Smackgirl held a press conference today to add another match to their Nov. 29 Korakuen Hall show. But a more significant announcement is that the Masako Yoshida/Naoko Ohmuro match will be full MMA rules. Smackgirl has always had their own unique rules. This includes a thirty second grappling limit and no punching to the face while on the ground. With Smackgirl's growing popularity over the last year, this is a big step to legitimacy. Japan's best fighters Yuka Tsuji and especially Megumi Fujii have demanded these changes. Many foreign fighters have questioned the rules too. Both Ohmuro & Yoshida have full MMA rules experience and welcomed the change. Smackgirl President Nagao said this is a trial but suggested that Smackgirl would have more full MMA matches in 2007.
Smackgirl also announced a new match added to the show. It will be Mai Ichii vs Emi Fujino. Ichii is a pro wrestler currently training at the Kaoru Ito Professional Wrestling Classroom. This will be her MMA debut. Fujino has a 2-0 record but her last match was in April 2004. All matches are scheduled for two five minute rounds. Here's the card so far.
SMACKGIRL - 11/29/06 - Korakuen Hall
48KG BOUT-Masako Yoshida vs Naoko Ohmuro
48KG BOUT-Lisa Ward vs Misaki Takimoto
53KG BOUT-Mai Ichii vs Emi Fujino.
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