Kojima’s dismal Jan. 18 draw with Jesse Taitano was another in a long line of lackluster performances for Shooto's 123-pound world champion. He'll need a better performance in the third defense of his title on March 20, when he stakes his crown against Yuki Shoujou,
2. Mamoru Yamaguchi (20-5-3)
While his next MMA step may be uncertain, the former two-division Shooto world champion will take to the world of standup fighting, as he squares off with Shoot Boxing 122-pound champ Noriyuki Enari on Feb. 11.
3. Yuki Shoujou (8-4-2)
After his thrilling, come-from-behind submission victory over Yasuhiro Urushitani in September, Shoujou was more than deserving of a Shooto world title opportunity. Thankfully, the International Shooto Commission agreed, as the all-action Shoujou will challenge Shinichi "BJ" Kojima for Shooto's 123-pound world title on March 20.
4. Yasuhiro Urushitani (15-4-6)
Quickly looking to atone for his shocking September loss to Yuki Shoujou, Urushitani got back into action and got an easy victory on Nov. 8 in GCM's Cage Force, hacking open an overmatched Kiyotaka Shimizu for a first-round cut stoppage.
5. Ryuichi Miki (8-2-3)
The evolution of Miki continued Jan. 31, as he destroyed solid veteran Homare Kuboyama, punching him out in the first round. The victory should mark a consistent step-up in competition for the 25-year-old Gutsman Shooto Dojo product.