News:

U.S. Too Much for Japan, Dominates at MFC 5 
November 6, 2005
by Adam Corso (adamcorso@yahoo.com)

ATLANTIC CITY, Nov. 5 — The land of the rising sun couldn’t muster more fight than their counterparts from Russia did at MFC 4. The Americans took every fight in dominating fashion except two, on a card that saw only two bouts go past the first round.

The first bout pitted Yuji Miyazaki (MMA Dojo Cobra-Kai, Osaka, Japan) versus Stephen Haigh (Fight Factory, Philadelphia, Penn.) in what was billed as the MMA version of “The Head Shave Challenge.” In a flurry that started with a flying knee that connected right on the button followed by an armbar submission, it would be Yuji going home bald tonight just 31 seconds into round one.

The main event featured hometown hero Eddie Alvarez (Pictures) (Fight Factory Philadelphia, Penn.) versus Daisuke Hanazawa (Pictures) (MMA Dojo Cobra-kai Osaka, Japan). It was clear right from the get go Daisuke wanted no part of Alvarez’ stand-up and if he was going to have a chance he needed to get this one to the ground as quickly as possible.

Alvarez came out with superior striking and looked like he was going to end this one as quickly as it started, but Daisuke was able to score a takedown to get himself out of trouble. With the fight right where Daisuke wanted it he was unable to pass Alvarez’s guard or inflict any damage from the top position, and the fighters where soon backup on their feet. Once the fight was back in Alvarez’s comfort zone it didn’t take long for him to finish off his Japanese counterpart and end the fight via TKO 4:00 into the first round.

Alvarez’s cheering section, which seemed like the whole stadium at this point, was so amped up it was borderline scary. Those fans from Philadelphia sure do love their hometown hero’s and you can bet if the Fight Factory produces anymore like Alvarez the fans will have plenty to cheer about for a long time to come.