Shigeyuki Uchiyama was en route to a win over Masaya “J-Taro” Takita, bloodying his opponent with punches and knees and controlling the pace comfortably. Things were looking good for the Grabaka fighter until somehow, during a double leg takedown that fell through the ropes, the top of his ear was torn off.
It was not clear how the cauliflowered ear was torn but blood could be seen on the top and bottom ropes. Most likely, Uchiyama’s ear was caught in the vertical ropes that keep the horizontal ropes even, although no blood could be seen on them.
As soon as Pancrase officials identified what the bloody lump on the canvas was a doctor check was called and the bout was stopped at 2:57 of Round 2.
