Hello, Japan: With Suspension Lifted, Kazuo Misaki Cleared for New Year's Eve Action

Citing good behavior and a reflective attitude, the "executive committee" of Sengoku Raiden Championship (née Sengoku) has lifted its suspension of veteran middleweight Kazuo Misaki. The promotion announced the decision to Japanese media on Friday morning, simultaneously adding Misaki's name and photo to the list of New Year's Eve participants on its official website. Misaki was placed on indefinite suspension in July following a March run-in with a Tokyo police officer, and subsequent guilty plea to charges of interfering with a public servant.

When Misaki announced his split from the Sengoku-affiliated Grabaka gym last month, BloodyElbow.com learned that agreements were already in place for Misaki to face fellow Pride vet Kazushi Sakuraba at "Dynamite!!" on New Year's Eve. Since then, information on FEG's NYE matchmaking (or lack thereof) has been scarce, but today's announcement certainly suggests that Misaki-Sakuraba will go on as planned. More should be known on Monday, when FEG event producer Tanigawa says he hopes to announce the full 19-fight card.

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All-female promotion Jewels wrapped up its year in Tokyo today, crowning "Rough Stone" grand prix winners in three different weight classes. German import Alexandra Sanchez furthered her reputation as one to watch at 132 pounds with a first round armbarring of tough joshi wrestler Tomoko Morii, while Mika Nagano and Asami Kodera won their respective 119- and 105-pound finals.

The main event - a 115-pound scrap between Saori Ishioka and American Sally Krumdiack - was apparently marred by bad refereeing, and ended in an abrupt "technical submission" due to armbar at 2:45 of the first frame. In fairness, the match seemed doomed from the start, as Krumdiack struggled to make weight yesterday and voiced concerns about her ability to take the fight into deep waters.

Jewels have also announced their first grappling tournament, to be held on January 10th in Tokyo. In typical Jewels fashion, they've modified the rules - no chokeholds will be allowed - but the women who impress in the tournament could be invited to a future DEEP event.

Full "6th Ring" results after the jump.

Jewels - 6th Ring
December 11, 2009
Shinjuku FACE
Tokyo, Japan

#9 - Main Event - Jewels Rules - 52.5kg (115 lbs)
Saori Ishioka (8-4) def. Sally Krumdiack (7-3) via technical submission (armbar) R1 2:45

#8 - Shoot Boxing Rules - 52kg (114.6 lbs)
Akari (Smash) def. Asako (U-File Camp Gifu) via unanimous decision (3-0) R3 2:00

#7 - Jewels Rules - 48kg (105 lbs) Rough Stone GP Finals
Asami Kodera (5-3) def. Kikuyo Ishikawa (2-1) via unanimous decision (3-0) R2 5:00

#6 - Jewels Rules - 54kg (119 lbs) Rough Stone GP Finals
Mika Nagano (5-2) def. Yuko Kagoshima (1-1) via submission (armbar) R2 3:56

#5 - Jewels Rules - 60kg (132 lbs) Rough Stone GP Finals
Alexandra Sanchez (4-1) def. Tomoko Morii (1-2) via submission (armbar) R1 3:39

#4 - Jewels Rules - 60kg (132 lbs)
Shizuka Sugiyama (6-1) def. Yukiko "Ko" Ozeki (0-1-1) via unanimous decision (3-0) R2 5:00

#3 - Jewels Rules - 53.5kg (118 lbs)
Mari Kaneko (9-8-1) def. Rina Tomita (2-3) via unanimous decision (3-0) R2 5:00

#2 - Jewels Rules - 48kg (105 lbs)
Misaki "Patora" Ozawa (1-4) def. Akiko Inoue (2-7) via unanimous decision (3-0) R2 5:00

#1 - Jewels Rules - 48kg (105 lbs)
Yoko Yamada (6-1) def. Miyoko Kusaka (0-1) via unanimous decision (3-0) R2 5:00