YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST

In this episode of the YAMATODAMASHII Podcast, we question whether the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight was really as straightforward as it looked — and why so many fans came away feeling that something was off.We also give a full breakdown of RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve event, reacting to the atmosphere inside the arena, the biggest fights on the card, and what the results mean for Japanese MMA going into 2026.Topics include:Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua — script rumours, rankings fallout, and what we really thinkRIZIN NYE live reaction from JapanMikuru Hasegawa vs Shaduliev — what went wrongReina vs Seika Izawa and the state of the women’s divisionDanny Sabatello as RIZIN bantamweight championPride nostalgia vs the modern RIZIN product**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Instagram**https://www.instagram.com/yamatodamashii_podcast/**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Tik Tok**https://www.tiktok.com/@yamatodamashii.po**Follow TEAM YAMATODAMASHII** https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1 **Get a signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **The Undying Spirit is also available on Amazon**US - https://a.co/d/dTuySUW Japan - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK UK - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK **New stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear**https://yamatodamashiifightgear.com/ **Support the Enson Inoue Foundation**http://www.ensoninouefoundation.org/ **The Tamashii Collection Available Now**https://www.ctrlindustries.com/ **YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST is now available as an Audio Podcast**https://open.spotify.com/show/0i1f7IN0oVNnGxvogMlYD2?si=7578b2f29a43460a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yamatodamashii-podcast/id1659221500 **Check out the latest PUREBRED goods**http://www.pbg.jp/ **Grab a Sera Bag while stock is still available**https://www.seradesu.com/ **Enson’s Japanese YouTube Channel**https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Slbc0vGqIZTGVoeQ2op9A **Enson’s first book is also available on Amazon**US - https://amzn.to/3zVX1xP Japan - https://amzn.to/3xbMblP UK - https://amzn.to/3iiv39Q **Intro/Outro Songs by KAN aka GAMI**https://open.spotify.com/track/5f6W67uc1Fx0QLP0VPehI8?si=3f8d581144d44288 **Get a custom-made bracelet from Enson and Sarah**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **SCRAMBLE X SUSUMU NAGAO LEGENDS SERIES T-SHIRT**https://scramblestuff.com/ **Feedspot link to Hawaii Top Sports Podcasts**https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hawaii_sports_podcasts/?feedid=5725566 Follow Enson @https://twitter.com/ensoninoue https://www.instagram.com/ensoninoue https://www.cameo.com/enson Follow Jim @https://twitter.com/Ozeki_Jim https://www.instagram.com/jimmymain08/?hl=enTimestamps00:00 - Intro00:50 - Enson's New Year03:04 - Live experience at RIZIN04:41 - Ashizawa/Jolly - Mekka?08:03 - Shayd/Mikuru11:06 - Souza/Nozimov12:25 - Izawa/Rena15:00 - Kleber/Vugar16:01 - Sabatello/Inoue17:27 - Fukuda/Ando18:01 - Kubo/Dautbek19:06 - Nog/Crocop in attendance21:03 - Overall thoughts25:48 - Jake Paul/AJ Fight33:52 - Upcoming team fights

In this episode of the YAMATODAMASHII Podcast, Enson Inoue shares his honest thoughts on a recent Breaking Down incident that raised serious concerns around fighter safety and responsibility.We also discuss how moments like this impact the wider fight culture, where the line should be drawn between entertainment and danger, and how these situations can affect a fighter’s future. Beyond Breaking Down, we talk about the progress of Enson’s team, recent fighter performances, career momentum, and some of the highlights from 2025 and things to look forward to in 2026.As always, this is a candid, unfiltered conversation focused on perspective, experience, and respect for the sport.💬 Let us know in the comments where you think the line should be drawn.👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful discussions on MMA, combat sports, and Japanese fighting culture.**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Instagram**https://www.instagram.com/yamatodamashii_podcast/**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Tik Tok**https://www.tiktok.com/@yamatodamashii.po**Follow TEAM YAMATODAMASHII** https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1 **Get a signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **The Undying Spirit is also available on Amazon**US - https://a.co/d/dTuySUW Japan - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK UK - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK **New stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear**https://yamatodamashiifightgear.com/ **Support the Enson Inoue Foundation**http://www.ensoninouefoundation.org/ **The Tamashii Collection Available Now**https://www.ctrlindustries.com/ **YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST is now available as an Audio Podcast**https://open.spotify.com/show/0i1f7IN0oVNnGxvogMlYD2?si=7578b2f29a43460a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yamatodamashii-podcast/id1659221500 **Check out the latest PUREBRED goods**http://www.pbg.jp/ **Grab a Sera Bag while stock is still available**https://www.seradesu.com/ **Enson’s Japanese YouTube Channel**https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Slbc0vGqIZTGVoeQ2op9A **Enson’s first book is also available on Amazon**US - https://amzn.to/3zVX1xP Japan - https://amzn.to/3xbMblP UK - https://amzn.to/3iiv39Q **Intro/Outro Songs by KAN aka GAMI**https://open.spotify.com/track/5f6W67uc1Fx0QLP0VPehI8?si=3f8d581144d44288 **Get a custom-made bracelet from Enson and Sarah**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **SCRAMBLE X SUSUMU NAGAO LEGENDS SERIES T-SHIRT**https://scramblestuff.com/ **Feedspot link to Hawaii Top Sports Podcasts**https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hawaii_sports_podcasts/?feedid=5725566 Follow Enson @https://twitter.com/ensoninoue https://www.instagram.com/ensoninoue https://www.cameo.com/enson Follow Jim @https://twitter.com/Ozeki_Jim https://www.instagram.com/jimmymain08/?hl=en

Enson discusses exactly what happened at the Breaking Down 18 auditions — including the moment he was sucker-punched in the back of the head by a teenage fighter, the chaos that followed, and why this incident has blown up across Japan.Enson reveals the behind-the-scenes truth:• Who might have told Leo to attack him• Why the camera crew seemed to know it was coming• How the producers tried to control the situation• Why this makes Breaking Down look bad — and why he’s “90% sure” it wasn’t accidental• The formal apology, the money offered, and what he expects next• The real reason he might cut all ties with Breaking Down• And why he’s considering exposing the whole truth if things don’t changeWe also talk about the fan reaction in Japan, how the incident actually boosted Enson’s channel, and why his old-school PRIDE-era fanbase isn’t letting this slide. Enson explains the cultural side too — why a kid hitting an elder in Japan is a massive sign of disrespect, and how the show may have underestimated the consequences.Later in the episode, we dive into:• Tom Aspinall, the eye injury saga, and why Enson calls “bullshit” on parts of the story• The UFC heavyweight situation and what Dana White might do next• How Breaking Down could be fixed, and the changes Enson would make if he ran the showThis is one of our most explosive and honest conversations yet. If you want the full story behind the punch, the politics, and what happens next — this is the episode.

**FollowYAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Instagram**

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**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Tik Tok**

https://www.tiktok.com/@yamatodamashii.po

**FollowTEAM YAMATODAMASHII**

https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/

https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1

**Geta signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit**

http://www.destinyforever.com/

**TheUndying Spirit is also available on Amazon**

US- https://a.co/d/dTuySUW

Japan - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK

UK - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK

**Newstock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear**

https://yamatodamashiifightgear.com/

**Supportthe Enson Inoue Foundation**

http://www.ensoninouefoundation.org/

**TheTamashii Collection Available Now**

https://www.ctrlindustries.com/

**Checkout the latest PUREBRED goods**

http://www.pbg.jp/

**Graba Sera Bag while stock is still available**

https://www.seradesu.com/

**Enson’sJapanese YouTube Channel**

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Slbc0vGqIZTGVoeQ2op9A

**Enson’sfirst book is also available on Amazon**

US- https://amzn.to/3zVX1xP

Japan- https://amzn.to/3xbMblP

UK- https://amzn.to/3iiv39Q

**Intro/OutroSongs by KAN aka GAMI**

https://open.spotify.com/track/5f6W67uc1Fx0QLP0VPehI8?si=3f8d581144d44288

**Geta custom-made bracelet from Enson and Sarah**

http://www.destinyforever.com/

**SCRAMBLEX SUSUMU NAGAO LEGENDS SERIES T-SHIRT**

https://scramblestuff.com/

**Feedspotlink to Hawaii Top Sports Podcasts**

https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hawaii_sports_podcasts/?feedid=5725566

FollowEnson @

https://twitter.com/ensoninoue

https://www.instagram.com/ensoninoue

https://www.cameo.com/enson

FollowJim @

https://twitter.com/Ozeki_Jim

https://www.instagram.com/jimmymain08/?hl=en

 👇 Chapters00:00 - Intro00:55 - Cowgirl passing02:07 - What happened at BreakingDown auditions06:30 - Facing off with execs09:20 - Ensons involvement in BreakingDown11:35 - Did Reo act on his own?12:59 - Was it staged?15:30 - Do the producers understand they're playing with fire17:30 - What should happen to Reo18:45 - Gangster involvement22:00 - Fan reaction24:10 - Tom Aspinal update reaction31:17 - If Enson ran BreakingDown

Enson Inoue shares his brutally honest reaction to Tom Aspinall’s eye poke controversy and the decision that’s got the MMA world divided.In this episode of the YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST, we cover everything from audtions for a new Team Yamatodamashii for Breaking Down, Buu's Power Slap debut in Saudi Arabia, and finish with Enson’s no-holds-barred take on Tom Aspinall’s eye poke incident. We also talk about the difference between the old school and modern fighter mentality and whether things have changed in combat sports.**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Instagram**https://www.instagram.com/yamatodamashii_podcast/**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Tik Tok**https://www.tiktok.com/@yamatodamashii.po**Follow TEAM YAMATODAMASHII** https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1 **Get a signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **The Undying Spirit is also available on Amazon**US - https://a.co/d/dTuySUW Japan - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK UK - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK **New stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear**https://yamatodamashiifightgear.com/ **Support the Enson Inoue Foundation**http://www.ensoninouefoundation.org/ **The Tamashii Collection Available Now**https://www.ctrlindustries.com/ **YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST is now available as an Audio Podcast**https://open.spotify.com/show/0i1f7IN0oVNnGxvogMlYD2?si=7578b2f29a43460a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yamatodamashii-podcast/id1659221500 **Check out the latest PUREBRED goods**http://www.pbg.jp/ **Grab a Sera Bag while stock is still available**https://www.seradesu.com/ **Enson’s Japanese YouTube Channel**https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Slbc0vGqIZTGVoeQ2op9A **Enson’s first book is also available on Amazon**US - https://amzn.to/3zVX1xP Japan - https://amzn.to/3xbMblP UK - https://amzn.to/3iiv39Q **Intro/Outro Songs by KAN aka GAMI**https://open.spotify.com/track/5f6W67uc1Fx0QLP0VPehI8?si=3f8d581144d44288 **Get a custom-made bracelet from Enson and Sarah**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **SCRAMBLE X SUSUMU NAGAO LEGENDS SERIES T-SHIRT**https://scramblestuff.com/ **Feedspot link to Hawaii Top Sports Podcasts**https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hawaii_sports_podcasts/?feedid=5725566 Follow Enson @https://twitter.com/ensoninoue https://www.instagram.com/ensoninoue https://www.cameo.com/enson Follow Jim @https://twitter.com/Ozeki_Jim https://www.instagram.com/jimmymain08/?hl=en Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:35 - Team Breaking Down Auditions04:19 - New teenage student07:30 - Inspiration for audtitions11:32 - Bu competing in PowerSlap this week12:27 - PowerSlap thoughts17:56 - Bu potential in PowerSlap21:01 - Aspinall Eye Poke

In episode 125 of the YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST, James (Jim) shares his thoughts on the Smashing Machine. The movie hasn't been release in Japan yet so Enson hears how Hollywood has portrayed Pride FC, Mark Kerr’s story, and even Enson’s own fight with Mark. The two also discuss UFC 320, Jiri Prochazka’s incredible comeback, Bare Knuckle FC chaos, Power Slap in Saudi Arabia, and updates on Team YAMATODAMASHII members.💥 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories from Enson’s life in MMA, Japan, and beyond.#EnsonInoue #TheSmashingMachine #MMA #PrideFC #TheRock #MarkKerr #YamatoDamashiiPodcast🎙️ Chapters:00:00 - Intro with Koichi01:32 - Alex Pereira04:32 - Jiri/Khalil07:30 - Pereira at Heavyweight08:40 - Whitehouse card10:57 - Merab/Sandhagen12:14 - Other UFC 320 thoughts13:45 - Sattari K1 fight15:07 - Kimura K1 fight16:31 - Mekka BreakingDown fight21:03 - Bu in PowerSlap23:10 - Bare Knuckle thoughts26:15 - Smashing Machine45:46 - Team Update**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Instagram**https://www.instagram.com/yamatodamashii_podcast/**Follow YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST on Tik Tok**https://www.tiktok.com/@yamatodamashii.po**Follow TEAM YAMATODAMASHII** https://www.instagram.com/teamyamatodamashii/https://www.tiktok.com/@teamyamatodamashii?_t=ZN-8twCB4FxCli&_r=1 **Get a signed copy of Enson’s second book The Undying Spirit**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **The Undying Spirit is also available on Amazon**US - https://a.co/d/dTuySUW Japan - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK UK - https://amzn.asia/d/fGzHNCK **New stock available for YAMATODAMASHII Fight Gear**https://yamatodamashiifightgear.com/ **Support the Enson Inoue Foundation**http://www.ensoninouefoundation.org/ **The Tamashii Collection Available Now**https://www.ctrlindustries.com/ **YAMATODAMASHII PODCAST is now available as an Audio Podcast**https://open.spotify.com/show/0i1f7IN0oVNnGxvogMlYD2?si=7578b2f29a43460a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yamatodamashii-podcast/id1659221500 **Check out the latest PUREBRED goods**http://www.pbg.jp/ **Grab a Sera Bag while stock is still available**https://www.seradesu.com/ **Enson’s Japanese YouTube Channel**https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Slbc0vGqIZTGVoeQ2op9A **Enson’s first book is also available on Amazon**US - https://amzn.to/3zVX1xP Japan - https://amzn.to/3xbMblP UK - https://amzn.to/3iiv39Q **Intro/Outro Songs by KAN aka GAMI**https://open.spotify.com/track/5f6W67uc1Fx0QLP0VPehI8?si=3f8d581144d44288 **Get a custom-made bracelet from Enson and Sarah**http://www.destinyforever.com/ **SCRAMBLE X SUSUMU NAGAO LEGENDS SERIES T-SHIRT**https://scramblestuff.com/ **Feedspot link to Hawaii Top Sports Podcasts**https://podcasts.feedspot.com/hawaii_sports_podcasts/?feedid=5725566 Follow Enson @https://twitter.com/ensoninoue https://www.instagram.com/ensoninoue https://www.cameo.com/enson Follow Jim @https://twitter.com/Ozeki_Jim https://www.instagram.com/jimmymain08/?hl=en