Fractured Ties: DEEP and MARS Part Ways

DEEP president Shigeru Saeki attended an open sparring session between DEEP stars Satoko Shinashi (Pictures) and Masakazu Imanari (Pictures) on Friday and announced that DEEP would no longer work with upstart promotion MARS.

The decision to fracture ties with MARS stemmed from a July 21 bout between Carina Damm and Miku Matsumoto (Pictures), at MARS' MARS ATTACK 01 card.

The up-and-coming Matsumoto fights out of DEEP-affiliated gym Club Barbarian, and was able to compete in MARS due to an amicable relationship between the organizations. However, the curious end to the fight brought about great disappointment and anger for both Matsumoto and the DEEP organization.

When Damm secured cross-position on "MIKU" looking to secure an armbar, Matsumoto yelled that Damm was grabbing her glove, which is prohibited. The referee did not acknowledge the alleged transgression and Damm then extended the armbar, prompting the referee stoppage despite Matsumoto's protests.

"The organization has a problem," Saeki said of MARS.

Saeki went on to say that MARS had changed the rules of the bout between Matsumoto and Damm only two days before the fight. Making his intentions clear, Saeki stated, "We have no relationship from now on."

DEEP will run its premiere summer card on August 4 at Korakuen Hall, while MARS' next promotion will be its NEW DEAL card on August 26 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.