Hidehiko Yoshida has an opponent for his retirement fight, but the choice may come as a surprise. The former Japanese Olympic gold medalist meets teammate and UFC/PRIDE veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura at the April 25 ASTRA event at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, event officials today announced. Other bouts confirmed for the card include Ryo Chonan (17-10) vs. Jung Hwan Cha (6-5-1) and Bellator/Strikeforce vet Jorge Masvidal (19-5) vs. Naoyuki Kotani (20-9-7). Yoshida and Nakamura are both affiliated with the Yoshida Dojo, which has a big hand in the first-ever ASTRA event (along with the J-Rock entertainment company). The event, which is expected to air via online pay-per-view, also features Enson Inoue's first bout since 2004 when he takes on New Zealand kickboxer Antz Nansen. Yoshida, who earned his gold medal in judo during the 1992 Summer Games, garnered a large fan following through the early 2000s. His 9-7-1 record is an indication of the quality of opposition he faced during his runs through PRIDE and World Victory Road's Sengoku events series. He's fought everyone from Wanderlei Silva (twice) to Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic to Josh Barnett while picking up victories over the likes of Don Frye, Mark Hunt, David "Tank" Abbott and Maurice Smith. Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Hidehiko Yoshida Enson Inoue vs. Antz Nansen Che Mills vs. Yuya Shirai Jung Hwan Cha vs. Ryo Chonan Naoyuki Kotani vs. Jorge Masvidal Tentsuku Ganjou vs. Daisuke Nakamura Micah Miller vs. Michihiro Omigawa Akihiko Mouri vs. Tatsunao Nagakura The card itself is midly amusing with Inoue returning i guess in another swann song.
Why nakamura? He could have fought royce gracie again and this time with a time limit and judges so we can see a winner.
