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
However, it becomes a case for concern when a little girl is pitted in a sanctioned amateur match against an adult fighter.
A Japanese MMA bout between 12-year-old Momo Shimizu and 24-year-old Momoko Yamazaki has been hogging headlines recently for all the wrong reasons.
The unlikely matchup, which is scheduled at the 95-pound minimum-weight limit, will take place in Tokyo on May 20. The card is promoted by Japanese organization Deep Jewels, Bleacher Report said.
As expected, Twitter users expressed their concern for the poor child’s well being, such as this:
omfg I have such a big problem with this!!!!!!! I don’t even want kids taking blows to the head in practice until they are over 13. https://t.co/Rw2QKm3sAZ
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) April 24, 2017
However, Shu Hirata foreign marketing operations manager for Deep jewels, downplayed the comments.
“What’s the reaction? There’s almost nothing,” he told the news outlet. “It’s been done before here, and fans are used to seeing kids doing kickboxing and beating adults.”
“If anything, there’s more of an expectation that she’s the next big thing. So her coach actually appreciates the concern from the U.S. side, because nobody is too concerned in Japan.”
Furthermore, Hirata added that Momo will be wearing a protective head gear, shin guards and large gloves with extra padding throughout the match.
Also, contrary to the usual five-minute rounds, the kid’s bout will only be for three minutes each round.
Momo Shimizu. Photo from Shu Hirata /Facebook
Meanwhile, Momo, who’s currently in 7th grade, has been training for MMA since the tender age of 3. The young girl has requested to compete in amateur bouts since she 10, but was only recently allowed to do so recently by her coach.
Despite receiving flak for scheduling the fight, Hirata said Momo is more than ready for her debut.
“We appreciate the concern, because if you hear anyone say a 12-year-old is going to fight a 24-year-old, your natural reaction should be concern,” Hirata said. “But people have to see the ability of Momo. This might be one of the best prodigies coming out of Japan. Just wait.” Khristian Ibarrola/JB