Pancrase: Alive 3: Results and Event Recap
Pancrase: Alive 3, an event that took place on March 22, 1997, at the Tsuyuhashi Sports Center in Nagoya, Japan, was a night to remember for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans. The event was part of the Pancrase series, a Japanese MMA organization known for its high-level competition and exciting fights.
A featured bout of the evening was a thrilling encounter between Masakatsu Funaki and Paul Lazenby. Funaki, a seasoned fighter with a record of 29-6, faced off against Lazenby, who was relatively new to the professional MMA scene with a record of 0-2. The fight ended with Funaki submitting Lazenby with a top wristlock in the first round, just 4 minutes and 36 seconds into the fight. This victory further solidified Funaki’s reputation as a formidable competitor in the MMA world.
Another notable fight of the evening was between Semmy Schilt and Kazuo Takahashi. Schilt, who had a record of 3-4, managed to finish Takahashi, who had a record of 10-8-1, with palm strikes in the first round, 7 minutes into the fight. This win marked a significant milestone in Schilt’s career, demonstrating his striking prowess.
The event also featured a draw between Osami Shibuya and Bas Rutten. Both fighters showcased their skills and determination, resulting in a majority draw after a grueling 15-minute round. This fight was evidence of the competitive spirit and high-level skill that Pancrase events are known for.
Other fights on the card included Yuki Kondo submitting Jong Wang Kim with an armbar just 25 seconds into the first round, Ryushi Yanagisawa defeating Keiichiro Yamamiya by decision after a 10-minute round, Kiuma Kunioku submitting Haygar Chin with an armbar 7 minutes and 44 seconds into the first round, and Takafumi Ito defeating Satoshi Hasegawa by unanimous decision after a 10-minute round.
Pancrase: Alive 3 was a showcase of the high-level competition and thrilling action that Pancrase is known for. From the featured bout involving Masakatsu Funaki’s submission victory over Paul Lazenby to the other exciting fights on the card, the event was a memorable night for MMA fans. It served as evidence of the skill, determination, and competitive spirit of the fighters, and a reminder of why Pancrase is considered one of the premier MMA organizations in the world.
Sources
PANCRASE official results archive; Sherdog: Pancrase event archive, 1996–97; Event results record.
Article Tags
Pancrase, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports History
