitLUPin]

Main card in this order:

Mizuki vs Dern for SW belt.

Rin Nakai.

Van vs Taira vs FLW belt.

Guchi vs Kape.

Inoue would be on the card but she isn't even ranked in the UFC yet and barely fights. The idea of her getting a title shot right now is silly.

 

[Equinox Shadow]

You vs.

Me vs 10 barefoot japanese hotties

 

[Hellowhosthat]

I would put Rinya in with someone higher up than You tbh.

Asakura is moving to 135 I believe so you'd need to match him up there.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

I also think they'd want a few fights which are just good UFC fights.

I'm not a fan of the period they went through on UK cards where they thought we wanted a UK fighter in ever fight.

 

[Killer Kadoogan]

throw the japanese fighters are on there.

throw in an international star or two.

throw in some beater koreans.

bam.

 

[ExitLUPin]

I would put Rinya in with someone higher up than You tbh.

Asakura is moving to 135 I believe so you'd need to match him up there.

Who would that be for Nakamura? We already saw how he did against Gafurov, who's probably not even a top 30 BW in the UFC. He didn't just lose that one; he got completely shut out. You would be a fine matchup, and it has the Japan vs Korea dynamic too.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

Who would that be for Nakamura? We already saw how he did against Gafurov, who's probably not even a top 30 BW in the UFC. He didn't just lose that one; he got completely shut out. You would be a fine matchup, and it has the Japan vs Korea dynamic too.

I don't think You is very good tbh. I'd put him in with someone like Victor Henry. Henry used to be in RIZIN so the Japanese fans know him.

 

[ExitLUPin]

I don't think You is very good tbh. I'd put him in with someone like Victor Henry. Henry used to be in RIZIN so the Japanese fans know him.

Henry seems like too high a step-up for Nakamura, only one fight removed from getting completely shut out by Gafurov, especially considering Henry's wrestling defense and just overall ability. It would be cool to see him and Barnett in Japan though.

 

[xhaydenx]

Inoue would be on the card but she isn't even ranked in the UFC yet and barely fights. The idea of her getting a title shot right now is silly.

It's not silly considering she would spank both Dern and Virna who just fought for the belt.

Neither Dern or Virna can strike well. She'd box them to pieces. She's a better grappler than both of them too.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

Henry seems like too high a step-up for Nakamura, only one fight removed from getting completely shut out by Gafurov, especially considering Henry's wrestling defense and just overall ability. It would be cool to see him and Barnett in Japan though.

Rinya isn't that young for a prospect. I'm not one for guys taking massive steps back if they lose. Either you've got it or you haven't.

 

[RichardHarrow]

The Dagestani team is loved in Japan.