Sherdog.com’s 2015 Fight of the Year

5. L.C. Davis vs. Hideo Tokoro
Bellator 135
Friday, March 27
Winstar World Casino and Resort | Thackerville, Oklahoma
At 38 years old, Hideo Tokoro is a dying breed of fighter. Unlike North American MMA, which has always placed the highest value on winning, Japanese MMA has historically rewarded fighters who compete with heart and look to put on exciting fights. Tokoro is a part of that tradition. One might be tempted to dismiss Tokoro’s ability because of his 33-28-2 record, but that record belies his ground skills and willingness to take chances that make for exciting fights.

At Bellator 135, Tokoro had the opportunity to show North American fans what they have been missing out on. The longtime Japanese star competed in the United States for only the second time in his career. In 2007, he submitted Brad Pickett at the Los Angeles Coliseum on the K-1 “Dynamite” card headlined by Brock Lesnar’s MMA debut. Tokoro returned to Japan after that bout and was anonymous to all but the most hardcore MMA fans. Nearly eight years later, he would return for Bellator MMA; and together with L.C. Davis, he would put on a show.

Most of today’s best-received fights tend to involve two fighters exchanging punches on their feet. It is easy to understand and compelling to watch. Davis-Tokoro by contrast was a fight that took place on many different levels. They struck at distance, and they battled in the clinch. They went for takedowns and attacked with submissions. It was a fast-paced showdown that was wild but also technical. Tokoro broke Davis’ jaw with an upkick, while Davis hurt Tokoro with strikes of his own and threatened the submission grappler with a guillotine choke.

In the end, Davis benefitted from his approach to fighting. While Tokoro attacked at times with reckless abandon, Davis focused on retaining control in clinches and on the ground as much as he could. That positional advantage likely played a significant role in a narrow split decision win, and Davis supplemented control with effective striking, submissions and submission defense. It was one of the biggest wins of Davis’ career and a marked change from some of his biggest previous victories.

Early in Davis’ career, he relied heavily on his wrestling background when matched with elite opponents who had a wider array of skills. It was often successful, but it did not generate a lot of fan excitement. Reinvented years later, Davis showcased a variety of offensive tactics, entertained the crowd and got his hand raised, as well. It has been an impressive evolution, and the Tokoro fight may have been the crowning achievement.

For Tokoro, it was a disappointing loss in his return to America. However, it was sort of apropos, as Tokoro’s career has been defined by performances rather than an official record. He knows better than most that the quality of a fighter is determined by more than a judges’ decision. It is a lesson Davis has learned over time, as well. At the end of one of the best fights of 2015, both Davis and Tokoro proved themselves winners.