In an announcement that could prove pivotal for the Japanese and Shooto MMA scene, Shooto promoter Sustain has announced a grand revival of the legendary Vale Tudo Japan organization. This is the same vehicle that brought us classic old-school NHB tournaments and events in the mid to late 90's, featuring several memorable names such as Rickson Gracie, Dan Severn, Enson Inoue, Igor Zinoviev, Frank Trigg, Hayato Sakurai, and Caol Uno; and now two previous competitors in Takanori Gomi and Rumina Sato will take place in the event's august re-emergence against yet unnamed opponents, and "Lion" Takeshi is already booked to face Alexandre Pequeno Nogueira. The plot continues to thicken with the pledge that VTJ will act as a sort of beta-event to test changes to the standard Shooto format, including the addition of five-round fights, knees/stomps to the head of a downed opponent, and no establishment of standard weight classes.  I believe fighters will have to agree upon opponents and desired fighting weight on an ala' carte basis under the supervision of Sustain. The first event for the new and rejuvenated Vale Tudo Japan will be October 30th at the JCB Hall.  This could set the table for a huge change in the MMA scene in Japan.  I, for one, will be waiting with baited breath for the event to take concrete shape and will support the endeavors of VTJ in full. Source article:  Sherdog.com

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