Pancrase: Alive 4: Results and Event Recap
Pancrase: Alive 4, a mixed martial arts event, took place on April 27, 1997, at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan. The event was a thrilling showcase of eight fights, each one evidence of the skill, strength, and strategy of the fighters.
A featured bout of the evening was a gripping match between Yuki Kondo and Masakatsu Funaki. Kondo, who had a professional record of 10-3-1 going into the fight, emerged victorious, submitting Funaki with a triangle armbar in the first round. This victory not only elevated Kondo’s record to 11-3-1 but also marked a significant moment in his career.
The co-main event featured Bas Rutten and Kiuma Kunioku. Rutten, a seasoned fighter with a record of 28-7, defeated Kunioku by decision after a grueling 15-minute round. This win further solidified Rutten’s reputation as a formidable competitor in the MMA world.
Another notable fight of the evening was between Ryushi Yanagisawa and Paul Varelans. Yanagisawa, with a record of 20-4-1, defeated Varelans by decision, demonstrating his superior technique and strategy.
The event also featured a variety of submission victories. Leon Dijk submitted Osami Shibuya with an ankle lock, Jason Delucia submitted Takafumi Ito with a rear-naked choke, and Takaku Fuke submitted Paul Lazenby with an ankle lock. Each of these fights showcased the technical prowess and versatility of the fighters.
One of the most exciting moments of the night came when Kazuo Takahashi defeated Satoshi Hasegawa via TKO with palm strikes. This fight was evidence of the raw power and precision that define the sport of MMA.
Pancrase: Alive 4 was a night of thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. From the technical submissions to the powerful strikes, each fight offered something unique. The main event, featuring Yuki Kondo’s victory over Masakatsu Funaki, was the perfect capstone to an evening of high-stakes, high-energy MMA action.
Sources
PANCRASE official results archive; Sherdog: Pancrase event archive, 1996–97; Event results record.
Article Tags
Pancrase, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports History
