It took nearly two years, but Kojima finally did something champion-esque. After the undeserved draw in his March 2007 title defense against Yasuhiro Urushitani and his embarrassing, aborted run at 132 pounds, "BJ" was down two rounds to rival Mamoru Yamaguchi in their July 18 fight. Less than 90 seconds away from losing his title, Kojima locked in a tight guillotine and choked his foe unconscious to retain his title and his status as the sport's top flyweight.
2. Yasuhiro Urushitani (14-3-6)
Due to another dubious draw against Ryuichi Miki in May, Urushitani watched as a Shooto world title shot was awarded to Mamoru Yamaguchi -- a man he had defeated in September 2007. With Kojima having downed Yamaguchi again, Urushitani will start his climb back to the title many feel should be his when he takes on youngster Yuki Shoujou on Sept. 28.
3. Mamoru Yamaguchi (20-5-3)
Seeking to become the first man to lose and regain his Shooto world championship, Mamoru was less than two minutes from reclaiming his title before he was caught in a guillotine and choked out once again by Shinichi Kojima. While still one of the best in the division, Mamoru's next move seems uncertain with recent losses to rivals Kojima and Urushitani.
4. Yuki Shoujou (7-4-2)
In his first major step up in competition, Shoujou was outgunned in February against former Shooto champion Mamoru Yamaguchi. Now Shoujou will look to make a better account of himself in his second bout against top-flight competition when he meets Yasuhiro Urushitani on Sept. 28.
5. Ryuichi Miki (6-2-3)
After a miraculous but questionable draw in May against perennial top dog Yasuhiro Urushitani, Miki will see action next on Oct. 5. The 2006 Shooto rookie champion will attempt to grab a win against age-old Shooto vet Jin Akimoto in the headliner of the next Shooting Disco card.
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