World Victory Road Postpones SRC 17

Last Tuesday, the promoter of Sengoku Raiden Championship, World Victory Road, posted a statement on their website, stating that SRC 17 will be postponed. The reason for such delay is caused by a media negativity coming from an article written by Japanese press member — Manabu Takashima.

The article in question, written for Gong Kakutougi magazine, features a seven-page interview with SRC featherweight champion, Hatsu Hioki. Presented in a question-and-answer format, Hatsu Hioki said in the interview that World Victory Road’s “Soul of Fight” event was poorly organized. Some fighters were not able to sign their bout agreements until the day of the fight, or even after the event. That said, WVR responded by saying that the statement regarding the contracts were false, irresponsible and groundless. However, MMA Fighting was able to confirm one contract that was not finalized until after the “Soul of Fight” event.

Because of this, SRC’s parent company, Don Quijote, is assessing again its support for the Japanese MMA. The discount chain store is arguably the most important company that supports the sport in Japan. Therefore, if Don Quijote pulls its money out of MMA, then it would cause catastrophe.

If worse comes to worst, what do you think will happen to World Victory Road and Sengoku Raiden Championship? Share your insights by leaving a comment.

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