Masakazu Imanari may be the most uniquely vicious finisher you have never seen.

The Japanese leg lock artist has a very unusual approach to the game often willingly throwing himself at his opponent’s lower limbs in the middle of combat. He is one of the most high risk fighters in MMA, never shying away from going for the rolling leg lock entries and spectacular submissions he is known for.

Andrew Dodds wrote an excellent piece on Imanari and why he would an exciting addition to the UFC roster:

Unequivocally, one of the most electric athletes in the history of sport, Masakazu Imanari, has earned the right to be given an opportunity to showcase his dynamic skills and unique fighting style in the pinnacle of the sport, the UFC.

His brash machismo, flair and creativity are unrivalled and would surely delight fans internationally.

While fans were flabbergasted by Anderson Silva’s bravado during his destruction of the overmatched Stephan Bonnar, it paled in comparison to Imanari’s typical fight strategy. No one, not even the great Silva, can match Imanari’s original touch. Few athletes on the planet consistently do, stylistically, what the “Ashikan Judan” (10th Dan of Leglocks) can do.

He makes the impossible real.

He is known in esoteric circles that follow non-UFC events but deserves an introduction to neophytes. The reason for this seemingly hyperbolic praise is that he is so unconventional. He will keep his hands low, nonchalantly stroll around the ring and attack his opponent’s legs with innovative entries.

He is unpredictable, so every moment is heavy with unbridled anticipation.

Currently, this unheralded genius is fighting for a multitude of smaller Asian organizations: Dream, One Fighting Championship and DEEP. He should be given an opportunity to compete on the most prestigious stage, the UFC. His ring panache would instantly convert sport fans into MMA fans and amaze the most ardent of purists.

source: bleacherreport.com