K-1 'Dynamite 2009' Preview

Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Michihiro Omigawa

The Storyline: In the third and final featherweight bout on the card, the two runner-ups of this year’s big featherweight tournaments will meet. It is also the story of two fighters who have competed at a higher weight for large portions of their individual careers and only found success when returning to their natural weight class. In Omigawa’s case the difference is particularly glaring, as he was 4-6 before moving down to 143 pounds and has been 4-2-1 ever since.

The Breakdown: Omigawa has always been equipped with a strong chin, even when taking on lightweights who were up to 25 pounds heavier than him. Considering that he has also received extensive training in muay Thai from Sergio Cunha and in boxing from Jim Watanabe, he might be tempted to brawl with Takaya. Takaya has been on a tear since returning from his brief stint in the WEC last year. He stopped everyone Dream put in front of him until he ran into his personal proverbial brick wall in the shape of Bibiano Fernandes.

The Brazilian has basically laid down the blueprint on how to defeat Takaya, which is to strike with him but just enough so that he overcommits and is then easier to take down. Even though Takaya does have some training in wrestling, Omigawa should have a distinct edge once the action hits the mat. Despite more than 20 years of experience in judo, it would be a big surprise if the Yoshida pupil was able to pull off a submission.

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The Prediction: Somehow you get the impression that the panel of judges may be needed after this fight. Will they be Dream or SRC judges? If it is the former, there may be some interest to award the win to Takaya after all those “favorable” decisions Omigawa received this year. If it is the latter, Omigawa should walk away with his fourth split decision of the year.