Veteran blended martial artists Hatsu Hioki and “Pequeno” Alexandre Nogueira are set to face off in a bout that highlights the intensive careers of each fighters. The match, a part of a gi-wearing MMA occasion beneath the ROMAN promotion, marks a second for these seasoned rivals.
Alexandre Nogueira vs. Hatsu Hioki
Hatsu Hioki, 41, is a Japanese MMA icon with a profession spanning over twenty years. Identified for his technical grappling, Hioki has competed in among the sport’s most prestigious organizations, together with the UFC and Pleasure. He stays a celebrated determine in Japanese MMA. He has had 43 skilled bouts in his profession and has not competed since 2018. Hioki made his debut in 2002.
His opponent, “Pequeno” Alexandre Nogueira, 47, is an iconic Brazilian fighter who’s returning to Japan for the primary time in 26 years. Nogueira’s profession is much more storied, having been one of many early pioneers of MMA. He’s maybe finest remembered as Jose Aldo’s first opponent within the WEC, a displaying of his long-standing presence within the sport. He has 26 complete matches and hasn’t fought since 2014. He made his skilled debut in 1998.
On this match, Alexandre Nogueira mentioned:
“A battle with one among Japan’s main fighters, Hioki, and it’s additionally an MMA battle carrying a gi, respecting custom. I believe this can be a battle of the essence of martial arts. Towards this match, I’ve devoted my entire physique and soul in coaching.”
It will likely be a single spherical of quarter-hour. Each males deliver many years of expertise to the cage, making this matchup a celebration of their legacies. Two MMA veterans step into the highlight as soon as once more.
