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2. Shooto “Year End Show 2004”
Dec. 14, 2004 | Tokyo

Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium was the site of the Shooto super show in December 2004, and by the time it was over, it took its place in the all-time annals. The card provided thrills from beginning to end, with local favorite Tatsuya Kawajiri handing Brazilian Vitor Ribeiro his first loss in the main event. The second-round TKO authored by “Crusher” brought with it the Shooto lightweight title.

The quality and depth of the card was remarkable. All-time great women’s fighter Megumi Fujii kicked it off with a first-round armbar on Nadia van der Wal; Rumina Sato knocked Katsuya Toida cold; Gilbert Melendez took a unanimous decision from Hiroyuki Takaya; and Alexandre Franca Nogueira choked out Hideki Kadowaki. Finally, Akira Kikicuhi laid claim to the Shooto welterweight championship with his unanimous decision against Jake Shields.

Number 1 » World Extreme Fighting 8