PANCRASE MMA

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  • 2014 WELCOME TO THE DECAGON CAGE

    In May 2014, PANCRASE finally adopted the Decagon fighting cage and fully incorporated the unified rules of America.

  • 2013 PANCRASE WORLD SLAM UNLEASHED

    In September 2013, a new tournament comprising two weight classes of eight fighters called "PANCRASE WORLD SLAM" was created.

  • 2012 SAKAI TAKES OVER PANCRASE

    In May 2012, PANCRASE was purchased by Masakazu Sakai of Smash Co Ltd, targeting “Global Standard”ways of MMA.

  • 2006-2008 WEIGHT DIVISIONS RESTRUCTURED

    New weight divisions based upon Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) were adopted.

  • 2001 FIGHTS ADOPT ROUND SYSTEM

    Five minute rounds were introduced and a new Heavyweight throne is established.

  • 2000 ICON VS ICON

    “The man of PANCRASE” Masakatsu Funaki fought against “Undefeated” Rickson Gracie in Tokyo Dome but lost and retired. Yuki Kondo joins UFC.

  • 2000 GLOVES BECOME MANDATORY, NEW WEIGHT CLASSES ADDED

    Open-hand striking rules were drastically changed to permit punching with open-finger gloves. Light Heavyweight and Middleweight classes were introduced.

  • 1997-1999 A STEP CLOSER TO THE WORLD STAGE

    Yoshiki Takahashi gets in the octagon and PANCRASE introduces the "No Rules" Pankration Match.

  • 1994 THE FIRST CHAMPION IS BORN

    Ken Shamrock becomes the first "King of Pancrase" after winning the 2 day tournament at Ryogoku Sumo Arena.

  • 1993-1994 LEGENDARY FIGHTERS DEBUT

    Bus Rutten, Frank Shamrock, and Maurice Smith start their MMA fighting careers.

  • 1993 THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA

    September 21, 1993. MMA history begins in Tokyo, Japan.