Josh Barnett and Minoru Suzuki announced last month that they will bring the shoot-style event to the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on June 22. Both Pancrase veterans will be on the card that night as well. The promotion officially comes to Japan with “Bloodsport Bushido” on June 22 at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Barnett will be part of the card, as will Minoru Suzuki. Sports Illustrated has confirmed that more international talent will also be featured at the event, as the card will include:
Sports Illustrated was the first to report that the following names are also scheduled for the show:
- Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
- Davey Boy Smith Jr.
- Kazushi Sakuraba
- Mike “The Titan” O’Hearn
- David Modzmanashvili
- Masakatsu Funaki
“Bloodsport Bushido” marks the international debut for Bloodsport. The card will air live on Trillertv.com, and it takes place two months after Bloodsport X –which takes place during WrestleMania weekend and features WWE’s Shayna Baszler.
Who are the Bloodsport Bushido participants?
Quinton Jackson, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, hasn’t fought in MMA since his loss to Fedor Emelianenko in late 2019. Jackson is known for his powerful striking ability and aggressive fighting style, which earned him a significant fan following. He held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at one point in his career. In addition to his MMA career, he has also dabbled in acting, appearing in movies such as “The A-Team” and “Miss March.”
Masakatsu Funaki co-founded Pancrase along with Minoru Suzuki. The 55-year-old keeps an active freelance schedule in Japan. He had a “Martial Arts Rules” match with Barnett on a NOAH show last September. Throughout his MMA career, Funaki faced many notable opponents and achieved significant success. He is respected for his contributions to the sport and his role in shaping the landscape of Japanese MMA. After retiring from active competition, Funaki continued to be involved in the martial arts community as a coach and mentor.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. is a Canadian professional wrestler, son of the late “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith. He wrestled in WWE as David Hart Smith, winning the Tag Team Championship with the Hart Dynasty. After leaving WWE, he competed worldwide, notably in NJPW as Davey Boy Smith Jr., winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Suzuki-gun. Davey Boy Smith Jr. has a 6-1 record in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events. His only loss was to Jon Moxley in 2021.
52-year-old MMA pioneer Sakuraba has been wrestling primarily in NOAH in recent years. Sakuraba, also known as Kazushi Sakuraba, is a retired Japanese MMA fighter and wrestler famous for defeating several members of the Gracie family in Pride Fighting Championships, earning him the nickname “The Gracie Hunter.” He is considered a legend in the sport for his unorthodox style and fighting spirit.
Mike “The Titan” O’Hearn is an American bodybuilder, actor, and fitness model known for his impressive physique and numerous bodybuilding titles. He has also appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing his athleticism.
Davit Modzmanashvili is a Georgian freestyle wrestler. He has competed at various international competitions representing Georgia, including the Olympics and the World Wrestling Championships. Modzmanashvili has achieved success in his wrestling career, winning medals at prestigious tournaments and establishing himself as one of the top wrestlers in his weight class. Davit Modzmanashvili was banned for eight years after he was stripped of his Olympic wrestling silver medal for doping following the re-analysis of his sample from London 2012