PANCRASE announces big plans for women's MMA

Ryo Kawamura, Vanilla Sky

There was a time when PANCRASE ran women's MMA on a regular basis. They seemed to get away from it a couple of years ago and I don't think they ran any women's matches in 2009. When they announced WINDY Tomomi's Sept. 2010 match against Monica Lovato, PANCRASE admitted they had neglected women's MMA but planned to rectify that in 2011. They have run a few matches and have VALKYRIE Featherweight Champion VV Mei vs WINDY Tomomi on the Apr. 3 Differ Ariake show. Today PANCRASE held a press conference to announce a major commitment to women's MMA. PANCRASE rep Ryo Kawamura announced six weight classes and plans for women's matches beginning in May. The six weight classes are 45.4kg (Minimum), 47.6kg (Strawweight), 49.9kg (Super Strawweight), 52.2kg (Light Flyweight), 54.4kg (Flyweight) and 56.7kg (Super Flyweight). You'll notice they aren't doing the heavier weight classes. There aren't enough Japanese fighters in the heavier weight classes. Most are in the lighter weight classes. The women's matches will be on the May 3 Differ Ariake show and when details are announced, I will have them for you. Kawamura also announced the theme song for the show will be written and performed by singer Vanilla Sky. She appeared at the press conference and said she is very excited to perform on the May 3 show. Obviously this is great news especially after last week's tragic events. Maybe this will kick start Japanese fan interest in women's MMA.