DEEP 59 - 10/19/2012: Nakamura Faces Sakurai, Nakanishi Defends Belt Against Yuki

DEEP revealed two fight cards for their upcoming "number series" shows at Korakuen Hall.

So far the biggest announcement is the signing of UFC / PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura.

Although there is a rumor still circulating in Japan for a possible New Years Eve show, with DREAM not being able to come up with a concrete future plan, apparently, Nakamura made up his mind. A 33-year old from Yoshida Dojo closed his oden brasserie and went back to his hometown for a while so many thought he was going to retire. But he is not quite done yet, and obviously he decided to not just wait. And he is going to take on another PRIDE vet Ryuta Sakurai. 

This is going to be a first fight in almost a year for Sakurai but Nakamura is in a same situation. 

Both fighters entered a ring during the intermission at DEEP 58 show held on Saturday. A 40-year old veteran from team R-BLOOD told the fans, "Its been a year (since last fight) but its not like I was playing around. I want to do well in my next fight" while Nakamura joked, "I am hear to get DEEP belt. As judo-ka, I am going to provide more excitements that what we see on the Olympics. I am the one who is going to win!"

Also, DEEP announced light-heavyweight title match between the champion Yoshiyuki Nakanishi and Yuki from TEAM TACKLER, and confirmed two fighters that came up short in DEEP 58, Katsunori Kikuno and Yasuaki Kishimoto, will be back in this show.

East and West Presents 
DEEP 60
Friday, October 19th, 2012
At Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Doors Open - 17:30 / Fight Starts - 18:00

Confirmed Cards (Subject to Change):

DEEP Light-heavyweight Title Match - 5 min / 3R
Yoshiyuki Nakanishi (Japan / TRIBE TOKYO M.M.A.) vs Yuki (Japan / TEAM TACKLER)

Middleweight Bout 5 min / 3R
Ryuta Sakurai (Japan / R-BLOOD) vs Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan / R-BLOOD)

Confirmed Fighters:
Katsunori Kikuno (Japan / ALLIANCE)
Yasuaki Kishimoto (Japan / MMA Dojo Cobra-kai)


Ticket Prices:
VIP - 15,000 yen / SRS - 10,000 yen / A - 8,000 yen / B - 6,000 yen 
*500 yen more at the door.


Report by Shu Hirata