Sengoku to Develop a Reality TV Show

From Sherdog.com's blog:

Monday, 12:30 a.m. ET: At the post-fight presser for Sengoku’s Eighth Battle, World Victory Road PR Director Takahiro Kokuho unveiled his plans for Japan’s first stab at MMA reality TV. Superficial similarities aside, “The Ultimate Fighter” it is not.

Dubbed “Project: Gold Rush,” Sengoku initially aims to cultivate up-and-coming fighters within three weight classes: 60, 65 and 70 kg (132, 143, 154 pounds). In the vein of Sengoku’s open tryouts and a natural extension of its fighter development program (of which Shigeki Osawa and Maximo Blanco are current products), the show is intended to foster the development of young fighters.

Featuring four to five handpicked fighters per weight class from various Japanese gyms, the young talents will fight each other over the course of four to five episodes. The finals in each weight class will be slotted as preliminary bouts on the Aug. 2 Sengoku Ninth Battle.

As an admitted fan of Sengoku -hence my many late nights with the Bloodyelbow Night Crew (NIGHTRIDER!!!)- I have to admit that I'm pretty bullish about this idea.  Firstly, I like that the most sport-oriented promotion east of Cathay is trying to build up their fighters intelligently.  Secondly, it is comforting to know that Sengoku is implementing plans that could see major long terms gains, both the fighters and the program itself, and are showing an eye for the long term.  Thirdly, when coupled with a little luck, this show could be a vehicle for creating major stars that could galvanize the public and eventually reinvigorate interest in MMA in Japan.

However, the most positive thing about this for me is that Sengoku has proven themselves to be willing to break ranks with conventional wisdom, take risks, and dance to their own tune.  This, more than anything else, makes me think that not only could they stick around for a while, but be successful.  Hell, it kinda worked for this one other promotion.

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