Michael Craven Joins RIZIN Fighting Federation
The former New Japan Pro-Wrestling GM has a new position in Japanese combat sports
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The MMA Notebook runs every Friday.
In this edition:
Michael Craven joins RIZIN Fighting Federation
Josh Emmett seeking to shatter Lerone Murphy’s undefeated streak
Weekend predictions
Michael Craven joins RIZIN Fighting Federation
A familiar face is returning to Japanese combat sports.
A former New Japan Pro-Wrestling executive, Michael Craven has accepted a new role with RIZIN Fighting Federation, the top MMA promotion in Japan.
Craven’s tenure with New Japan oversaw a highly successful period, which included a record-setting year in 2019 that saw the company become the first Japanese combat sports entity to tour three countries (USA, England, and Australia) in a single year. Craven was heavily involved in the creation and promotion of these landmark events, with New York’s Madison Square Garden serving as a particular highlight for New Japan.
After exiting New Japan in 2021 to spend more time with his wife, who was suffering from a terminal illness, Craven now becomes the first foreigner to transition from pro wrestling to MMA in Japan at this level. His primary objective with RIZIN will be similar to his role and responsibility with New Japan, expanding their international trajectory and diversifying its fan base.
In addition to his time in New Japan, Craven also spent 15 years working for the Japanese government. His expertise resides in Western market expansion, and he has a brand-new opportunity for global expansion with RIZIN.
Josh Emmett looking to shatter Lerone Murphy’s undefeated streak
This past October, Dan Ige dropped Lerone Murphy. It wasn’t enough to knock Murphy out or keep him down, but Ige was able to connect on Murphy’s jaw.
If Josh Emmett can do the same, then Murphy won’t be getting back up.
The UFC returns to the Apex tomorrow for a Fight Night card headlined by the undefeated Emmett and Murphy. Emmett has tremendous power, and he snapped a two-fight losing streak in December when he KO’d Bryce Mitchell. His past three fights have told us everything we need to know about Emmett (19-4), who struggles against elite competition but fits in quite well as a gatekeeper for the upper tier of the featherweight division.
This will be a significant test for Murphy (15-0-1). Winning this bout is a necessity to catapult himself into title contention.
Murphy, 33, is seven years younger than Emmett. Cardio will be a key factor here. The longer this goes, the more it favors Murphy. Emmett’s game plan will be to land early, and Murphy’s fatal flaw is he can be hit. With Emmett’s outrageous power, that is a recipe for disaster.
Emmett isn’t going back into the title picture, but he can help disrupt it by removing Murphy from the list of contenders.
The Pick ‘Em Section
UFC Fight Night featherweight bout: Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy
Pick: Josh Emmett
UFC Fight Night featherweight bout: Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
Pick: Joanderson Brito
UFC Fight Night bantamweight bout: Lee Chang-ho vs. Cortavious Romious
Pick: Lee Chang-ho
UFC Fight Night heavyweight bout: Martin Buday vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu
Pick: Kennedy Nzechukwu
UFC Fight Night middleweight bout: Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Pick: Brad Tavares