WSOF Global Championship Announces Signing of Michihiro Omigawa And Hisae Watanabe
By Press Release
LAS VEGAS, NV December 17, 2015 World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) has added two more legends of Japanese MMA to their ever-growing roster. Both Michihiro Omigawa and Hisae Watanabe have agreed to compete at WSOF-GC 2 Japan on February 7 in Tokyo.
“It’s amazing to add two more of the very best Japanese fighters of all time to our ever-expanding roster,” states WSOF-GC Vice President of Operations and Matchmaker, Jason Lilly. “Omigawa and Watanabe are synonymous with Japanese MMA and add an extra level of excitement to our show. The two of them combined with the addition of Akihiro Gono makes this a true ‘Legends of Japan’ event.”
Omigawa (16-14-1) is a judo practitioner who has competed at the highest level of competition in PRIDE, UFC, and DREAM. The thirty-plus fight veteran is currently on a three-fight win streak with two of those victories coming by submission in the first round. He will face off against France’s Teddy Violet (10-1), a top European featherweight prospect, on the main card of the event.
Watanabe (19-6), recognizable by her signature two-piece leopard print outfit, reigned as Queen of Japanese MMA from 2002-2007, having competed in Smackgirl, Pancrase, and DEEP. Watanabe announced her retirement at the end of 2007. Since then, she has competed in Shoot Boxing and competed in an exhibition bout for JEWELS, as well as took up acting. This will be her first professional MMA bout in over eight years.
“The fact that we have great Japanese fighters wanting to compete for us in Tokyo is a great honor,” proclaimed WSOF-GC Director of Operations, Darren Owen. “I strongly believe that the Asian market is looking to welcome our brand into the region. Our reputation after our first event in China has helped shape our credibility as we have been very respectful of the cultures here and have shown our willingness to work with organizations in Asia and not come in as a competitor. At the end of the day, we just want to present great events that the entire sport can benefit from.”