Tai Emery’s recent time in Japan was much more than a business trip.
Yes, Emery handled her business, defeating Charisa Sigala via first-round stoppage in bare knuckle action at the RIZIN Fighting Federation event at the world-renowned Saitama Super Arena. But she’ll remember her time in Japan for much more than earning her second BKFC victory.
“It was the best experience of my life,” Emery says.
“I knew it was going to be something big, but it absolutely surpassed anything I could imagine or dream of. I studied Japanese in high school and have always wanted to go there, so it was a dream come true to be there and experience the culture.
“But to represent bare knuckle – a sport that I feel was made for me – and to share the sport with Japan was just absolutely amazing. My fight made a lot of people change their mind about bare knuckle. What more can you ask for?”
Emery was admittedly hoping for a longer fight in Japan. She’d like to prove that she can thrive in deep waters after her first two victories came in under two minutes. But she’s pleased to leave the Squared Circle unscathed and is already eager to sign on the dotted line of her next BKFC bout agreement.
“I can’t wait to see what BKFC has for me next,” she says. “I’m more excited than ever to get back in there.”
Emery has a simple response when asked if she’d accept a fight with Britain Hart, who recently defended her BKFC World Strawweight Title for the third time.
“Absolutely,” she says.
“I’m here to be challenged. I want the biggest fights, and that’s as big as it gets.”
