JMMA Monday: Is The RIZIN Vibe Shift Happening?

Do you sense a change coming? I certainly do. RIZIN has definitely been an interesting promotion to cover in recent years. They have experienced drama, made stars, and continued to be a backbone for one of the strongest ecosystems in the sport. But to say things have been flawless would, of course, not be true. … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Is The RIZIN Vibe Shift Happening? →

JMMA Monday: Previewing DEEP Jewels 36 With Charlie Jewett + More!

Welcome to another week of "JMMA Monday." Today, we're reacting to the recent RIZIN "LANDMARK" card and previewing the upcoming DEEP Jewels flyweight tournament. Let's begin. Previewing DEEP Jewels 36 With Charlie Jewett On Saturday night, DEEP Jewels will kick off an eight-woman flyweight tournament. The bracket includes a wide variety of names. There are … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Previewing DEEP Jewels 36 With Charlie Jewett + More! →

JMMA Monday: Reflecting on ‘TRIGGER’ with J. Christian Gary

RIZIN kicked off its 2022 schedule last week with their second-ever "TRIGGER" card. It's the second time that RIZIN has run what is meant to be the second tier of their programming. I have likened it before to UFC's "Fight Night" cards, in relation to the numbered events that they do as well. In the … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Reflecting on ‘TRIGGER’ with J. Christian Gary →

JMMA Monday: Kleber Koike Has Won Viewers Over

Kleber Koike felt he had everything to prove in his 2020 RIZIN debut. This wasn't because he was a rookie. Matter fact, he was entering the promotion with over 25 wins and more than a decade of experience. And it wasn't because it was his first fight on a big stage. Just a few years … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Kleber Koike Has Won Viewers Over →

JMMA Monday: Ulka Sasaki’s Balance of Art and Sport

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. MMA is in a different position compared to a lot of other sports. While many sports are solely focused on wins and losses, MMA can be more than that. The sport is … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Ulka Sasaki’s Balance of Art and Sport →

JMMA Monday: And We’re Back

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. Things have been a little quiet around here, but that won't be the case for much longer. A series of recent announcements from Japanese MMA promotions over the past week, including RIZIN, … Continue reading JMMA Monday: And We’re Back →

JMMA Monday: Musayev’s Move, LDH Investing In MMA, And More

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. This week's blog is split into two parts. The first half will see us discuss the recent news around Tofiq Musayev, and the second half will talk about Shooto Japan. Another One … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Musayev’s Move, LDH Investing In MMA, And More →

JMMA Monday: Three Questions Heading Into 2022

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. Listen, I get that you're probably sick of reflection pieces by now. We're in 2022. We're here. No more looking back on 2021. Alright, I hear you. This week we're going to … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Three Questions Heading Into 2022 →

JMMA Monday: Reflecting on RIZIN 33 With Fight Pizza

Welcome to the very first "JMMA Monday" episode on the website. This will be a weekly corner on the site to talk about any relevant topics around MMA in Japan. Sometimes it will be a conversation with someone else, other times it will just be a short little opinion column. We're coming off the biggest … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Reflecting on RIZIN 33 With Fight Pizza →