Talk about it here.

Another fantastic RINGS match. Interesting clash in styles between these two, as Tariel prefers to throw strikes while Tamura would rather keep this on the mat. Love Tariel's rabbit punches and rough-around-the-edges style contrasted by Tamura's technique and finesse. Tariel's style is a little more basic than you normally get in RINGS, but it's no less effective. In fact, that difference between the two is what makes this match click. Tamura earned that win. This is the best wrestling promotion out there in 1997.

I'm not going best promotion but Tamura continues to deliver some solid matches in this format no matter the opponent.

Yeah, this was a fun contrast to a lot of the RINGS classics because Tariel was more a mauler than a slick mat guy. He had a huge size advantage and did some neat things to neutralize Tamura with his bulk. Not a long match, but there was something interesting going on pretty much every moment.

 

Tamura has to rank as one of the top workers of '97. We sometimes have a monolithic view of shootstyle, but actually, he produced standout matches against a wide variety of opponents.

I agree that the contrast of the styles is what worked best for me as Tariel felt like unlike a few fighters or wrestler in that he didn't really have one punch knockout power but would just maul and wear down his opponent. Tamura has certainly been a standout in 1997 so far.

It's a bit funny that in 90ies Japanese wrestling there were quite some ex-Soviet guys doing shootstyle and looking good so considering that there is no pro wrestling tradition in the former Soviet countries at all (or at least that I know of). I guess demonstration events in Sambo are not an uncommon thing.

Interesting contrast here--the big, bruising Tariel works quickly during the stand-up portions, while the smaller quicker and lighter Tamura has to slow things down. Usually in wrestling it's the opposite. Tariel is big and impressive throwing strikes but the mat portions are almost like Tamura wrestling against a log. It's kind of too bad Tamura had no interest in wrasslin' because he's charismatic and broad and theatrical and smart and would have been a tremendous pro-style worker. Another Shootstyle for People Who Hate Shootstyle special--Tamura is pretty much a lock on the Most Outstanding Wrestler list this year.

For a bout of its length it had the simplest of formats. Either Tariel would use his massive size advantage to bludgeon Tamura down, or the technician would apply a hold and the Russian would get an immediate rope break. This he managed to do 10 times. You'd imagine Tariel would struggle or think about it on the last one, but no. I'm glad Tamura won, although the way it transpired did its upmost in protecting the overpushed lug.

Kiyoshi Tamura vs Bitzade Tariel - RINGS 7/22/97

 

Tariel Chris Webber's himself and loses the match going for a rope break when he had none left. Simple but effective match layout. Tariel was a bruising, straight ahead and relentless. It is all stand up. Tariel is clearly uncomfortable on the mat and doesnt have great balance. Tamura gets most of his early takedowns because Tariel lost his balance. Tamura can't do much even when he get his back. Rinse lather repeat but as Tariel fatigues Tamura can get his takedowns and get heel hooks and choke. You see how useless Tariel grabs a front chancery and can't hold on. Tamura slips out and rear naked choke. Tamura wins with protection when Tariel grabs ropes when he doesn't have any left rather than tap out.

 

Great early UFC match. ****

Tariel is Georgian, not Russian, by the way. But regardless, this was contrast of styles, as mentioned previously, with Tariel throwing his weight around but eventually tiring out as the quicker/slicker Tamura is able to keep him reaching for the ropes until he runs out of options. Even with how limited Tariel is on the mat, Tamura makes the most of it and it just goes to show how truly awesome Tamura was in '97.