How is Gilbert Melendez #2??

---

Posted by Kpro

I stopped reading after seeing how much people discredit fighters like Kawajiri. There's no sense arguing for Melendez with how some people view the top fighters in JMMA. I'd take Crusher over a guy like Huerta or Pettis without hesitation.

---

It's because there is a clear division between talent levels in Japan and the West. While a few stand outs have appeared, Asian fighters have a terrible track record fighting in high profile fights in America. Whether it's work ethic (i.e. weight cutting), or style, Asian fighters struggle time and time again. I really love Asian styles of MMA, but the evidence is everywhere.

---

Posted by warglory

---

Posted by Kpro

I stopped reading after seeing how much people discredit fighters like Kawajiri. There's no sense arguing for Melendez with how some people view the top fighters in JMMA. I'd take Crusher over a guy like Huerta or Pettis without hesitation.

---

It's because there is a clear division between talent levels in Japan and the West. While a few stand outs have appeared, Asian fighters have a terrible track record fighting in high profile fights in America. Whether it's work ethic (i.e. weight cutting), or style, Asian fighters struggle time and time again. I really love Asian styles of MMA, but the evidence is everywhere.

---

Not every Japanese fighter can be lumped in just because almost all have terrible track records when coming overseas and Kawajiri is one where the evidence everywhere I don't feel would apply to him at all. There's no right or wrong, just opinions, and I don't think Kawajiri fits the mold of what we've seen from Japanese fighters coming over.