Pancrase: Truth 9: Results and Event Recap

Pancrase: Truth 9, held on November 9, 1996, was a significant event in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA). Taking place at the Kobe Fashion Mart in Kobe, Japan, the event featured five thrilling bouts that showcased the skills and tenacity of some of the best fighters in the sport.

A featured bout of the evening was a gripping contest between Masakatsu Funaki and Yuki Kondo. Funaki, a seasoned fighter with a record of 25 wins and 6 losses, was a formidable opponent. He was known for his submission skills, particularly his rear-naked choke, which he had used to secure many of his victories. On the other hand, Kondo was a rising star in the MMA world, with a record of 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.

The fight was intense and closely contested, but Funaki’s experience and skill eventually prevailed. He managed to submit Kondo with a rear-naked choke in the first round, just 1 minute and 43 seconds into the fight. This victory further cemented Funaki’s reputation as one of the top fighters in Pancrase.

The co-main event of the evening was another exciting match-up, featuring Jason Delucia and Osami Shibuya. Delucia, known for his submission skills, managed to submit Shibuya with a rear-naked choke in the first round, 11 minutes and 45 seconds into the fight.

The event also featured other notable fights. Kazuo Takahashi submitted Keiichiro Yamamiya with a guillotine choke in the first round, while Kiuma Kunioku finished Satoshi Hasegawa with palm strikes. Jong Wang Kim also used palm strikes to finish Takafumi Ito in the first round.

Pancrase: Truth 9 was not just about the fights, though. It was also a showcase of the unique rules and regulations of Pancrase. Unlike other MMA promotions, Pancrase had unique rules such as the use of palm strikes instead of closed fists when striking the face. These rules added an extra layer of strategy and skill to the fights, making them even more exciting to watch.

Pancrase: Truth 9 was a landmark event in the history of MMA. It featured thrilling fights, showcased the skills of some of the best fighters in the sport, and highlighted the unique rules of Pancrase. Whether you’re a long-time fan of MMA or new to the sport, Pancrase: Truth 9 is an event worth revisiting.

Sources

PANCRASE official results archive; Sherdog: Pancrase event archive, 1996–97; Event results record.

Article Tags

Pancrase, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports History