▼Match 7 / Kickboxing Rules / 3 minutes, 3 rounds / 70kg Contract
● Hikaru Machida (Ibushi Pro Wrestling Lab/Japan)
Unanimous Decision 0-3 (all 28-30)
〇 Kota Sugimura (Kickboxing/Japan)
Machida, known as the “IAI Puncher,” is a veteran fighter with a kickboxing record of 38 wins and 19 losses. He has previously held titles such as the first REBELS 60kg champion and the 9th MA Super Featherweight champion. In recent years, he has also ventured into pro wrestling, currently affiliated with the Ibushi Pro Wrestling Lab.
On the other hand, Sugimura is a high school second-year student known as a karate prodigy, making his highly anticipated professional debut in this match. He has won the 2023 Stand Up Amateur All-Japan Championship A-Class Tournament (General Division -65kg).
This was a battle between the 37-year-old Machida and the 17-year-old Sugimura, with a 20-year age difference.
In Round 1, Machida threw a left low kick, while Sugimura responded with a left jab and returned a right low kick. Machida attempted his signature “IAI punch” with a left hook, but Sugimura countered with a crescent kick and calf kicks. Sugimura landed a well-timed left jab to Machida’s face and followed up with body shots in close range.
In Round 2, Machida closed the distance, while Sugimura fought back with left jabs and crescent kicks. Sugimura also hit a right knee to Machida’s body and a left crescent kick. Machida retaliated with a right high kick and knee strikes in the clinch. Sugimura, switching to a southpaw stance, landed a clean left knee to Machida’s body.
In Round 3, Sugimura mixed up his attacks with left jabs, right low kicks, and knee strikes. Machida attempted counter right straights, but Sugimura stayed composed, landing left jabs, right straights, and left crescent kicks in return. Machida threw strong left and right hooks, but Sugimura’s knee strikes hit the body with precision. The round ended with both fighters exchanging punches at close range.
All three judges scored in favor of Sugimura, who showcased remarkable skill for his debut match, earning a unanimous decision victory.
Sugimura took the microphone after the match and said, “Thank you for your support today. I got a bit stiff since it was my debut, and I couldn’t get a knockout, but I’ll build on this for the future. Since I’m young, I have to be the one to bring excitement. I’ll get stronger and aim to become the face of this event.”
Event Overview
Noto Peninsula Earthquake Charity Event
JAPAN MARTIAL ARTS EXPO PROLOGUE
Event Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Doors Open: 12:30 PM, Event Starts: 2:00 PM
Venue: Yokohama BUNTAI (2-7-1 Furocho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0032)
Organizer: Japan Martial Arts Consortium
Ticket Prices: Arena Reserved Seats ¥10,000 (excluding tax) / General Admission (Free Seating) ¥3,000 (excluding tax)
Tickets on Sale: From Tuesday, October 1, 2024, via ePlus and other ticketing services.
How to watch：
12:30-（JST) U-NEXT（Only in Japan・Free）
https://video.unext.jp/livedetail/LIV0000006877?rid=FS00040
14:00-（JST) TrillerTV（Worldwide exlculding Japan・PPV）
https://www.trillertv.com/watch/japan-martial-arts-expo-2024/2pfqy/
14:00-（JST) Fight Plus（Worldwide excluding Japan・PPV）
https://fightplus.eu/item.html?id=4949480
Official Website：https://jmaexpo.com/
For the latest updates, please check the official social media channels