The 'repugnant' fight that 'bordered on child abuse'
The headlines, of course, will primarily be about the “humiliation” and “embarrassment” suffered by a 24-year-old woman who was choked out in a mixed martial arts fight by a 12-year-old girl.
The headlines, though, will miss the point entirely.
On Saturday at Deep Jewels 16 in Tokyo, a 12-year-old known as “Momo” was for some reason allowed to fight an adult, 24-year-old Momoko Yamazaki.
Momo won the fight by rear naked choke in the first round, easily accounting for an opponent twice her age.
SHOCK RESULT: 12yo girl dominates opponent twice her age in MMA debut
It is repugnant that this farce was permitted. The fact that the pre-teen was victorious is beside the point. No 12-year-old is equipped, either physically or emotionally, to be competing against adults.
DEEP JEWELS 16: 12-year-old MoMo set to make MMA debut against 24-year-old Momoko Yamazaki https://t.co/z6CWFJroZX pic.twitter.com/D8wJdvkumu
— Women's MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) April 23, 2017
Their bodies — and minds — are still developing and the risks are far too great to allow this to occur.
That someone thought this would be a good idea is a study in poor judgment. Children this age and younger who compete need to do so in a structured, controlled environment against opponents of similar age, size and skill level.
It borders on child abuse that this was permitted.
We can only hope it is the last time it occurs, but sadly, the fact that the 12-year-old won the fight will cause some to justify it and put her back in the cage against another adult.
#DeepJewels16 12 Year old Momo chokes out Momoko Yamazaki for the win! @sfultonMMA @deep_official @WMMARankings @Jiujitsu_Jedi pic.twitter.com/bFQVAE7NXR
— MMA Japan (@mmajpn1) May 20, 2017
This is a tragedy waiting to happen, but common sense can prevent it.
It's not the first time a Japanese MMA promotion has exhibited horribly unfair match ups.
Last year, Brazilian monster Gabi Garcia ruthlessly beat up 49-year-old Japanese former pro-wrestler Yumiko Hotta during a crazy fight for Rizin Fight Federation.
Despite being 18 years younger, eight inches taller and at least 18 kilograms heavier than her opponent, the fight was still allowed to go ahead.