Former Lightweight Champion signs new deal!

In Union Gran Prix's short history there have been three Lightweight champions. Jordan Parker-Kane, Takeshi Kato, and current champion Hanako Takeuchi. Hanako has been the champion since April 13th when she took it off Kato in his first defense of the championship at UGP 10.

Earlier today UGP's Twitter account announced who would get the first opportunity at the champions when the 2019 Championship tournaments get underway. Hanako Takeuchi will defend the championship in the first round against the inaugural champion, Jordan Parker-Kane.

A long-awaited rematch from UGP 4, where Jordan upset Hanako to win the Lightweight championship. The first and only blemish on Hanako's record. The pair would face off in early January for the IJPW Shoot Crown Championship. A fight that Hanako won, and one could make the argument that the loss had sent Jordan into a bit of a tailspin. Only two MMA wins in 2019 at a charity show and most recently against Cal McCluskey in an exhibition fight at Wrestlestock'19. in early January for the IJPW Shoot Crown Championship. A fight that Hanako won, and one could make the argument that the loss had sent Jordan into a bit of a tailspin. Only two MMA wins in 2019 at a charity show and most recently against Cal McCluskey in an exhibition fight at Wrestlestock'19.

Jordan recent struggles are sure to make some question naming him as the next contender as well as the new contract that the Houston based fighter has just signed. A five-fight deal with four million dollars, or $800,000 per fight, not including any bonuses may be earned. In order to secure such a deal the fighter, who turns 20 in just twelve days, did have to agree to an exclusivity clause. No word for SFN at this point, but we only assume Jordan and his representation negotiated a release with SFN.

The youngest fight in UGP will have to find a way to be sure to earn his new payday. The fight with Hanako for the Lightweight championship is the first step.