All of UFC aces that have competed in Japan end up revealing just how different of an experience it is. The consensus in the MMA community is that the Asian audiences know more about grappling and generally display more respect towards the martial artists compared to the average ‘just bleed’ style US fan.
For better of for worse, Japan has always been different and never afraid to lean into the entertainment aspect of the show. This next throwback perfectly showcases that.
In the world of MMA, there are always bouts that stir controversy and debate among fans. One such event featured 5’2 120 lbs mixed martial artist and 6’3 330 lbs Judoka. For those keeping score at home that’s almost THRICE the size.
The bout was deemed unfair due to the stark difference in size and weight between the two. However this was a common problem in early MMA and even later.
Just a couple years ago Japan’s Rizin matched Gabi Garcia, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu star, towers at 6ft 1in and weighs 245lb, against Yumiko Hotta, a 49-year-old politician and former pro wrestler (5ft 6in, is 100lb lighter at 159lb).
The mixed martial artist engages the judoka from the get go, trying for a single leg takedown. Her attempt is shrugged off and she gets swarmed quickly.
The size difference is a lesson on it’s own. Despite the huge disadvantage the mixed martial artist refuses to quit and keeps on trying to intelligently react and get one up on her giant opponent.
Now while the judoka showed off with a monster throw, this would come back to backfire as it would expend a needless amount of energy in addition to leaving her open for an attack.
Mixed martial artist quickly takes advantage of the position and attempts to capitalize with her BJJ.
Without weight classes, smaller individuals could end up facing much larger opponents, which could lead to serious repercussion or even catastrophic. In addition, larger martial artists could have an unfair advantage over smaller opponents, making the sport less fair and less enjoyable to watch.