SHOOTO - 06/30/2012: Sasaki Down to 132 lbs

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Finally, Yuki "Uruka" Sasaki has decided to comedown to the featherweight division. In Shooto, this means, he is fighting at132 lbs, and his first fight at this weight class is set on June 30th, againstTeruyuki Matsumoto.

Sasaki won first five pro MMA fights, including Shooto lightweight (145 lbs)rookie tournament in 2010, but in the September of last year he finally tasteda defeat. Then, in the comeback fight, he beat "Jungle" Ito at thecatchweight of 62 kg which is closer to 132 lbs than 145 lbs. After this fight,Sasaki revealed, "I can cut to 60 kg so I am thinking" and finally heis making a featherweight debut.

Some calls him "Prince of the Ground Game" and many of the Shootofans are now hoping to see him go up against Kyoji Horiguchi.

However, obviously, he has to win this fight against Matsumoto and a veteran fromShooting Gym Osaka is no push-over. He was a runner-up at 2006 Shooto rookietourney, and has an experience of fighting for the Shooto's Pacific Rim titlefight.

Needless to say, Sasaki must be careful because Matsumoto has the submissionskill that can finish anyone but in that sense its same for Sasaki. That means,this is going to be an exciting battle between two top grapplers.

Sustain Presents
SHOOTO GIG TOKYO Vol.10
Saturday, June 30th, 2012
At Shinjuku FACE, Tokyo, Japan
Doors Open - 17:30 / Fight Starts - 18:00

Confirmed Cards (Subject to Change):

Featherweight Bout 5 min / 3R
Teruyuki Matsumoto (Japan /Shooting Gym Osaka) vs Yuki"Uruka" Sasaki (Japan / Suruga Dojo)

Bantamweight Bout 5 min / 3R
KODO (Japan / SHOOTO Gym Kobe)vs Shinichi Hanawa (Japan /Paraestra Koiwa)
& rookie tourney bouts and Infinity tourney reserve bouts.


Ticket Prices:
VIP- 10,000 yen / RS - 8,000 yen / SS - 6,000 yen / A - 5,000 yen / B - 4,000yen
*500 yen more at the door.


Reportby Shu Hirata