Kazuo Misaki goes out swinging, Kazuyuki Miyata dominates at DEEP 'Haleo Impact'
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Kazuo Misaki goes out swinging, Kazuyuki Miyata dominates at DEEP 'Haleo Impact'
jay98107
12/23/12 1:25:34PM
TOKYO -- After 12 years and nearly 40 fights, Japanese fan-favorite Kazuo Misaki said farewell to the ring Saturday in front of a packed Korakuen Hall at Deep “Haleo Impact.”
In his final appearance, Misaki took on teammate and close friend Akihiro Gono in an exhibition kickboxing match. The bout began with shin-guards, but Misaki removed his before the second round and directed Gono to do the same. The two friends brawled for two rounds and embraced one another in tears after the final bell.
“I fought 40 fights over 12 years. What I learned from all of that was two important things: the terms ‘thank you’ and ‘challenge,’” Misaki told the crowd before giving thanks to his teammates, family and fans, bowing out with tear-filled eyes.
Misaki’s career saw him win the 2006 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix and includes notable wins over Dan Henderson, Denis Kang and most recently, Paul Daley.
Story
In his final appearance, Misaki took on teammate and close friend Akihiro Gono in an exhibition kickboxing match. The bout began with shin-guards, but Misaki removed his before the second round and directed Gono to do the same. The two friends brawled for two rounds and embraced one another in tears after the final bell.
“I fought 40 fights over 12 years. What I learned from all of that was two important things: the terms ‘thank you’ and ‘challenge,’” Misaki told the crowd before giving thanks to his teammates, family and fans, bowing out with tear-filled eyes.
Misaki’s career saw him win the 2006 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix and includes notable wins over Dan Henderson, Denis Kang and most recently, Paul Daley.
Story
cowcatcher
12/23/12 1:29:18PM
Misaki is one of the most accomplished JMMA fighters ever, and probably the most underrated. He was one of the toughest fighters ever, and was involved in a ton of exciting and memorable fights. It's sad to see him go, but I'm glad he got to go out on his own terms. 
DeadHead988
12/23/12 2:25:16PM
That sounds like a movie-worthy final fight
Budgellism
12/23/12 2:37:31PM
I love both these guys. Misaki and Gono will be missed in the mma world. They both put on a ton of exciting fights and fought some of the toughest guys in the world.
jay98107
12/23/12 2:48:33PM
Posted by cowcatcher
Misaki is one of the most accomplished JMMA fighters ever, and probably the most underrated. He was one of the toughest fighters ever, and was involved in a ton of exciting and memorable fights. It's sad to see him go, but I'm glad he got to go out on his own terms.
Beat Henderson and Kang when Kang was considered one of the fastest rising stars in MMA. Plus he had two amazing fights with Jorge Santiago.
cowcatcher
12/23/12 2:56:02PM
Not to mention his fight with Sexyama or beating Daley at his own game. 
sparky
12/23/12 3:51:13PM
Misaki is always exciting and fun to watch. His retirement comes as a surpise to me
I think he is still an elite fighter that can hang with the best of them.
I think he is still an elite fighter that can hang with the best of them.
warglory
12/23/12 5:07:52PM
This saddens me. 
I feel like a lot of the old guard are retiring. It's great it's on their own terms, when they know they are not at the top of their game anymore.
There are a few great Asian fighters right now, but I think there needs to be more with personality like the Korean Zombie to really highlight Asian MMA.
I just watched Misaki vs Daley again in remembrance of Misaki at his best.
I feel like a lot of the old guard are retiring. It's great it's on their own terms, when they know they are not at the top of their game anymore.There are a few great Asian fighters right now, but I think there needs to be more with personality like the Korean Zombie to really highlight Asian MMA.
I just watched Misaki vs Daley again in remembrance of Misaki at his best.
Poor_Franklin
12/23/12 7:21:02PM
the Daley fight made me so happy. Misaki was/still is the shit!
Wallass
12/24/12 10:27:51PM
Not to be overly dramatic but ABSOLUTELY can a movie be made of this whole thing. I mean we all probably sat through "Redbelt" so why not a movie based on this?