The fight ended at 4:45 of the first round, when a well placed uppercut knocked Denis to the canvas. Although Denis started the fight quite well, scoring more quality punches and low kicks during exchanges, Akiyama managed to cut Denis. The blood from the cut ended in Denis' left eye, which severely impacted his vision and perception. Akiyama realized the opportunity and managed to catch Denis and win this match. Congratulations to Akiyama while we know that Denis will come back even stronger and continue his quest to the top of world's MMA middleweights.

Although Vancouver was in the middle of a snowstorm, about 20 die-hard MMA enthusiasts came to action packed 3 hour seminar. Denis showed a multitude of "battlefield tested" moves, such as various knee techniques from the clinch, flying knees, takedown defence, taking opponent's back, half-guard escapes and guard passes. At the end of the seminar, Denis answered various MMA related questions, such as his next fight, training regiment, diet, preparing for fights, ring experience, etc.

We are preparing a serie of streaming videos to be posted on the site to show you bits and pieces of the seminar. You can previes a few pictures by clicking here.

Sunday, November 26th @ 2 pm. Location: Universal Mixed Martial Arts. Address:

1256 Granville St.,
Suite 1, Lower Level
Vancouver, BC

PHONE 604.684.0991

Denis will show his tricks and techniques that made him a top contender in the world of MMA.

The full video of Denis' interview can be found on Sherdog's site. Denis explained that his injury affected his performance, but he didn't solely blame it for his loss. He also stated that he is not disappointed with his performance, as he gave 110% and that in the immediate future, he'll first take care of the injuries and then get back to full-time training for the upcoming fights.

How the Tournament Final developed was nothing short of a thriller.

First, we learnt that Denis picked an injury during his bout with Gono. He stepped into the ring with his arm bandaged and taped, but not wanting to quit. Apparently, his left biceps has been torn. Then, another twist happened - Filho dropped out, due to an injury in the semifinal match. Instead, Misaki entered the ring.

The fight started well for Denis. He scored a bit more during stand-up exhchanges, and managed to take Misaki down. As the fight progressed, the injury seemed to take its toll on Denis. He avoided using that arm altogether, and Misaki started pushing the action. Feeling more comfortable on the ground, Denis shot for a takedown during one of the stand-up exchanges, but Misaki managed to sprawl and land a few knees. Then, Denis took Misaki down with a textbook single leg takedown, passed his guard and rained a few well placed knees. In this sea-saw battle, Misaki managed to stand up and attempt some more knees from the clinch. Though Denis seemed to block them well, this was particularly frustrating and tiring for him. Later in the fight, Misaki was able to take Denis down and attempt a bit of ground and pound. Denis, however, kept very active, constantly going for Misaki's arms, in attempt to sweep him or submit it. At one point, Denis caught Misaki in an armbar. Misaki somehow managed to get out of it.

The end of the fight proved to be quite exciting. Although both fighters were exhausted, they gave it all. Denis first escaped Misaki's guard, stood up and attempted to kick Misaki, to effectively end the fight. Misaki stood up, and the 2 started trading whatever energy was left in them. The match went to judges' decision. Shortly, the announced their split decision which concluded this match and crowned Misaki a new Welterweight Champion.

One thing is for sure, Denis Kang came out there, and refused to quit, even with a torn muscle. In fact, he lost to a split decision - this fight was very close indeed. Denis came close to finishing Misaki a couple of times, as well. He showed a tremendous heart and spirit and reminded us why we believe in him. He will come back even stronger.

Huge props and congrats to Misaki, for winning the championship belt!

Denis has just won a unanimous decision versus Akihiro Gono. Since Filho advanced to the final of the tournament, Denis is only one step away from the Welterweight belt!

During the fight with Gono, Denis got more punches in, managed to drop Gono a couple of times and do some damage on the ground. It seems that both fighters tried to preserve as much energy as possible, as Filho advanced after only 1 round of fighting. Denis looked very focused and is currently resting for the final fight. We hope for the best - stay tuned!

On Saturday, November 4th, Denis is facing another obstacle to Pride Bushido tournament final. This time, it's Akihiro Gono, a very tough Japanese fighter, a veteran of numerous elite MMA events. Denis is in a great form and very ready to get it on.

Denis won his quarterfinal match versus Amar Suloev! We are currently waiting for the announcement regarding his next opponent in the semifinal of the Welterweight Tournament in Pride FC.

It took just over 4 minutes for Denis to claim another victory. The fight started with both fighters circling around each other and testing their punching skills. After several exchanges, Denis launched a powerbomb overhead right that dropped Suloev. Determined not to waste any time, Denis charged and found himself in the opponent's guard. But not for long; using his jiu-jitsu skills, Denis managed to pass Suloev's guard and eventually assume the mount. Suloev turned to avoid punches which enabled Denis to quickly sink in a rear-naked choke and to claim yet another victory.

With Gomi, Misaki and Filho.. who is going to be the next step towards Denis' quest for the belt?

Pics are coming soon!

Denis' next opponent in Pride Welterweight Tournament is Team Red Devil's Amar Suloev. Amar has advanced to the next step of the tournament by winning over Murilo Bustamante. As of today, Amar's record is 21-5-0, and his specialty is kickboxing. This Armenian fighter has made numerous appearances in some of the best MMA events around the world, including Pride FC and UFC. Like always, Denis is training very hard for this fight - stay tuned for more updates.

Denis started the fight aggressively, attempting a front kick which distanced Rua for a split second. Seconds later, Denis closed in and threw a combination of punches, one of the rocking Rua, who ended up almost completely turned away from raging Denis. Denis used the situation to his advantage, rocking Rua once more with a right hook. Rua ended on his back and Denis fiercely started pounding. Several punches connected really well, and merely 15 seconds into the match, the referee had to jump in and stop the fight. Denis qualified for the next round of Pride Welterweight GP.

Other results:

Jason Black TKOs Eoh Won Jim

Amar Suloev wins a unanimous decision over Murilo Bustamante.

Paulo Filho wins a unanimous decision over newcomer Gregory Bouchelaghem of France.

Ryo Chonan wins a very close split decision over Mexican Joey Villasenor, which proved to be one of the most exciting matches of the night.

Gegard Mousashi took Makoto Takimoto's back and rained enough punches to shot Takimoto's eye shut, and win via doctor's stoppage.

Mitsuhiro Ishida beat Marcus Aurelio via unanimous decision.

Tatsuya Kawajiri beat Charles Bennett via an ankle lock.

Hayato Sakurai KO'd Olaf Alfonso with a well timed and well executed punch.

In a match that started of with bangs but slowed down as the time went on, Akihiro Gono won a unanimous decision over Cuban Hector Lombard.

Finally, in a very exciting fight, Kazuo Misaki beat Phil Baroni for a unanimous decision.

Props to all the fighter for making their way to Pride's Tournament.

 

 

 

June 4th - Pride Welterweight GP: Denis knocked Murilo Ninja Rua in 15 seconds of the first round. Details, commentary and pictures are coming soon so please stay tuned!!!

Huge congratulations to Denis!

 

On June 4th, Denis is scheduled to face Murilo "Ninja" Rua of Chute Boxe Academy, and possibly one of the toughest opponent so far. The fight is a part of Bushido Survival Welterweight tournament, featuring 16 of the best fighters in the world.

Denis has been training very hard for this fight, and, in his own words, he "feels great and is in a very good shape". Denis has departed to Japan on Thursday. The match is guaranteed to be exciting so stay tuned for more news!

 

On April 22, Denis faced a BJ Penn Academy fighter Albert Vasconcelles, in Spirit MC 8. Spirit MC is the biggest Mixed Martial Arts event in Korea.

It took mere 12 seconds to win the match as Denis' overhead right caught the American right on the temple. Denis quickly mounted the dropped opponent and landed several unanswered punches just before the referee stopped the fight.

Huge congratulations to Denis while we wish Albert the best of luck in his MMA endeavours.

Pictures from the fight are available here.

 

Denis came out incredibly focused for this match. Mark Weir is known for his brutal knockouts, so Denis knew exactly what to expect. Right at the beginning of the first round, the Englishman attempted a high kick that Denis blocked however, it seemed to catch him slightly off-balance, so Weir managed to take the fight to the ground. Since ground game is Denis' realm, he managed to soon escape from the guard position and stand back up. Shortly after the two exhchanged a few punches, with Denis managing to drop Weir with a straight right, and immediately proceeding to serve some brutal knees that connected. From this moment, the fight remained on the ground, with Denis pushing for some "ground & pound" action, passing Weirs guard and mounting a couple of times. Denis controlled the fight very well and eventually, Weir tapped out due to several knees and punches from the side mount.

Congratulations to Denis for another stellar victory in the most prestigous MMA event and a great respect to Mark Weir for making this fight one of the most exciting fights that evening.

Other results:

Yves Edwards wins unanimous decision over Seichi Ikemoto

Mitsuhiro Ishida wins over Paul Rodriguez (Guillotine choke)

Jens Pulver knocked out Kenji Arai with a soccer-kick, in what was another very exciting match

Joachim Hansen KOed Luiz Azeredo with a solid knee

Paulo Filho beat Murilo "Ninja" Rua via a unanimous decision

Akihiro Gono armbarred Dae Won Kim

Phil Baroni knocked out Yuki Kondo (punch)

Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa beat Paulo Cesar Silva (referee stoppage due to strikes)

Dan Henderson won another decision against Kazuo Misaki

Marcus Aurelio upset Takanori Gomi via arm triangle choke (the referee stopped the match as Gomi passed out)

Denis wins by a submission in the first round of Pride Bushido 10. More info coming soon, as Denis is on his way to give a post-fight interview (which will be available on the site at a later date.

On April 2, Denis has a chance to prove his abilities versus a UFC veteran, Mark Weir of England. Mark Weir is a very tough opponent known for his excellent striking and an overall exciting fighting style. Denis has been training hard for this fight. Stay tuned for the results and the match details!

Denis had passed another obstacle on his way to Pride champion belt. This time, he met again with Andrei Semenov, a very tough and experienced Russian fighter. The two fought in Moscow, nearly 2 years ago, where the fight ended up in a draw. On July 17, at Pride Bushido 8, both fighters came out to settle the controversy of the draw a couple of years ago.

The most of the fight was truly a boxing match, neither fighter attempting many takedowns. The first round was full of exciting exchanges with Denis scoring a few more clear punches. Right at the beginning, Denis connected a massive straight right, that dropped Semenov. An accidental headbutt opened up a small cut on Denis' forehead, but Denis was more than ready to continue the battle. During the time spent on the ground, Denis managed a splendid escape from the guard position - an escape taught over and over in his jiu-jitsu classes. The round ended with Denis setting up a clean "kimura" move - the bell interrupted a potential submission.

In round 2, both fighters chose to continue with solid exchanges. As the round was nearing its end, Semenov seemed more and more exhausted. The highlight of the round 2 and the whole match was Semenov's attempt to take Denis down. This resulted in a flurry of punches and kicks from Denis, and another "kimura" attempt. After Semenov managed to escape this submission, we witnessed an incredible scamble where Denis showed why he is a jiu-jitsu black belt. In a serie of escapes, Denis established the top position, with Semenov conveniently cornered. This opened a clear path for several clear punches to Semenov's face, before the round ended.

All 3 judges scored Denis as the winner, by unanimous decision.

After the match, Denis reported that at one point, a bone in his hand got broken. Nevertheless, he refused to quit, or even to show that something was wrong. The latest news is that the hand is healing properly, and that Denis should take part in December Pride FC.

 

April, 2005

DENIS WINS HIS FIRST PRIDE FIGHT

It finally happened. Denis stepped on the canvas of the biggest and most important mixed martial arts event in the world. It took 4 minutes and 24 seconds to beat Takahiro Oba, via armbar. The fight started with Denis pushing the action, boxing with Oba for a brief period of time, only to clinch and take the fight to the ground. Denis would establish a side control and throw some nice shots to his opponents face and body. Eventually, Denis mounted Oba, which managed to reverse the position resulting in Denis fighting from the guard. Denis quickly got up, and the similar scenario happened one more time. Finally, Denis took Oba down, mounted him and caught Oba's left arm, for a textbook armbar from the mount. Denis' Pride Fighting debut was a great success. Denis' main goal is focusing on future Pride events... he is ready!

 

March, 2005

DENIS TO FIGHT IN PRIDE !!!

On April 14th, Denis will debut in Pride FC, the biggest NHB and MMA event in the world. Years of hard training and dedication have earned Denis an invite to take part in Pride Bushido 6, and fight a tough japanese opponent Oba Takahiro. Denis has trained hard for this fight and is ready to impress the world with his skills.

 

January, 2005

DENIS TO MOVE TO FLORIDA

Denis has made an important career move and decided to move indefinitely to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to train with American Top Team

November, 2004

MERCHANDISE

Check out the new training video!
Check out the commercial that Denis shot for Everlast in Korea!
And, of course, T-SHIRTS are finally here!!!

 

October, 2004

DENIS TO FIGHT SULOEV

Denis has been invited to compete at the M1 event scheduled to take place in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, December 4th.

Denis Kang is set to be matched up against Red Devil Team standout, Amar Suloev in the main Superfight of the evening. Suloev, a Pride and UFC veteran is known for his superior striking ability and excellent takedown defense. Kang, fully aware of his opponent’s abilities, feels extremely confident about this fight and is looking forward to stepping up to this world class challenge.