Home Categories Miscellaneous The FLD Weigh-In: Yamamoto vs. Kanehara
The FLD Weigh-In: Yamamoto vs. Kanehara
Written by Joshua Taylor   
Friday, 25 December 2009 16:50
On NYE, we as MMA fans will be treated to another stellar Fields Dynamite MMA/K-1 fight card, but for some reason there isn’t a whole lot of buzz surrounding it this year. Is it because in classic DREAM fashion, the fights have been announced at the last minute? Is it because of the overwhelming press coverage of the disaster that is UFC 108, which happens only two days later? Or, is it because this year’s card is missing previous year-end notables like Sakuraba, Cro Cop, and Fedor?

Honestly, I don’t know why for certain, that there isn’t more buzz surrounding this event as it includes at least nine different Top 15 ranked fighters and some real hardcore fan favorites. There are quite a few fights that will have a significant impact on the world rankings and some that have the potential to be barn burners. One of those fights that I think is being overlooked and could be an amazing match-up is Kid Yamamoto vs. Masanori Kanehara.







Now Featuring:
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto vs Masanori Kanehara
Dream/FEG's Dynamite!! 2009: Dream vs WVR
12/31/2009



Sengoku FW Champion: Masanori Kanehara
Record: 15-7-5
Wins: 4 TKOs, 6 Submissions, 5 Decisions
Losses: 1 TKO, 3 Submissions, 3 Decisions
Team: Musashi-Murayama Dojo
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 145lbs

Background: Heading into the Sengoku FWGP, at the beginning of this year, not many people knew who Masanori Kanehara was, but at Seventh Battle he had a FotN performance with Jong Man Kim, earning himself a decision win that put him on the map. This victory moved him on to the second round at Eighth Battle, where he partook in another FotN performance against “The Korean Zombie”, Chan Sung Jung, adding yet another decision victory to his credit.

In the semi-finals, he met the 5th ranked FW in the world, Hatsu Hioki, and although he lost, he gave Hioki a concussion which forced him to withdraw from the finals, allowing Kanehara to take his place. Kanehara made the most of his opportunity and earned a split decision win over Michihiro Omigawa, a victory that crowned him World Victory Road's first ever Featherweight champion.

Although Kanehara has enjoyed an improbable rise to the top, he doesn’t train with an elite camp or possess elite level skills. Simply put, Kanehara has shown incredible resiliency and the will to win, but hasn’t shown any astonishing skills in any particular area of fighting, thus far in his career.

JT’s Keys to Victory: In order for Kanehara to win this match he will need to consistently mix his game up, taking full advantage of his height and reach advantage over Yamamoto. "Kid" has shown himself to be very complacent when the fight hits the ground, so if Masanori can effectively use his reach while striking long enough to get close and drag this fight to the ground, I could see him controlling Yamamoto on the ground. While I don’t think he possesses good enough jiu-jitsu to submit Kid, I could see him staying active on top while maintaining position, taking him en route to yet another decision victory.



Challenger: Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto
Record: 17-2-0
Wins: 12 TKOs, 2 Submissions, 3 Decisions
Losses: 1 TKO, 1 Decision
Team: Krazy Bee
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 145lbs

Background: Kid is a very well known fighter and is extremely popular in Japan. He has beaten many highly respected fighters, such as Bibiano Fernandes, Rani Yahya, Genki Sudo, Caol Uno, Jeff Curran, and more. Yamamoto is known for his exciting and explosive stand-up, but he comes from a wrestling background, making him a very well-rounded fighter.

Although he is an extremely talented fighter, he has somewhat fallen off of everyone’s radar due to his inactivity. Since 2006 he has had only three fights and prior to his latest bout with Joe Warren, he was inactive for a year and a half. This fight, however, is a fantastic opportunity for him to get back into the Top 15, which would ultimately put his name back amongst the elite in the division.

JT’s Keys to Victory: I believe that the loss to Warren will really motivate Kid and get him back into the right frame of mind to win fights. The main key to victory for him will be to stay active! Whether the fight is taking place on the feet or on the mat, Kid needs to avoid becoming complacent, instead, he must dictate the pace of the fight. Due to the fact Yamamoto will be giving up height and reach to Kanehara, he will need to carefully move in and out of the pocket when striking, just so he can land without taking too much damage himself, further making takedown opportunities for his opponent scarce. If the fight does go to the ground "Kid" needs to constantly initiate for scrambles to get the fight back to the feet.


JT's Prediction: Kanehara doesn’t possess high level wrestling, whereas Kid comes from a wrestling background, so I think Yamamoto will be able to effectively implement a sprawl-and brawl strategy, allowing him to keep the fight standing, where he has the best chance of winning.

Kid has explosive and sharp striking, but he is primarily a boxer, so he will need to get in close to utilize these skills,  ensuring that he can maximize the damage he inflicts in exchanges. I see him coming out aggressive early and landing to gain the upper hand. Once he has Kanehara off balance, I think he will keep the pressure on and control the pace of the fight. Masanori has a solid chin and tons of heart though, so I don’t think it will end quickly. He has shown he can take punishment and keep coming so it will likely be war, one that I predict Kid will emerge victorious from, via decision.