KSW this afternoon announced the signing of heavyweight veteran Satoshi Ishii (19-8-1) on a multi fight deal. The Japanese legend has fought in Bellator, Rizin and M-1.
After winning a gold medal in judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Ishii turned his attention to MMA in 2009. Since then he has competed all over the world and registered wins against the likes of Tim Sylvia, Jeff Monson, Pedro Rizzo, Heath Herring, and even holds a win over current KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries. Overall he has eleven stoppage victories.
“I am happy welcome Ishii to KSW,” said KSW CEO Martin Lewandowski. “He is one on the finest martial artists on the planet. His credentials in judo speak for themselves and has become a force in MMA with wins over KSW, UFC, ADCC, and K1 champions. I am very excited to see him step foot into the KSW arena and see what he produces.”
The 32-year-old enters KSW having won his past four fights, all via first round stoppage, and news regarding his debut will be released soon.
Ishii’s victory over current KSW Heavyweight champion Phil De Fries came in April 2014. With De Fries development, success and compelling story of overcoming mental health issues since their first bout, KSW may well be poised to resurrect their rivalry and give De Fries the chance to put the record straight. Ishii will surely be a keen spectator of the upcoming clash between De Fries and Tomasz Narkun at KSW 47, Lodz, on the 23rd March. Karol Bedorf may be the matchmaker’s choice of his first opponent, with the Szczecin native not currently booked for competition following his defeat to De Fries at KSW 45 last year.