Climbing Out Of The Hole

Fighter profile of Ippo Makounchi by Kawika Kelly

 Ippo Makounchi has been regarded as one of the best Japanese practitioners of the art known as Brazilian Jiu jitsu. His accomplishments speaks for itself. 6-time Japanese BJJ Champion, The only non-brazilian to tapout the legendary Renato Laranja in a BJJ match, Defeated 3 Gracies in the same BJJ Tournament. The list goes on and on. This guy is a submission machine

The only problem is.................. he hasn't been able to bring that same success into MMA. You could say has had the worst luck out of anybody in MMA. Had a Draw and a Loss in his first two fights, almost got beat in his next fight until he popped an armbar out of nowhere for the win. He then lost a fight many thought he would win. He overcame that with a split decision over Kid Yamamoto. Unfortunately he was unable to carry that momentum, because he has lost two fights since then.

With his record being 2-4-1, and losing two straight, his back is against the wall. One more loss would put him in a hole few people is able to crawl out of. Despite that, he believes he will win his next fight, and become step closer to where he wants to be, at the top. "This upcoming fight will define my whole MMA Career", Ippo adds "I am gonna win this fight, and I will become the top of the food chain one day".

He has a lot of time to do that. At only 19, this straight-shooting prodigy is only beginning is career, and has a whole lot of time to become the best in the world at what he does. "I grew up in a family who is used to winning. Everything our family has done, victory always came our way. BJJ, baseball, etc. My family is used to success. I want to carry that into my MMA career, and I want to become the best. My dad always told me if I wanted to do something, become the best. Even though he's not here anymore, My dad would want me to be the best. So being the champ, becoming the best in the world, and winning is my way of being connected with my dad. I'm not just fighting for myself, and my family, I'm fighting in honor of my dad."

Heavy stuff, now with his back against the wall, is he able to carry on his promise for his dad? Will he come back and win his next fight? Will he become the best 130lbs fighter in the World? Only time will tell. All we can do is watch.

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