UWF Newborn

[Control21]

Card Announcement:

UWF Newborn - "U-COSMOS Grand Prix 1990: Second Round"

September 30th, 1990

Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima Prefectural Gym

 

All matches second round tournament matches:

Volk Han vs Salman Hashimikov

Atsushi Onita vs Marco Ruas

Eugenio Tadeu vs Tatsumi Fujinami

Aleksandr Karelin vs Minoru Suzuki

Duane Koslowski vs Nobuhiko Takada

Satoru Sayama vs Dick Vrij

Akira Maeda vs Dennis Koslowski

Yoshiaki Fujiwara vs Masakatsu Funaki

[Control21]

UWF Newborn – “U-Cosmos Grand Prix 1990: Second Round”

September 30^th, 1990

Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium

Attendance: 5,180 (sold out)

Broadcast: WOWOW (live)

The WOWOW broadcast opens with the commentary crew greeting the viewing audience, and they break down the card for the evening. They discuss potential upsets, favorites, and how the bracket looks before going into the second round. Fans finish shuffling into the arena before Nobuyuki Furuta officially opens the event, which is, of course, followed by a light show and fireworks as the UWF theme plays. The wrestlers make their way to the ring one by one for the introductions, with the loudest pops from the crowd reserved for the likes of Akira Maeda, Nobuhiko Takada, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Masakatsu Funaki, Atsushi Onita, Volk Han, Aleksandr Karelin, and Marco Ruas. Takada, Maeda, Fujiwara, and Funaki all give brief speeches welcoming fans to the event. Billy Robinson is also at ringside for some formalities, and we are eventually underway!

Volk Han vs Salman Hashimikov

For the first time, the Soviet dynamos would be meeting each other in the ring. The fans inside the arena were certainly amped up to witness an intriguing clash of styles on paper. The match opened with Hashimikov pressing forward, looking to force a clinch. Han responded by keeping his distance, flicking probing palm strikes, and feinting low kicks to distract.  When Hashimikov finally locked his hands around Han’s waist, he launched a thunderous belly-to-belly suplex that rattled the canvas, drawing a gasp from the audience as Han absorbed the impact.  Hashimikov immediately attempted to smother Volk on the mat, but Volk taunted Hashimikov in the process, signaling him to follow through. This forced Hashimikov to back off warily. This established the theme of the contest. Hashimikov used his power and size to bully Han, but the submission wizard constantly found ways to turn danger into opportunity. At around three minutes, Han baited Hashimikov into another takedown attempt, then spun into a rolling kneebar that nearly finished the bout early, only for Hashimikov to power out and drag himself to the ropes, costing him his first rope escape. The fans applauded Han’s ingenuity, and it rattled Hashimikov. The Chechen began to show urgency, pressing with heavy clinch palm strikes and another booming side suplex that earned him his first knockdown against Han after the Dagestani grappler took his time to get up. Midway through, the match accelerated. Han landed a surprise spinning backfist that staggered the bigger man, then dove low for a kani-basami scissor takedown, wrenching at the ankle and drawing another frantic rope break, tying the match at 1-1 on points. The pattern repeated; every suplex or throw Hashimikov landed looked like it caused serious pain, but Han’s creativity kept him alive. The Dagestani forced his countryman into awkward scrambles and more rope breaks. Volk eventually built up a 3-1 lead on points. At just past the eleven-minute mark, the end came when Hashimikov muscled Han into the corner and attempted a powerful Greco-style throw, only for Han to flow with the motion, rolling through the landing and clamping onto the leg in transition. In an instant, Han had threaded into a devastating cross heel hold, twisting sharply as Hashimikov pounded the mat in pain, unable to reach the ropes this time. Han defeats Hashimikov via submission (cross heel hold), 11:23

Atsushi Onita vs Marco Ruas

Onita has been making some waves recently, with his profile increasing in UWF thanks to a couple of solid wins and his role as an ambassador of sorts with UWF’s Brazilian outreach. Ruas was already familiar with Onita, having trained under him several years ago before Onita returned to wrestling. Ruas was well aware of Onita’s brash approach and would be ready to show that the master was still the master for a reason. Onita charged in at the opening bell, swinging wild palm strikes and mixing in low kicks, immediately forcing Ruas into retreat. The fans roared as the Japanese fighter threw a flurry of body punches before dragging Ruas into the ropes for a clean break. Ruas, ever composed, weathered the storm and began chopping at Onita’s thighs with thudding low kicks, forcing his opponent to wince and stumble with each crack. Onita responded with his typical defiance, slapping his own chest, daring Ruas to hit harder. Onita lunged into a clinch where he tried to muscle a snap suplex, only for Ruas to counter with a hip throw and drop into side control. Onita twisted, trying to roll into a guillotine attempt. Still, Ruas calmly peeled his grip, postured, and dropped hard palm strikes into Onita’s ribs until Onita managed to fight off after a brief struggle on the mat. The pace continued with Onita repeatedly storming forward with looping kicks and reckless palm smashes, even landing a rough belly-to-belly that drew a gasp from the crowd when Ruas was stunned enough for a brief count, giving Onita the first knockdown edge. Yet the Brazilian’s composure held steady. He pressed forward and continued his punishing low kicks aimed at weakening Onita’s stance. By the eight-minute mark, Onita’s base had clearly eroded. Ruas pressed this advantage with precision; low kick after low kick, punctuated by a body kick that echoed through the hall and folded Onita in half, earning a knockdown that evened the score. The final stretch saw Onita press again with his remaining energy, desperate to pull Ruas into a scrap. Onita briefly saw some success on the mat when he managed to bring Ruas down with a guillotine attempt. Onita worked hard but managed to secure a rope break from Ruas. Ruas remained focused on his mission, though, and went straight back at punishing Onita with low kicks. At 13 minutes, Ruas clinched and drilled a series of short knees, then separated and unleashed a savage kick to the stomach that buckled Onita completely, sending him crashing to the mat in agony. The referee counted as Onita attempted to get back up. He collapsed again by nine, giving Ruas the knockout victory. Ruas defeats Onita via KO, 13:56

Eugenio Tadeu vs Tatsumi Fujinami

Tadeu and Fujinami had crossed paths a few months ago, and the two were already familiar with each other. Fujinami was well aware of the danger Tadeu posed and came prepared. The Brazilian was looking for a major upset victory to continue his run. After the bell sounded, Tadeu immediately pressed his opponent, throwing exploratory low kicks. Tadeu was trying to draw Fujinami into overcommitting, but the veteran maintained composure. Soon after, Tadeu landed a sharp step-in knee to Fujinami’s midsection that forced him back toward the ropes, then followed with a spinning kick that connected flush enough to stagger him. Fujinami dropped to one knee, leading to the first knockdown count of the match. The crowd gasped, but Fujinami rose at five, tightening his guard and pressing forward with more urgency. Fujinami caught Tadeu’s next flashy kick and dragged him to the canvas with a quick ankle pick. From there, Fujinami tried to grind, applying a tight half guard ride and looking for openings to isolate a wrist, but Tadeu’s scrambles were lightning quick. Tadeu nearly gained control of Fujinami’s back, which forced Fujinami to the ropes for a clean break. The rhythm continued in this way. Tadeu’s creativity and speed caused danger in bursts, but Fujinami’s positional grappling slowly sapped the Brazilian’s explosiveness. A few more rope breaks came from both men. Around the seven-minute mark, Fujinami landed a heavy German suplex out of a clinch that earned him a knockdown in return, evening the score at 2-2. The audience, sensing a shift, rallied behind Fujinami as he went back to the mat game, weaving between half guard and side control, grinding down on Tadeu with leg locks and armbar attempts. Tadeu nearly caught him with a rolling triangle at around ten minutes, but Fujinami showed his veteran instincts, stacking hard and slipping free, then dragging Tadeu back down with a waistlock trip. Fatigue was beginning to show on the Luta Livre fighter, his flashy strikes losing some of their sting, and Fujinami capitalized, transitioning from a tight bodylock into back control after another scramble. The finishing sequence came when Fujinami patiently sank his hooks in, flattening Tadeu out as the crowd roared, then cinched up a crushing rear-naked choke, cutting off any chance of escape. Tadeu fought desperately, thrashing for the ropes, but Fujinami’s positioning was too precise, and after a few seconds, Tadeu finally tapped. Fujinami defeats Tadeu via submission (rear-naked choke), 12:14

Aleksandr Karelin vs Minoru Suzuki

On paper, this was a mismatch. Suzuki was young, talented, and fearless, but Karelin was the dominant force in UWF, and it would take a lot to beat him. After the opening bell, Suzuki attacked with urgency, peppering Karelin’s legs with sharp, low kicks and darting in with palm strikes to the body. Karelin absorbed the strikes with his usual stoic calm, stalking forward with a heavy guard, and soon locked his hands around Suzuki in a crushing clinch. Suzuki desperately fired knees to Karelin’s midsection. Still, Karelin’s bear-like grip muffled each before the Olympian launched Suzuki overhead with a thunderous belly-to-belly suplex, sending him skidding across the canvas to a roar from the crowd and forcing a referee count. Suzuki answered at six and immediately dove into a grappling exchange. Suzuki somehow managed to catch Karelin by surprise with a flying armbar attempt. Suzuki latched onto Karelin’s arm in a flash for a cross-armbreaker attempt, wrenching with all his strength. The crowd cheered loudly as Karelin grimaced, but the Soviet gold medalist’s composure never faltered. He rolled to his hips, stood up, and stacked Suzuki onto his shoulders. Suzuki continued to hold on tight, and Karelin used a rare rope break to break the hold out of annoyance. After the reset, Suzuki pressed forward again and attempted to corner Karelin, but Karelin’s raw strength and positional mastery gave him the advantage. Karelin took control with an upper-body Greco-Roman lock and tossed his opponent to the mat. Karelin immediately established control from the top, grinding Suzuki into the mat with suffocating pressure. Karelin managed to force a rope break from Suzuki after a scarf choke attempt. Midway through, Suzuki’s persistence earned him a moment of triumph when he rattled Karelin with a flurry of body punches. But Suzuki’s assault only seemed to wake Karelin, who returned to his base strategy. Karelin closed the distance, clinched, and tossed Suzuki like a ragdoll with back-arching Germans and snapping overhead throws that drained the young fighter’s energy. By the nine-minute mark, Suzuki was visibly slowing down from the damage. Yet, he still fired defiant strikes whenever an opening appeared. Karelin, unmoved, corralled him one last time in a gutwrench position, the fans sensing the end. With terrifying power, Karelin hoisted Suzuki high and delivered the Karelin Lift, driving him brutally into the mat head-and-shoulders first. Suzuki lay flat, unresponsive, as the referee counted to ten. Karelin defeats Suzuki via KO, 10:11

Duane Koslowski vs Nobuhiko Takada

While Takada was a clear favorite to advance deep in the tournament, Duane Koslowski was looking to make a statement tonight and defeat one of UWF’s leading wrestlers. His task wouldn’t be easy, though. The early moments were defined by Koslowski’s commitment to force the bout into his comfort zone, closing distance to smother Takada’s kicks before locking him into tight upper-body clinches. His strength was evident as he muscled Takada into the ropes and launched him with a thudding side suplex, drawing murmurs from the audience as Takada hit the canvas. On the mat, Koslowski immediately looked for a choke variation, forcing Takada to edge toward the ropes and take his first escape. Takada responded by approaching more cautiously, striking Koslowski’s legs with low kicks that snapped against the Olympian’s thighs. Each strike chipped away at Koslowski’s defense, though he managed to time one kick for a sudden counter throw, snapping Takada down into a headlock and grinding pressure across his jaw. Takada struggled but worked methodically, freeing himself with palm strikes to the body before forcing a scramble that ended near the ropes for a clean break. Koslowski pressed forward relentlessly, again shrugging off a strike to grab a bodylock and unleash a German suplex that stunned Takada long enough for a referee’s count of six, costing him his first knockdown. The crowd buzzed with unease as Koslowski’s plan began to pay dividends for a 1-0 lead on points, but Takada, visibly annoyed at the pace, reset his strategy, relying on feints and heavy leg kicks to erode Koslowski’s explosiveness slowly.

The middle stretch of the match saw Takada finally seize momentum, using his striking to open Koslowski up for grappling counters. After one particularly sharp low kick buckled Koslowski’s stance, Takada followed with a double-leg takedown and a heel hook attempt that forced Koslowski to the ropes. Wanting to reassert control, Koslowski lunged into another clinch, but Takada used his opponent’s forward drive to trip him and land on top, immediately hunting for a double wristlock. Koslowski displayed his grappling pedigree by rolling out and reversing into a side ride, momentarily threatening a neck crank before Takada again scrambled out. Takada started to hunt for a rear-naked choke, which again forced Koslowski to the ropes. With the match tied 2-2 on points, the pace quickened as Takada began to blend his kicks more fluidly with his grappling. Takada landed a harsh mid-kick that staggered Koslowski, then pounced with an armlock attempt when the American shot in. Koslowski fought valiantly, gritting through palm strikes to hoist Takada into yet another suplex variation. Unfortunately for the American, the toll of sustained punishment became evident. Around the fourteen-minute mark, Koslowski tried to muscle into another throw from the clinch, but Takada sprawled, quickly transitioned into an arm entanglement, and snapped into a cross-armbreaker. Koslowski thrashed, trying to clasp his hands, but Takada extended with precision, forcing the tapout. Takada defeats Koslowski via submission (cross-armbreaker), 14:35

Satoru Sayama vs Dick Vrij

Dick Vrij was heading into the next round with a fair amount of confidence. The Dutchman had scored a couple of key wins over the last several months and defeated Tatsuo Nakano without much issue in the opening round. Standing before him tonight would be the reigning Undisputed World Heavyweight champion and heavy favorite to repeat as champion. The crowd was amped up for the match. The opening minute was electric. Vrij immediately pressed Sayama with heavy low kicks and palm strikes that thudded against Sayama’s guard, driving him backward toward the ropes. Sayama circled and snapped off quick middle kicks to test Vrij’s timing, drawing loud responses from the crowd when one landed flush across the ribs. Vrij tried to pin him down with the clinch, firing knees into the midsection, but Sayama slipped free, countering with a stiff palm strike to the jaw that forced Vrij to his knees for the referee’s first count. The Dutchman beat the count quickly before the count of five. Vrij pressured his opponent again, hammering Sayama’s lead leg with punishing kicks and briefly stunning him with a palm strike to the nose, but Sayama’s counter timing kept him from sustaining momentum. When Vrij closed the distance again, Sayama ducked under, surprising the Dutchman with a takedown into a quick armbar attempt that forced Vrij to scramble desperately for the ropes, burning his first rope escape. Back on their feet, Sayama increased the pace, mixing snapping body kicks with high kicks that repeatedly beat Vrij’s slower guard, forcing him into his second knockdown after a crisp right high kick landed on the temple. Vrij beat the count again and did not seem ready to relent. The next stage of the match saw Vrij grow visibly frustrated, relying more heavily on the clinch to land knees, but Sayama punished each entry with sharp inside kicks and counter strikes, eventually flooring Vrij a third time after a lightning-fast body kick that landed right near the kidneys. The referee initiated another count, and Sayama held a 3-0 lead on points. Though visibly wobbled, Vrij fought on, returning fire with a furious combination of low kicks and body strikes that backed Sayama into the corner, but his lack of grappling defense was exposed when Sayama countered another clinch by tripping him down and attacking for a triangle choke, which Vrij barely escaped with a another rope break that cost him another point. Vrij managed to get one back when he caught Sayama with a desperate high kick that knocked Sayama off his feet, but the reigning champion was quick to beat the surprise count. The key moment came just past the eleven-minute mark, as Sayama feinted low, drew Vrij’s guard downward, and unleashed a clean spinning palm heel strike followed by a mid-kick that crumpled the Dutchman to the canvas for the fifth and final knockdown. The referee waved off the match, awarding Sayama a TKO victory. Sayama defeats Vrij via TKO, 12:06

Akira Maeda vs Dennis Koslowski

After his brother’s elimination from the tournament earlier in the evening, Dennis Koslowski was looking to ensure at least one American would advance to the next round. He faced a difficult task, however, as Akira Maeda was determined not to suffer an early exit. From the opening exchange, Maeda tried to establish his authority with sharp body kicks. Koslowski, cautious not to be drawn into a striking battle, absorbed the blows with a guarded posture and used his Greco instincts to close the distance, seeking a clinch. On the first tie-up, Maeda dug in with palm strikes to the side of the head and ribs, only for Koslowski to muscle through with an upper-body lock and a heavy Greco-style throw that drove Maeda down. The fans rumbled as Koslowski clamped down, pressing his weight and searching for control on the mat, but Maeda’s grappling skills were nothing to thumb your nose at. He shifted his hips, constantly working toward a leg, and while Koslowski tried to tie up the upper body with rides and pressure, Maeda dragged the action toward his wheelhouse. A brief kneebar attempt forced Koslowski to edge toward the ropes, earning his first rope escape, and in the process, established that Koslowski could not simply grapple with Maeda without paying a price. With both back on their feet, Maeda went back to his striking, thudding kicks into Koslowski’s body and thighs, while Koslowski responded by keeping his hands active with body shots of his own, less damaging but enough to break rhythm.

The next stage of the match was a grind, with Koslowski using his Greco-Roman skills to draw Maeda into more mat-based skirmishes, but Maeda’s defense was on point tonight. Regardless, Koslowski was able to get two rope breaks from Maeda during the process. Maeda answered back, though, with a beautiful leg sweep takedown that turned into a cross-armbreaker attempt. Koslowski was forced to go for the ropes again. With the match tied at 1-1, both men began to realize that this would be an increasingly grueling match. Twice, Koslowski managed to elevate Maeda with explosive suplexes, once a Greco back-arch that stunned the crowd with its height, and later a variation on a belly-to-belly that left Maeda briefly shaken. Maeda was on the mat long enough for the referee to initiate a ten-count in Koslowski’s favor. Maeda was quick to get back up, though. Slowing the pace, Maeda began forcing Koslowski into more patient grappling he was less comfortable with, and gradually took control of the tempo. A taut sequence saw Koslowski attempt to pin Maeda’s shoulders in a folkstyle-inspired ride, pressing hard across the chest, only for Maeda to slip into a cross-armbreaker attempt that sent Koslowski scrambling for the ropes again. The match was tied at 2-2 on points, and Maeda’s striking advantage became increasingly significant. Around the fifteen-minute mark, a crushing low kick from Maeda buckled Koslowski’s defense and set up another desperate clinch, where Maeda nearly trapped him in a heel hook before Koslowski dragged himself to safety with another rope break.

Sensing the momentum shifting, Maeda pressed harder in the closing stretch. His strikes took on greater intensity, slamming into Koslowski’s ribs and legs until the Olympian was visibly laboring. Koslowski still had flashes of power, at one point driving Maeda down with a high-amplitude Greco throw, but the follow-through was waning. He could not maintain control without risking another rope escape or submission scare. Near the twenty-minute mark, Maeda found his breakthrough. After peppering Koslowski with a stiff left palm strike and a thudding kick to the midsection, he snapped into a clinch, hooked the leg, and executed his signature Capture Suplex. The crowd erupted as Koslowski crashed hard onto the mat. Maeda immediately went for the cover….the referee slid into position and completed the three-count as Koslowski was left staring at the lights. Maeda defeats Koslowski via pinfall, 20:02

Yoshiaki Fujiwara vs Masakatsu Funaki

The main event had arrived, and if Masakatsu Funaki was looking for a defining moment in his career, this would be it. Yoshiaki Fujiwara was his senpai since the days in the NJPW Noge dojo, and had remained his senior in UWF despite making a name for himself. Fujiwara would not be willing to let Funaki surpass him easily, and some would say that a Funaki victory tonight wouldn’t necessarily mean he was now better than his old dojo instructor. As Masami Soranaka made his final checks, both wrestlers were very focused on the task at hand. After the bell sounded, Funaki’s lively footwork kept Fujiwara busy. Funaki targeted the thighs and midsection, while crisp palm strikes tested the older man’s reflexes. Fujiwara, never one to rush, absorbed the early offense, using subtle angles to smother Funaki’s striking rhythm and close the distance. On the first grappling exchange, Funaki attempted to capitalize on a level change, shooting in with speed, but Fujiwara calmly caught his arm in transition, forcing a scramble toward the ropes. Funaki escaped without penalty on the first clean break, but Fujiwara had already sent a message. Every aggressive burst came with danger attached. Resetting in the center, Funaki snapped out a flurry of low kicks and body shots, forcing Fujiwara to cover up, and the first true momentum shift arrived when Funaki connected with a sharp mid-level roundhouse that staggered Fujiwara and earned the opening knockdown. The crowd roared as the referee counted. Fujiwara beat the count before Soranaka reached the count of four.

Fujiwara’s methodical strategy took over in the next phase, dragging Funaki into his world of slow pressure and positional traps. A clinch in the corner saw Fujiwara dig hard into the body with punches, smothering Funaki’s attempt to break free and dropping his weight to sap the younger man’s energy. He transitioned to the mat with a smooth trip, locking down half guard and forcing Funaki to carry his frame. Each Funaki attempt at a scramble was met with Fujiwara’s mastery of control, cutting off escapes and teasing submission setups. Fujiwara attempted to execute his trademark Fujiwara armbar early in the match. Funaki, aware of the danger, used a quick bridge to create daylight and edged to the ropes, taking his first official rope break. Back to their feet, Fujiwara continued to stalk, now peppering the body with compact strikes. When Funaki lashed out with a fast roundhouse, Fujiwara snatched the leg and tripped him into a heel hook attempt, drawing another rope break. The match was now tied at 1-1 on points, and by the ten-minute mark, both men seemed to be playing a strategic game of chess.

The third phase of the bout was fought at a higher tempo. Funaki shifted the flow of the match with sharper combinations. He landed a snapping palm strike that visibly rattled Fujiwara, then followed with a flurry of low and middle kicks that backed the veteran toward the ropes. Sensing urgency, Funaki accelerated, dropping Fujiwara with a sudden high kick that clipped the side of his head, earning a second knockdown. Fujiwara quickly got back up again, but Funaki didn’t give Fujiwara much time to recover and pressed hard for a finish, but Fujiwara’s defensive instincts held. The veteran ducked under wild strikes and clinched to slow the pace. Fujiwara was successful in dragging the contest into close-quarters grappling, where his methodical mat work again tested Funaki’s composure. Fujiwara nearly stole the match at the seventeen-minute mark, countering a Funaki kick by dragging him down to the mat and following up with a deep Fujiwara armbar, wrenching back as the crowd rose in anticipation of a submission. Funaki writhed in agony, but with a sudden burst of energy, twisted his hips and managed to lunge toward the ropes, forcing another rope break and escaping what could have been the end. The crowd applauded the resilience. The balance of the match leaned heavily on Funaki’s ability to survive Fujiwara’s traps while still finding the strikes to keep himself ahead. With both men visibly fatigued, the exchanges grew rawer. Funaki pushed the pace with palms and knee strikes, but Fujiwara managed to slow things down again with more clinch work. Funaki found himself on the mat once again, but managed to fight his former senpai to a stalemate in another grappling exchange.

The final stretch of the match continued on a similar note. Neither Funaki nor Fujiwara could find a significant breakthrough, and both men were now tied 3-3 on points after a couple more rope breaks from each competitor. Near the twenty-four minute mark, Funaki sensed he could no longer allow Fujiwara to dictate the engagements. After a tense scramble on the canvas that ended in a clean break, Funaki came out firing, unleashing a vicious body kick followed by a searing palm strike to the jaw that staggered Fujiwara once again. Smelling blood, Funaki darted in with a knee to the midsection, collapsing Fujiwara to the mat before immediately securing position. Instead of pursuing a submission, Funaki displayed maturity beyond his years, shifting his weight and hooking the leg into a tight cover, pinning Fujiwara’s shoulders to the mat with precision. The clever pinning combination from Funaki caught his mentor by surprise. The referee’s count reached three as the crowd erupted. Masakatsu Funaki had achieved the moment he wanted, and would advance to the quarter-finals as one of the new tournament favorites. Fujiwara remained on his knees in a state of shock as Funaki celebrated on a turnbuckle. Funaki defeats Fujiwara via pinfall, 24:03

Fujiwara takes a moment to collect himself, and Funaki soaks in the moment as the fans continue to go wild and chant Funaki's name. The two eventually shake hands and embrace in the middle of the ring, with Fujiwara raising Funaki's hand. Afterward, the commentary crew recaps the main event before moving on to the other matches, and they put over Funaki's win as a major turning point for the young star. They note that he has a challenging path ahead, with Takada waiting in the next round, followed by Fujinami or Maeda. Still, the sky is the limit. They also seem to be pretty keen on the idea that Karelin will be the man to beat in the final rounds, as he looks practically unstoppable. Backstage, interviews are shown with Funaki and Fujiwara, who both have very kind words for each other. Fujiwara, in particular, puts over Funaki but says, with a slight grin, that he still hasn't made him submit in the ring. The commentary crew hype up the next show, which will be at Tokyo's NK Hall on October 30th. The updated bracket is shown, and we get the usual WOWOW sign-off with rolling credits set to Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."

[ErictheDragon]

Han wins the battle of the Soviets.

Ruas halts Onita's momentum.

The Dragon soars into the quarterfinals.

Karelin puts down a spirited Suzuki.

Sayama really hammered Vrij.

Sad night in the Koslowski household.

Funaki with the biggest win of his career.

Quarterfinals look amazing, especially Maede v Fujinami.

[LowBlowPodcast]

This UWF show rocked from start to finish. Volk Han and Hashimikov kicked it off with a slick vs. power battle, and Han’s crazy submissions got the win. Onita went out swinging, but Ruas chopped him down with brutal low kicks until he couldn’t stand. Fujinami outlasted Tadeu’s flash, while Karelin just crushed Suzuki like a tank with the Karelin Lift. Takada had a tough test with Koslowski but pulled it out with a tight armbar. Sayama looked sharp as ever, beating Vrij with crisp counters and a TKO. Maeda had a war with Dennis Koslowski but finished it with the Capture Suplex. And the main event—Funaki finally beating Fujiwara—was huge, a real passing of the torch moment. Funaki’s celebration with Fujiwara raising his hand was the perfect cap to an awesome night.

[spaldoni]

Powerhouse match kicks things off as Han gets the strong win over Hashimikov. 

Ruas did an excellent job sticking to his game plan and remaining calm through Onita's aggression 

Fujinami's experience really came into play. Strong finishing sequence 

I give Suzuki credit, he came in knowing the odds were against him but gave it his all. Karelin was just to strong and experienced. And man did he look strong. 

I think Koslowski surprised Takada and the fans by putting up a tougher fight than expected. Takada rebounded well to advance. 

Sayama was in champion mode tonight with that decisive knock out win over Vrij 

Maeda kicks it into high gear and takes Koslowski down in a big way 

Wow, after an extremely close fought contest, Funaki gets his shining moment. 

Great card! Any of these winners could take this tournament. 

[kevinmcfl]

Awesome details in each match.  I'm not always sure who the favorite is but after reading your write-ups, I think anybody could win this tournament.  Loved your last match with Fugiwara shaking the hand if Funaki.  This is really special when a top guy recognizes someone else.  Great storyline.  

[Control21]

UWF Newborn – “U-Cosmos Grand Prix 1990: Third Round”

October 30^th, 1990

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo NK Hall

Attendance: 7,000 (sold out)

Broadcast: WOWOW (live)

Mitsuya Nagai vs Yusuke Fuke

The opening match featured a new rookie from the new UWF dojo class. Mitsuya Nagai was personally scouted by Akira Maeda and entered the dojo with a solid background in kickboxing and karate. He would have a tough test tonight. Yusuke Fuke was still young, but he was not willing to let the new young lion have it easy. After the bell, Nagai came out fast, throwing low kicks and wild palm strikes with the urgency of a man eager to prove himself. Fuke calmly absorbed the pressure, parrying shots and closing distance into a clinch. A brief struggle followed, with Fuke hooking an inside trip that sent Nagai to the mat, where he immediately began smothering him with tight positional control. Nagai tried to buck free but exposed his back, forcing him to reach the ropes for his first rope break as a UWF wrestler. On the restart, Nagai regained his footing with a few stinging body kicks and a crisp palm strike to the head that drew an audible reaction from the crowd. His momentum evaporated when Fuke countered a high kick attempt with a slick level change, lifting him into a belly-to-belly suplex that scored the first knockdown of the match. Rising slowly at the count of seven, Nagai’s confidence wavered as Fuke began dictating the rhythm. Fuke pressed forward with short kicks to the legs and body, then tied Nagai up in another clinch, working for inside control before dragging him down with a trip that transitioned seamlessly into a leg entanglement. Nagai thrashed for position, landing a few errant palm strikes in desperation, but Fuke stayed composed, shifting his hips and extending into a perfectly executed heel hook. The torque was immediate. Nagai clutched at Fuke’s arm but had no escape. It was a quick lesson for Nagai, at least. Fuke defeats Nagai via submission (heel hook), 8:02

Manabu Yamada vs Noburu Asahi

Another new young lion was making his debut tonight. Noburu Asahi joined the UWF dojo after training at Sayama’s Shooto gym and has been widely regarded for his potential. He would be facing another Shooto-trained UWF wrestler tonight in Manabu Yamada. The new arrival piqued the crowd’s interest, and they seemed quite invested once the bell sounded. Both young fighters circled cautiously before engaging in sharp exchanges of low kicks and palm strikes. Asahi used precise timing to land quick inside kicks and forced Yamada backward, attempting to dictate the rhythm. Yamada, however, responded with his usual scrappiness, slipping a strike and shooting for a body lock takedown that drove Asahi to the mat. The early grappling exchanges showcased both men’s Shooto influence. Their fast, fluid transitions were mixed with moments of great defensive counters. Asahi worked calmly from guard, shifting his hips for an armbar, but Yamada sensed the danger and stacked him forward, smothering the attempt before spinning into a half-guard position. The crowd applauded the technical display as Asahi regained position with a butterfly sweep, only for Yamada to scramble free and return to striking distance. Midway through, Yamada’s intensity began to take control. The older Shooto prospect hammered low kicks into Asahi’s lead leg, then closed in with a series of sharp palm strikes to the head and body, dropping Asahi to a knee for the first knockdown of the bout. Asahi beat the count and tried to reestablish distance, but Yamada’s pressure never relented. Yamada clinched again, tripping Asahi down and landing in mount before transitioning beautifully into an arm-triangle choke attempt. Asahi barely escaped, bridging and rolling toward the ropes to force a second rope break, following up on one from the earlier mat exchange. Yamada held a 2-0 lead on points. Fatigue started to show as both men stood, but Yamada kept the tempo high, landing a hard front kick that folded Asahi and sent him reeling into the corner. Smelling opportunity, Yamada surged forward, hoisting Asahi into a belly-to-belly suplex and immediately covering with a pinning combination for the three-count pinfall. Yamada defeats Asahi via pinfall, 9:07

Koji Kanemoto vs Koichiro Kimura

The crowd would be treated to another pair of new young lions from the dojo system. Kanemoto, who originally joined the New Japan dojo before defecting to the UWF training program, was a highly touted amateur athlete with a background in both wrestling and karate. Kimura was a wrestling amateur prospect with backgrounds in both Judo and catch wrestling, having trained at Sayama’s Shooto gym. The crowd had curiosity as they had read about both in the event program and various magazine articles before the show. The match began with both young fighters testing the waters through sharp low kicks and probing palm strikes, gauging each other. Kimura, more of a grappler by instinct, tried to close the distance early. H tied Kanemoto up against the ropes, sweeping him down with a judo-style trip before immediately diving on a leg for a kneebar attempt.

Kanemoto reacted quickly, rolling through the entanglement and countering with a hammerfist to the body before the referee forced a clean break near the ropes. The early moments reflected the contrast in styles, with Kanemoto attempting to soften up Kimura with various kicks while Kimura attempted to get Kanemoto to the mat. Kimura found some success, but Kanemoto managed to kick through Kimura’s left thigh several times before forcing a knockdown. Kimura took a few moments to recover before getting back on both feet. After the reset, Kanemoto extended his range with more thudding kicks to the thigh and midsection. Kimura caught one of the kicks and dragged Kanemoto down again, transitioning smoothly into a heel hook attempt. Still, Kanemoto’s awareness and core strength allowed him to pivot out, landing short palm strikes to Kimura’s ribs as he reestablished top control. Kimura was in a pickle and eventually was forced to grab the ropes for a rope break. Midway through, with the match tied 2-2 on points, both fighters were breathing heavily, but they refused to yield ground. Kimura’s intensity surged as he shot for another takedown, only for Kanemoto to sprawl hard and drive a knee to the body that sent Kimura sprawling back. Kimura was forced to respond to another ten-count, and he took a bit longer to beat this one. After the count, Kimura was more deliberate, switching tactics by feinting shots and trying to clinch, but Kanemoto’s striking rhythm was now dominant. He landed a stiff body kick that echoed through NK Hall, followed by a right palm strike that rocked Kimura. Sensing the momentum shift, Kanemoto rushed forward, connecting with a blistering roundhouse kick to the chest that dropped Kimura flat to the mat. Kanemoto quickly pounced with a high-amplitude belly-to-back suplex, bridging tightly for the three-count pinfall. Kanemoto defeats Kimura via pinfall, 12:13

Kiyoshi Tamura vs Yoji Anjo

Kiyoshi Tamura was undoubtedly on the rise within UWF’s ranks, and his talent was now undeniable. On the other hand, Anjo was seemingly getting lost in the shuffle and wanted to make a statement tonight. There seemed to be some tension between the two wrestlers as they faced off before the bell sounded. Tamura opened using sharp low kicks and level changes to draw reactions from Anjo, who answered with short, snapping palm strikes that tested Tamura’s composure. The early grappling exchanges were technical and tense. Tamura shot in low for a double-leg, smoothly transitioning into a waistlock takedown, but Anjo sprawled and rolled through, displaying great catch wrestling instincts. On the mat, Tamura’s speed caused Anjo fits. Tamura shifted from a half-guard into a kneebar attempt in one motion, forcing Anjo to lunge toward the ropes for a break, his first of the match. Tamura maintained pressure, catching a second takedown minutes later and controlling from side mount, but Anjo’s defensive hips and constant motion denied him a clean submission opening. Around the eight-minute mark, the tone shifted as Anjo started to find a good flow against Tamura. Anjo caught Tamura several times with low kicks and quick body punches, forcing Tamura to go on the defensive.  Both wrestlers were tied 2-2 on points after several more scrambles led to more rope breaks. A hard mid-kick from Anjo doubled Tamura over, drawing a knockdown as the referee began his count. Tamura answered quickly and responded by firing low kicks and diving into a leg entanglement. Anjo’s balance and experience carried him through the storm, and he stuffed Tamura’s attempt at changing the direction of the match. After a scramble near the ropes, Anjo sprawled on a desperate single-leg attempt and cinched in a guillotine choke, wrenching upward. Tamura fought to twist free, but Anjo adjusted his grip, driving his hips forward and tightening the hold until Tamura tapped out. Anjo defeats Tamura via submission (guillotine choke), 14:10

Aleksandr Karelin vs Volk Han

The quarter-finals of the 1990 U-COSMOS Grand Prix had finally arrived. Fans were in store for a barnburner to open up the proceedings. The two Soviet wrestlers were both heavily touted to be finalist contenders if they advanced. The crowd was swelling in anticipation as both wrestlers made their entrances. Volk Han entered to Jarre’s “Second Rendez-vous” while Aleksandr Karelin marched to the ring in his red singlet with Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” blaring in the arena. Nobuyuki Furuta made the ring introductions, followed by Ryogaku Wada performing checks on both men. Wada finally called for the bell after both men signaled they were ready. Volk Han and Aleksandr Karelin circled each other. They were both products of the Soviet combat system, but from very different schools of thought.

Han was light on his feet, probing with low thrust kicks and feints to draw Karelin forward. The Olympian stood unshaken, hands high, moving like a bear. When the 6’3 Han bravely darted in for a clinch, Karelin absorbed the contact and countered immediately with a twisting body lock, hurling Han overhead in a thunderous Greco-Roman throw that sent shockwaves through the arena. The fans cheered wildly at the display of strength. Han rolled through, landing safely, and answered with a slick drop to the mat, taunting Karelin to enter his territory. Karelin smirked and just stood still, which prompted Han to get back to his feet with a smile of his own. As Karelin pressed forward, Han’s genius for misdirection took over. The Dagestani faked a guard pull, spun under with a rolling kneebar attempt, and nearly caught Karelin’s leg before the big man muscled out with sheer force, dragging Han upright and slamming him down with a half-lift suplex. Han adjusted mid-fall, locking a cross-wrist control and trying to transition into a wristlock on the mat, but Karelin’s strength was too much for the attempt at the spectacular. The crowd was thoroughly enjoying the match, though. The Dagestani had Karelin on the mat; however, Han attempted to score a point from Karelin by utilizing his SAMBO skills. As Han tried to shift for a kneebar, Karelin pressed down, grinding him into the canvas with his body weight while using smothering pressure. At the six-minute mark, Han finally created daylight with a kani-basami, rolling into a toehold and forcing Karelin to grab the ropes for the first rope break of the match. The crowd applauded the exchange, sensing a potential epic unfolding.

After the reset, Han began upping his tempo, throwing sharp palm strikes and spinning feints to force movement while trying to create a crack in Karelin’s defenses. Karelin absorbed a few stiff kicks before closing distance again, tying up Han in the clinch and grinding him backward with upper-body control. Han managed to counter with a beautiful arm roll into an armbar setup, but Karelin deadlifted him straight off the mat and dropped him with a crushing back-arching suplex that drew a gasp from the audience and a referee count to six. Han rose gingerly, clearly dazed. He didn’t take long to beat the count, however. Volk wasn’t ready to give up, and eventually managed to secure a knockdown of his own after catching Karelin with a thunderous axe kick that dropped the Olympian to his knees. Karelin promptly beat the ten-count. With both men tied 1-1 on points, Karelin closed in again, driving short palm strikes into the body before gaining control of Han’s back. Han tried to hook his leg around Karelin’s to block, but the Greco-Roman gold medalist powered through and hooked the arms, hitting a devastating full-nelson suplex that spiked Han flat. Karelin transitioned instantly, stepping over into a head-and-arm choke and leaning all his massive weight into it. Han’s resistance faded quickly as Karelin tightened his grip, forcing the submission. It was a good showing from Volk Han, but this was Karelin’s night. The crowd cheered as the Soviet machine continued his march to glory. Karelin defeats Han via submission (head-and-arm choke), 14:39

Nobuhiko Takada vs Masakatsu Funaki

After a massive victory over Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Masakatsu Funaki was looking to make a statement again and reach the semi-finals. Nobuhiko Takada stood in his way, and he was determined to improve from last year’s crushing defeat to Vader in the quarter-finals. Both wrestlers made their entrances and were introduced by Nobuyuki Furuta in the ring. Takada and Masakatsu Funaki met in the center of the ring, with Wada conducting his checks before calling for the bell. Almost immediately, the contrast in their approach was evident. Takada was more deliberate, creating distance with his heavy low kicks. Funaki replied with quick movements and sharp body kicks that forced Takada to stay alert.

When Funaki slipped inside with a burst of palm strikes, Takada countered with a clinch and quick inside trip, taking the fight to the mat where he sought control. Funaki immediately used his speed to roll through, regaining guard before scrambling back to his feet. Funaki’s athleticism drew appreciative murmurs from the audience. They reset, trading palm strikes and low kicks, both men studying each other’s rhythm. Takada methodically chipped away at Funaki’s base, using low kicks to draw reactions before landing another punishing mid-kick that staggered the younger wrestler. Funaki fired back with a brilliant sequence. Funaki caught Takada’s next kick, swept his supporting leg, and dived into a leglock attempt. Takada swiftly turned with the motion, grabbing the ropes for the first rope break of the match. The tempo quickened midway through as Funaki began to open up with faster kicks and palm strikes. He stunned Takada briefly with a stinging palm strike combination, then hit a slick belly-to-belly suplex. Takada landed hard on his back, and Funaki immediately worked for the double wristlock, forcing Takada to inch towards the ropes again. Takada seemed to be in danger for a moment, but he finally reached the ropes to force a second break, handing Funaki a 1-0 lead on points.

Takada rose and dusted himself off, regaining his composure. He began adjusting his rhythm, closing the distance with more striking pressure. Takada knocked Funaki down with a high kick, earning the first knockdown of the match. Funaki quickly recovered, though, and they found themselves in another series of mat exchanges where Funaki seemed to have Takada’s number. The young sensation secured two more rope breaks in the following minutes and took a 2-1 lead on points. The second half of the bout saw Takada’s experience come to the forefront. He survived Funaki’s push and responded with sharp body kicks and punishing low shots that began to slow the younger man’s footwork. At the twelve-minute mark, Takada caught Funaki’s body kick and drove him down hard with a judo-style trip, landing in side control. Funaki tried to bridge out, but Takada isolated his arm for a keylock attempt, forcing Funaki to scramble to the ropes for another rope break. The match was tied 2-2 on points now. After the restart, Takada’s focus narrowed; his striking became shorter, more precise, targeting Funaki’s ribs and arms to set up submission entries. Funaki, visibly tiring but still fighting with intensity, threw a desperate palm strike flurry that briefly backed Takada to the corner, but Takada countered with a low kick and another takedown. The crowd sensed the shift as Takada transitioned smoothly from mount into a cross-armbreaker attempt. Funaki clasped his hands, struggling against the extension, but Takada rolled his hips, prying the grip apart, and fully extended the arm. The torque and angle were perfect. Funaki had no choice but to tap. The audience rose in applause as Takada released the hold and stood calmly. Both men exchanged bows, commending each other for their effort and the great match. Takada defeats Funaki via submission (cross-armbreaker), 16:17

Satoru Sayama vs Marco Ruas

The fans in attendance were more than ready for the next match. Satoru Sayama won the Undisputed World Heavyweight title last year by winning the inaugural U-COSMOS Grand Prix. The fact that he has defended the title for almost a full year is very commendable, and winning two tournaments back-to-back would be an astonishing accomplishment.  Standing in his way of advancing to the semi-finals tonight was Marco Ruas, the same man he had defeated a few months ago in Brazil. It wasn’t a decisive victory, but it was a title defense nonetheless. Marco Ruas was determined to get revenge, but Sayama was in the best form of his career. A defeat tonight would be a setback for sure. After both wrestlers made their entrances, Motoyuki Kitazawa made the in-ring checks. With both men signaling they were ready, he called for the ball.

The opening minutes featured both wrestlers testing their respective comfort zones. Sayama used quick lateral steps and feints to manage range. He flicked low kicks and sharp middle strikes to Ruas’s midsection while probing with sudden palm strikes to the head. Ruas absorbed the early offense with calm poise, blocking high kicks on his forearms and testing Sayama’s timing with thudding low kicks that immediately drew a murmur from the crowd. Sayama countered one with a perfectly timed takedown attempt, shooting low into Ruas’s hips, but the Brazilian sprawled expertly and wrapped him in a tight front headlock, forcing Sayama to circle out toward the ropes for an early rope break. Sayama regained control of the rhythm as he peppered Ruas with fast combinations. Sayama slipped inside to land sharp body shots before darting away from Ruas’s counters. Around the six-minute mark, Sayama landed a clean spinning back kick to Ruas’s ribs that sent the Brazilian backward to one knee for the first knockdown count of the match. The crowd roared as Ruas took a deep breath, rising at the count of five. When action resumed, the Brazilian adjusted, cutting off Sayama’s movement with low kicks that grew heavier with each exchange, forcing the champion to fight at closer range. Sayama tried to regain momentum with a clinch knee strike, but Ruas used the opening to latch onto a body lock and executed a powerful belly-to-belly suplex that stunned the audience with an explosion of violence. Sayama, momentarily dazed, rolled toward the ropes. Ruas immediately pounced, however, and went for a quick keylock attempt. Ruas’ strength was enough to force Sayama to reach for the ropes again for another rope break, evening the match at 1-1 on points.

The momentum shifted sharply after that. Ruas began to press with confidence, stalking Sayama behind heavy low kicks that visibly compromised the champion’s left leg. It was a repeat of his strategy from Brazil, and Sayama seemed to be more bothered by the thudding strikes this time. Sayama retaliated with bursts of activity, using quick palm strike flurries and a desperate attempt at a flying armbar. Ruas anticipated the motion, catching Sayama midair and slamming him to the mat before diving into top control. Sayama’s agility allowed him to escape to guard, but Ruas methodically worked to pass, pinning Sayama’s hips with pressure. Ruas continued to work for a double wristlock, but Sayama utilized his expert knowledge in catch wrestling to mount an impressive defense that felt like a finishing move to the crowd. They roared as Sayama blocked the attempt and countered with a sweep, establishing side control on Ruas in almost an instant. Ruas seemed a bit flustered, but remained calm. Sayama tried for a double wristlock of his own, but then switched his focus to a cross-armbreaker attempt. Eventually, Ruas managed to work closer to the ropes to force a clean break and a reset.

The match continued with both men trying their luck on the mat, as they sought a decisive submission. A few more rope breaks were exchanged in the process, and Sayama eventually built up a 2-1 lead on points after he forced Ruas to scramble after a kneebar attempt. Back on their feet, Ruas snagged a standing guillotine choke after a brief scramble with his opponent. Sayama fought hard as Ruas attempted to arch his back and tighten the hold. Ruas then suddenly changed course and snapped back for an explosive guillotine suplex. The move stunned the crowd as Sayama landed hard on his back. Ruas immediately jumped for control on the mat. Sayama attempted to shrimp out and regain half guard, yet each movement opened a small window for Ruas. Around the seventeen-minute mark, Ruas deftly threaded his right leg between Sayama’s, faking a pass before sitting back into a rolling leg entanglement. Sayama reacted instantly, twisting for the ropes, but Ruas cinched in a tight heel hook. He anchored deep, his body fully extended. The torque drew a visible grimace from Sayama, who resisted for a moment, trying to pry free, but the Brazilian’s leverage was perfect. The referee dropped to the mat as Sayama tapped. The crowd was stunned, as Ruas had defeated the champion. The Brazilian would be the next entrant into the semi-finals of a tournament that has proven to be quite full of surprises. Ruas defeats Sayama via submission (heel hook), 17:02

Akira Maeda vs Tatsumi Fujinami

The final decider for the last semi-final spot would be another clash between two rivals deeply familiar with each other. Both Maeda and Fujinami had clashed before in New Japan, where Maeda attempted to usurp the legacy of Antonio Inoki with a radical new vision. Fujinami resisted, but had now found himself a member of the UWF revolution. Fujinami was proud of his legacy in “Strong Style,” but he knew he couldn’t resist joining one of the most consequential movements in the history of Japanese pro wrestling. UWF was here to stay now, and he wanted to make his mark. Fujinami’s career bridged the gap between catch wrestling and professional wrestling. In a way, Fujinami embodied the “middle path” of the UWF revolution, and Maeda wanted to push the envelope further. Both wrestlers made their entrances to a very amped-up crowd, and both drew a large number of fans chanting their names. Nobuyuki Furuta made the ring introductions, and Masami Soranaka checked both men before calling for the bell.

From the first lock-up, the tension was palpable. Maeda tested Fujinami with low probing kicks to his thighs. Fujinami looked for an opening to close the distance, circling until he could time a clinch entry and drag Maeda into a collar tie. Maeda responded with a stiff knee to the midsection and tried to snap into a front facelock, but Fujinami twisted out and countered with a crisp double-leg takedown, driving Maeda to the mat for the first sustained grappling exchange. The two veterans wrestled for control, Fujinami working to flatten Maeda’s hips while Maeda fought to sit out and regain a better defensive posture. Maeda eventually kicked free, backing toward the ropes for a clean break to applause. The intensity continued with the reset.  Each man was aware that one mistake could lead to disaster due to their qualities as wrestlers. Fujinami shot again a minute later, this time catching Maeda square, but Maeda reversed beautifully, sprawling heavily and locking a front headlock before snapping Fujinami over and striking with short palms to the ribs. Fujinami covered up and managed to roll out. Maeda, however, continued to press his opponent and threatened with a quick attempt of a rear-naked choke before Fujinami quickly grabbed the ropes for the first rope escape of the match.

The bout grew more deliberate as it passed the seven-minute mark. Maeda’s striking began to wear on Fujinami’s defenses, gradually slowing the Dragon’s footwork. Fujinami weathered the storm, using his timing to bring Maeda down off a caught kick, sliding immediately into side control. The crowd stirred as Fujinami hunted for a cross-armbreaker, but Maeda’s defense was on point again. He blocked with his knee and slowly turned into his opponent, smothering Fujinami’s leverage. The two men strained in a stalemate, each subtle adjustment drawing murmurs from the audience. When Fujinami finally rolled for position, Maeda stood abruptly, pulling free and delivering a crushing kick to Fujinami’s back as he rose. Fujinami staggered forward but recovered enough to catch a leg, dragging Maeda into a rolling entanglement that ended near the ropes. This time, Fujinami got the better of Maeda as he managed to secure a Gotch toe hold, which gave Maeda enough to think about as he grabbed the ropes to break the hold. They reset again, with one rope break apiece and no knockdowns. The next exchange saw Maeda explode with a body kick followed by a thudding palm strike combination, forcing Fujinami to retreat. The Dragon surprised him by catching a palm and countering with a fluid German suplex, bridging instinctively for a pin attempt. Maeda quickly kicked out after the first count from Soranaka, and both men stood up as the crowd applauded both.

By fifteen minutes, the bout had transformed into a battle of attrition. More rope breaks from both wrestlers had brought the contest to a tie at 1-1 on points. Maeda’s strikes continued to give Fujinami fits, but Fujinami was persistent. When Maeda attempted a side suplex, Fujinami floated over and transitioned to a grounded hammerlock, twisting for control before switching to an attempted Dragon sleeper. Maeda arched and managed to break the hold, driving Fujinami into the mat with sheer force and firing off a heavy knee strike that forced a count. Fujinami dropped to the mat and took a moment to catch his breath as Soranaka initiated a ten-count. The Dragon rose at five, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs. Maeda pressed forward immediately with another flurry of low kicks and a sharp front kick to the body, but Fujinami timed a counter beautifully, sweeping Maeda to the mat and locking in a leg grapevine that looked dangerous. Maeda grimaced, arching upward and twisting for the ropes, forcing another rope break. The score now stood at 2-2. The crowd sensed that both men had entered the final stretch. Fujinami advanced cautiously, seeking another takedown, but Maeda’s composure was absolute. He feinted with a front kick, then uncorked a roundhouse that struck Fujinami clean across the ribs, stunning him long enough for Maeda to shoot in and capture a leg. Fujinami worked defensively, but Maeda moved closer to securing a tight Achilles hold, which forced Fujinami to lunge for another rope break.

As the twenty-minute mark passed, fatigue had begun to wear on both. Fujinami attempted to fight off another takedown attempt from Maeda. Maeda drove through, dragging him to the mat and quickly threading his right leg around Fujinami’s for a possible leg entanglement. The Dragon sensed the danger, rolling to alleviate pressure, but Maeda followed fluidly, transitioning from top control to a deep kneebar attempt. Fujinami clutched at Maeda’s hands, trying to pry them apart while angling toward the ropes, but Maeda adjusted his hips perfectly, tightening the hold with precision. The torque drew an immediate cry from Fujinami, who tried one final desperate twist before tapping. The crowd exploded as Maeda jumped up in celebration. “Captured” by Camel blared through Tokyo NK Hall as the crowd chanted his name in cadence. Fujinami took some time to recover and seemed a bit frustrated. However, as expected, both men eventually shook each other’s hands in respect and bowed. They were rivals, but they had mutual respect as competitors and standard-bearers for the UWF revolution as it continued its march into the new decade. Maeda defeats Fujinami via submission (kneebar), 20:10

 

Next event coming up: The "Final Four" of the 1990 U-COSMOS Grand Prix. November 26th, 1990, in Osaka, Japan. 

[ErictheDragon]

Some spirited showing by the UWF dojo boys.

Karelin proves himself the best of the Soviet representatives.

Takada redeems himself from last years face.

Ruas shocks the world by eliminating the champion.

Maeda marches through the Dragon's fire to advance to the semifinals.