Zach Arnold of Fight Opinion has written an excellent piece on the current state of MMA in Japan. In it, he outlines how and why the scene has deteriorated so quickly.
In 2007, it’s the Japanese gangs (that were tolerated and negotiated with in the past by fight promoters, workers, and agents) that have managed to gradually destroy a fight industry that was prosperous and booming as recently as three years ago. Turf wars, murders, loan sharking, and many other unsavory characteristics associated with the yakuza have crept up in public view for consumption in relation to the fight game.
You can check out the entire article here.
Just a matter of time before global focus shifts to Vegas for MMA, if it hasn’t done so already….