Michihiro Omigawa Signs UFC Contract, Meets Chad Mendes in Return
by Leland Roling on Dec 9, 2010 6:30 PM EST
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Ariel Helwani breaks the news via Versus.com:
Japanese featherweight star Michihiro Omigawa has signed with the UFC and will debut against Chad Mendes in either February or March, Versus.com has learned from sources.
Omigawa, 12-8-1, has won his last five fights in a row and is 8-2-1 since dropping down to featherweight.
The 34-year-old Japanese fighter is universally considered one of the 10 best featherweights in the world. He has defeated the likes of Hatsu Hioki, Cole Escovedo, Marlon Sandro and Nam Phan.
Omigawa's move the UFC has been a lengthy process due to what has been rumored to be some high demands at the negotiating table. His status in Japan has grown substantially since his move to the featherweight division, and notable victories over Hatsu Hioki, Marlon Sandro, Hiroyuki Takaya, LC Davis, and Micah Miller have further solidified him a legitimate top ten talent in the division. Despite the criticism that he's been gifted a few decisions during his reign in both Sengoku and DREAM, it hasn't affected his popularity with fans or leverage in getting a substantial contract from the UFC. We can only speculate how much money he'll be earning, but I would imagine that the UFC will try to take advantage of his popularity in Asia.
Mendes will be a difficult challenge for the Hidehiko Yoshida-trained judoka, and it's apparent that the UFC intends to use him to bring more credibility to Mendes' status as a challenger to the crown. Omigawa's strength and ability to use his Judo skills effectively in the clinch will clash head on with Mendes' powerful wrestling background, and it'll be interesting to see whether Omigawa can produce a victory over Mendes with his much improved boxing skills.
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Holy. Shit.
Awesome!
"Don’t quote old fucks to me" – Brent Brookhouse
by Chris Barton on Dec 9, 2010 6:31 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
That’s actually the same reaction I had when I read the headline. It’s going to be sink or swim though for Omigawa as Mendes is one of the best, if not the best, wrestler in the Featherweight division and is still undefeated and improving greatly. Nonetheless, it’s still an awesome matchup.
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My reaction was "Yeah!!! yeah yes!!!"
My wife looked at me like a crazy person.
I’m torn between my team beta male teammate and my Japanese mancrush. no homo.
Wolfgangsta @ www.ninjasplace.com
by Urijah Bieber on Dec 9, 2010 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH
First fight for Omigawa.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Contributor at cagepages.com Come check us out.
I'm sure attempt #2 will be better
Because his fight at LW with Tavares was one of the worst fights I’ve ever seen.
Let’s see if he can kick the boring out of Mendes.
Accustomed to mediocrity.
Mendes did some cool stuff last fight
He did the somersault over guard. He threw some strikes. He’s clearly still trying to find a way to be aggressive and exciting while using his wrestling base safely. He’s going to be better each fight I think.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Contributor at cagepages.com Come check us out.
He was pretty amazing in his last fight
He has caught the glorious fighting spirit of his teammates at Team Alpha Male!
Quite
Mendes has caught alot of flak for being a LnP’er, but I admire him cuz he was trying hard to be exciting. He was winning the stand up and using some quite flashy strikes two. IIRC it was Vasquez who initiated the ground game several times.
Dear audio diary: Today I may have accidentally registered myself as a sex offender! WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LIFE
- T-Rex
The only thing I found odd (or maybe inexperienced) with Mendes during the Vazquez fight is that he was clearly winning the standup, but he would go for the takedown after throwing a flurry of strikes even though some of the strikes connected. I guess that it is ingrained in him to take his opponents down, but his hands actually looked pretty good during the parts of the bout that were standing, and I felt that he could have defeated Vazquez by strikes if he didn’t go for the takedown as often as he did.
With Omigawa though, I really can’t see Mendes wanting to stand with him, and I feel that he’ll attempt the takedown as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Check out MMA For You at http://www.youtube.com/user/Gobusiness123 for MMA reviews, predictions, and analysis.
you’re right my friend. mendes gameplan is gonna be the same as every other fight. takedown, sit in guard, pretend to be busy, rinse & repeat.
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
The thing is that Mendes looks like he has the ability to finish fights. His hands look pretty good, and he does have submission ability especially with the guillotine choke (a Team Alpha Male specialty). He really doesn’t do himself any favors by just sitting in guard, and he doesn’t even posture up to rain some effective ground n pound. He’ll win fights that way, and it looks like the UFC wants to promote him, but he is already making a bad reputation for himself as a lay n pray fighter.
Check out MMA For You at http://www.youtube.com/user/Gobusiness123 for MMA reviews, predictions, and analysis.
He is trying to fix that though
LnP’ers don’t connect with flying knees and headkicks. His standup is acutally pretty fun to watch. He’s like the weird love child of Wanderlei Silva and Jon Fitch or something like that
Dear audio diary: Today I may have accidentally registered myself as a sex offender! WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LIFE
- T-Rex
Cut the guy some slack. He is inexperienced and hasn’t figured out how to finish yet. Omigawa had the same problem early in his career. So did Sandro. Some guys take a while to develop.
You’re right. I am giving Mendes a hard time here and just being very critical of him.
Check out MMA For You at http://www.youtube.com/user/Gobusiness123 for MMA reviews, predictions, and analysis.
by chrisbboy82 on Dec 10, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
Dude deserves a beating for his robbery of marlon sandro and many others while in the great city of japan. I like him but maybe give him garcia to see who would get the nod in THAT one. Prob go to a draw…
by kcfighter on Dec 9, 2010 6:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Garcia would get knocked out. Omigawa’s strength at 145 is substantially higher, and Garcia would get his clocked clean by Omigawa’s straight punching. It wouldn’t even be a contest in my mind.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 9, 2010 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe a Korean Zombie rematch?
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
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Yeah, I’m not exactly sure if that’s a good fight for Jung. Omigawa just looks much improved. To be perfectly honest, Mendes is going to have some problems, but I think he wins. I think the major Japanese FW who would be interesting to see is Hioki, mainly because he can pass guard on anyone with ease due to his length.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 9, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
yeah because you’re point of view isnt objective at all ;)
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Thank you for saving me from having to type that.
Also, Leland is correct, of course.
by Brent Ducharme on Dec 9, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
KIMBO SLICE
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Contributor at cagepages.com Come check us out.
you are one funny guy.
garcia would eat about 3 punches and then it would be over.
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
I beat Sandro, get over it
And Imma clean this house
by Omigawa on Dec 9, 2010 6:43 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
I’m hoping.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 9, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
No
I beat Sandro
No you didn’t, the judges beat Sandro.
"God bless....God."
Semper Fi'
Pain don't hurt...
fuck yessssssssssssssssssssssss!!!
dana is taking lighter weight classes seriously
Nothing but RESPECT for Matt "The Terror" Serra
http://gotmma.org/ - Korean MMA blog
That's awesome.
The featherweight division is going to be a huge boost to the UFC and MMA overall. These guys stand and bang. As the other divisions get more and more bogged down by wrestling to decisions. Can’t wait to Omigawa rematch the Korean Zombie. The WEC merger was one of the best things to happen to MMA this year.
Yes please
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
I'd rather see them take Takaya or Bibiano before KID.
by Rob Young on Dec 9, 2010 7:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Didn’t Takaya get destroyed in the WEC?
by MattParker117 on Dec 9, 2010 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
I'm too lazy to update this one
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
Unintelligent Defense, I bring Cricket bats to fist fights.
by Damon O. on Dec 9, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
I want bibi to be next man. I think that would pretty much lock down 145 except for hioki and sandro
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
I just jizzed in my pants.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Would you like a tissue?
"So, while you're taking a break from the UFC, hanging out at some lame party that your girlfriend dragged you to, I'll man up and watch some goddamn fights like a goddamn adult."
- Mike Fagan
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I'm sure he was wearing underwear
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Contributor at cagepages.com Come check us out.
Or his roommate is also known as Pants
When in Rome we shall do as the Romans, when in Hell we do shots at the bar.
by Barack Lesnar on Dec 9, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
You're all wrong
I used a stack of Puji Money, now that I realize it’s worthless.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
by Charles Awad on Dec 9, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Shut your dirty mouth
When in Rome we shall do as the Romans, when in Hell we do shots at the bar.
by Barack Lesnar on Dec 9, 2010 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
FUCK YES!
"Referees, be sure to step in and stop the fight on time tomorrow, because I might get carried away in the moment and my many punches may end up destroying my opponent." - Tatsuya "CRUSHER" Kawajiri
FUCK YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the panty raid on japanese fws has begun
"I have smoked weed with alot of UFC champions" - Joe Rogan
I almost felt this was impossible
we almost never see Japanese Dream fighters come to the UFC. Me thinks the UFC is up to something big.
It should be kind of obvious that dana smells blood and sees this as his time to strike. and really it is the best time considering you now have 145 and 135 in the UFC, so i’m sure zuffa is throwing wads of cash at these guys to speed up FEG’s slow demise.
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
subject line
Hard core MMA fan since UFC 99
by ChiCubs23 on Dec 9, 2010 8:31 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Welcome to the UFC.....
Here is a warm blanket…..
Or Chad Mendez, whatever. Oh yeah, PS, we are gonna put a loss on ur record.
by KidThunder on Dec 9, 2010 8:33 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
That made me lol
"If you want to watch stand up, go watch K-1"
And if you want to watch wrestling....... go watch wrestling.......
Hahaha
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
He's getting the Gomi treatment
You make the UFC sign you for a lot of money, you get fast tracked towards a title shot with a possible eliminator bout being your first fight.
I’m sure Omigawa wanted a big fight anyways. The guy is ready, no reason to give him anything other than top flight competition.
Thats how it works man. here’s hoping this is a title eliminator as we all expect.
by destructivist on Dec 9, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
*deep breath*
YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
I told you all it was coming, and despite the fact they are giving him chad blanket mendes I know that michi is gonna bust him up and get a title shot.
I hear ya
Conversely, if Mendes can work his top control game on Omigawa, then I’d have to start thinking he could do it to Aldo too. Either way the winner comes out with a lot of momentum for a title shot.
by IWillPartyHard on Dec 9, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Because Brown had such success?
Guys who shoot on Aldo eat fuckin lead. Omi has a far better chance.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
by Charles Awad on Dec 9, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not going to climb out on that limb
And lump every wrestlers chance against Aldo in with how Brown did against him. Brown also ate fuckin lead from Manny, so is Manny kryptonite to all wrestlers? I don’t think you’d find anyone saying that.
I’m just saying if Mendes can take down Omigawa and control him on the ground while staying busy enough to not have the fight stood up, then he has a shot at doing it to Aldo too.
Not to mention, Mendes wrestling is much better than Browns.
Brown is 35, won a high schoool state title way back in 92’, and wrestled for Norwich University (whatever the hell that is).
Mendes on the other hand is only 25, was a two time All American, and received Pac-10 wrestler of the year in 2008, and was the NCAA runner up in 2008.
Mendes wrestling credentials blow Brown’s out of the water, and Mendes was wrestling at that highly competitive level only 2 years ago. It’s not a stretch to say he has a much better chance of getting Aldo down and keeping him down than Brown did.
by IWillPartyHard on Dec 9, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Wait
So you won’t take an actual circumstance and apply it, but you’ll arbitrarily decide that Mendes could blanket Aldo? I don’t follow. Not trying to be a jerk here, just trying to see how you’re coming to this conclusion.
I don’t think Mendes stands a better chance than Brown and would likely lose in a fight with Brown. All 35 years old of him.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
by Charles Awad on Dec 9, 2010 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
Mendes is a better wrestler than Brown
That’s not arbitrary, that’s factual based on their wrestling accomplishments. Their credentials aren’t even comparable, Mendes are that much better.
Also, never said Mendes could blanket Aldo. Said if he can blanket Omigawa, then I’ll believe he has a shot at blanketing Aldo.
Also, I’m not taking Brown’s performance against Aldo as dispositive of how any wrestler would fare against Aldo, like you seem to be doing. Maybe if Faber had paid more attention to the Brown fight he would have tirelessly worked for takedowns against Aldo and never tried to exchange with him on the feet. It was those exchanges that led to his leg being kicked to smithereens, and once that happened he had absolutely no chance of taking Aldo down.
I think Mendes v. Brown fight would be great, but it’d also be a win for Mendes. He’ way faster than Brown, and as long as he avoided the one big punch, I think he could put Brown on his ass repeatedly and pepper him with punches en route to a UD.
by IWillPartyHard on Dec 10, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
mendes has some damn explosive takedowns
and improved striking
that being said though, i do agree with you. while i favor omigawa here, if mendes can take down and control him i’d give him a decent shot vs aldo
we’ve never really seen aldos bjj though besides the way he effortlessy and smoothly took browns back and destroyed him. hes apparently has scary good jiu jitsu skills and its a part of his game i’d like to see tested
"I have smoked weed with alot of UFC champions" - Joe Rogan
No one is disputing their wrestling credentials
I’m saying that Aldo’s experience with Brown— a wrestler— is tangible. Mendes blanketing everyone and their mother, other than Aldo, is not tangible. He’s done well against a good wrestler. You can’t just assume that his wrestling defense only reaches that far.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
by Charles Awad on Dec 10, 2010 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
He's done well against Brown
He’s never done well against an elite wrestler. I CAN assume that if Mendes controls Omigawa for 3 rounds that he is the biggest threat to Aldo ever.
by IWillPartyHard on Dec 11, 2010 4:28 AM EST up reply actions
Nice.
Hope the long lay off won’t affect his game. Remember him competing in Sengoku 7 against LC Davis with really bad record. No one really gave him a chance but since he’s been on a havoc streak.
Oh my god, Omigawa!
Your beliefs become your reality.
by Hardy's in your face on Dec 10, 2010 1:06 AM EST reply actions
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