Rena Kubota

Rena
レーナ
Born Rena Kubota
(1991-06-29) June 29, 1991
Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Native name レーナ
Other names Reina
Nationality Japanese
Height 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in)
Weight 50 kg (110 lb)
Division Welterweight
Middleweight
Style Shoot boxing
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Konohana-ku, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Team Oikawa dojo
Trainer Tomohiro Oikawa
Years active 2007–present
Kickboxing record
Total 31
Wins 25
By knockout 6
Losses 5
Draws 1
Other information
Website Official blog
last updated on: November 21, 2013 (2013-11-21)

Rena Kubota (久保田 玲奈 kubota rena, Japanese pronunciation: [ku͍̥bota ɽena]), better known by her ring name Rena (レーナ, styled in capitals with Latin characters) or Reina (pronounced as "ɽeːna"), is a professional Japanese kickboxer. She competes mainly in shoot boxing, where she has won the 2009, 2010 and 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup tournaments.

Biography

Early life

Kubota was born in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan on June 29, 1991. She began training at Oikawa Dojo when she was a sixth grader.[1]

Professional career

Kubota made her kickboxing debut in the all-female promotion J-Girls at New Heroine Coming! on July 1, 2007. She lost a split decision to Asami Furuya in the flyweight New Heroine tournament semi-final.[2] Kubota fought once more in J-Girls in the World Queen Tournament and defeated Mika Nagai by decision on November 4, 2007.[3]

Kubota's next bout was her first in shoot boxing. She defeated Kanako Oka by decision at Shoot Boxing 2007 Mu-So 5th on December 23, 2007.[4] Kubota won her next two fights in the Road to S-Cup series.

On June 1, 2008, Kubota fought to a draw with MMA fighter Miku Matsumoto in the Deep promotion in a kickboxing match at ClubDEEP Toyama Barbarian Festival 7.[5][6] Kubota then returned to shoot boxing and won an extra-round decision against Misato Tomita on July 21, 2008.[7]

Kubota's next fight, her second professional loss, came in a rematch against Miku Matsumoto at the Shoot Boxing World Tournament 2008 on November 24, 2008. Matsumoto won the fight by unanimous decision.[8][9] Kubota then made her debut in K-1 at K-1 Award & MAX Korea 2009 on March 20, 2009. She was defeated via extra-round split decision against South Korean Muay Thai kickboxer Su Jeong Lim. The bout was Kubota's only fight for the promotion.[10]

Kubota debuted in the Jewels promotion in a shoot boxing match at Jewels 4th Ring on July 11, 2009. She defeated Tomoko SP by decision.[11][12]

Kubota returned to shoot boxing and won her first Girls S-Cup title, at only 18 years old, at the 2009 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup on August 23, 2009. She defeated Masako Yoshida by decision, Saori Ishioka by TKO and finally Mei Yamaguchi by decision to win the tournament.[13][14][15]

After winning the Girls S-Cup, Kubota won fights against Emi Fujino by TKO (doctor stoppage),[16][17][18] Australian Christina Jurjevic by decision[19] and Mika Nagai by decision in a rematch from their 2007 fight.[20]

Kubota was scheduled to face kickboxing and MMA legend Hisae Watanabe on April 11, 2010, but Kubota broke her finger and Watanabe faced an alternate opponent.[21][22] The two would finally meet on August 29, 2010 during the 2010 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup. Kubota stunned everyone including Watanabe with her speed and aggressiveness. The #2-ranked Watanabe had been very confident of winning, but Kubota shocked everyone with her powerful performance and she defeated Watanabe by TKO. Kubota delivered a devastating knee to the body which caused Watanabe to fall to her knees. Watanabe was holding her stomach and was in severe pain and unable to continue the match.

Kubota went on to defeat American MMA fighter Kate Martinez by decision in the semi-final, then defeated Ai Takahashi by decision after two extra rounds in the final to win her second straight Girls S-Cup.[23][24]

After her second victory of the Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup, Kubota appeared at the pre-recorded TV program Beautiful women athletes full performance: TV 2011 Athletic Club of Fire (美女アスリート総出演“炎の体育会TV2011” Bijo Asurīto Sōshutsuen Honō no Taiiku-Kai TV 2011) on TBS on January 11, 2011, where she faced and defeated male comedians Yu Shinagawa, Hidetsugu Shibata and Koji Imada in exhibition bouts.[25] While the show averaged 11.8% of TV rating, her appearance had the highest rating, 16.8%,[26][27] and her ring name became the second-highest searched for keyword on Google Japan the next day.[28]

Kubota was scheduled to fight South Korean fighter Sun Young Kim on April 23, 2011 at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 2 in Tokyo, but Kim withdrew from the bout.[29][30] As a result, Kubota faced J-Girls rising talent Erika Kamimura in an exhibition match in which Rena was knocked down once by her younger opponent in a single three-minute round, which surprised fans and pundits alike.[29][30][31]

Kubota faced Ai Takahashi again in a five-round title fight at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 3 on June 5, 2011. She was defeated by unanimous decision.[32][33]

On August 19, 2011, Kubota faced Thai Zaza Sor. Aree in a non-tournament bout at the 2011 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup. Rena trapped Zaza in a standing arm-triangle choke and Zaza struggled violently to escape but was unable to. She was fading away and about to pass out when the referee broke the hold and awarded the point to Rena. It's a pity the referee did not let Rena put Zaza to sleep and therefore win by KO. Nevertheless, Rena won the match when she delivered a devastating punch to Sor Aree's stomach in round two which caused her to collapse to the mat. Flat on her back and holding her stomach in agony, Sor Aree was not able to continue and Rena won the match. This would be the second time that Rena's powerful attacks have left an opponent in so much pain that they are not able to get up and not able to continue the match. The first opponent to collapse in pain was Hisae Watanabe.[34][35]

Kubota faced Bellator MMA veteran Jessica Penne in a shoot boxing match at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 4 on September 10, 2011.[36][37] She was defeated by majority decision after two extension rounds in a considerable upset.[38][39]

Kubota faced Erika Kamimura in a rematch at Rise 85 on November 23, 2011. She defeated Kamimura by unanimous decision to become the first Rise Queen champion.[40][41] Kubota vacated the Rise Queen title on July 23, 2013.[42]


Kubota entered the 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup on August 25, 2012. She defeated Kim Townsend, Seo Hee Ham and Mei Yamaguchi in succession to become the 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup tournament champion.[43][44]

Kubota returned to face Taiwanese fighter Du Peiling at Shoot Boxing 2013: Act 2 on April 20, 2013.[45][46] She defeated Peiling via third-round KO. Rena locked in a standing arm-triangle choke and then switched to a rear-naked choke. The referee stopped the match as Peiling was starting to lose consciousness.[47][48][49]

On June 23, 2013, it was announced that Kubota would face Lorena Klijn during the 2013 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup Japan Midsummer Festival event on August 3, 2013.[50][51] She defeated Klijn by majority decision after an extension round.[52][53]

On November 16, 2013, at Shoot Boxing Battle Summit: Ground Zero Tokyo 2013, Kubota defeated late replacement opponent Maylee Won. Pomas by unanimous decision.[54][55]

She was scheduled to fight Katie Klimansky-Casimir at Shootboxing 2014: Act 1 on February 23, 2014 but the fight was scrapped when the American fighter encountered immigration issues.[56]

Kubota fought in the Rizin Fighting Federation inaugural event on New Year's Eve 2015, and won via Flying Armbar submission in the second round (December 31, 2015).[57]

Championships and accomplishments

Titles

Awards

Kickboxing and shoot boxing record

Rena Kubota kickboxing and shoot boxing record

Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest       Notes

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hirata, Shu (2009-08-21). "Girls S-cup 2009: Interview with Rena!". ADCC News. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  2. ↑ "七夕祭り「NEW HEROINE COMING!」/新宿FACE 2007年7月1日(日)". Results (in Japanese). Japan: J-Girls. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  3. ↑ "風花祭り　「World Queen Tournament　前哨戦」 2007年11月4日（日）：ディファ有明". Results (in Japanese). Japan: J-Girls. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  4. ↑ 12.23大阪大会、及川がまさかの敗戦!. Result of bout (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
  5. ↑ "ClubDEEP富山結果速報" (in Japanese). Japan: Deep 2001. 2008-06-01. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  6. ↑ "6/1 ClubDEEP Toyama - RESULTS". japan-mma.com. 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  7. ↑ "火魂～Road to S-cup～其の四：大会速報" (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  8. ↑ "『SHOOT BOXING WORLD TOURNAMENT S-cup2008』　大会速報" (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  9. ↑ "11/24 Shoot Boxing - S-Cup LIVE RESULTS". japan-mma.com. 2008-11-24. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  10. ↑ "K-1 Award & Max Korea 2009 results". Japan: K-1. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  11. ↑ "7/11 Jewels 4th Ring - RESULTS". japan-mma.com. 2009-07-11. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  12. ↑ "女子総合格闘技ジュエルス 4th RING" (in Japanese). Japan: Jewels. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  13. ↑ "8/23 ShootBoxing Female S-Cup - RESULTS". japan-mma.com. 2009-08-23. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  14. ↑ "『Girls S-cup』 大会速報" (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  15. ↑ Avalos, Rafael (2009-08-25). "Resultados – SHOOTBOXING Girls S-Cup 2009" (in Spanish). USA: MMA Sportcenter. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  16. ↑ "11/18 ShootBoxing Bushido Part 5 - RESULTS". japan-mma.com. 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  17. ↑ "Joshi News: Fujino Loses In Shootboxing". Puroresu Representin'. 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  18. ↑ "『武志道-bushido-其の伍』 大会結果" (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  19. ↑ "SHOOT BOXING ２５TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES開幕戦 ：大会結果" (in Japanese). Japan: Shoot boxing. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  20. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2010-06-06). "RENA, Watanabe & Yamaguchi Win In Shootboxing". Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  21. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2010-04-11). "Hisae Watanabe Victorious In Shootboxing Match". Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  22. ↑ Hirata, Shu (2010-04-12). "SHOOTO BOXING - 04/11/2010: Hisae Watanabe Back in the Ring After Two and Half Years of Absence!". ADCC News. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  23. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2010-08-29). "RENA Wins 2010 Girls S-Cup, Hiroko Submits Furner". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  24. ↑ Coffeen, Fraser (2010-08-30). "Rena Wins Shootboxing's Girls S-Cup 2010". United States: Head Kick Legend. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
  25. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】女子世界王者RENAが今田耕司ひきいる男性芸人チームとバトル". News (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-01-07. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  26. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】女子格闘家RENA出演番組の瞬間最高視聴率は16.8％！". News (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  27. ↑ Walsh, Dave (2011-01-15). "Could Shootboxer RENA's Popularity Help FEG?". United States: Liver Kick. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  28. ↑ "RENA is Popular". United States: MMA-Japan. 2011-01-14. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  29. 1 2 Walsh, Dave (2011-04-24). "Shootboxing: Souwer Overcomes Sato, RENA Gets Knocked Down". United States: Liver Kick. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  30. 1 2 Ducharme, Brent (2011-04-23). "Shootboxing 2011 Act 2 Results: Andy Souwer Bests Yoshihiro Sato, Hiroaki Suzuki Wins". United States: Head Kick Legend. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  31. ↑ 【シュートボクシング】アンディ・サワーが佐藤嘉洋を撃破！「地力に差があった」（魔裟斗）. Results (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-04-23. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  32. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】イマダの投げで宍戸敗れる、高橋がRENAに勝って新王者に". Results (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  33. ↑ Herbertson, Daniel (2011-06-05). "Toby Imada Continues to Shake Up Shoot Boxing; Ai Takahashi Beats Rena for Belt". United States: MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  34. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2011-08-19). "Erika Kamimura Wins 2011 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
  35. ↑ 【シュートボクシング】女子立ち技最強は神村エリカ！ハム・ソヒに逆転勝利. Results (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-08-19. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
  36. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2011-09-05). "Jessica Penne To Face Rena Kubota In Shoot Boxing Debut". News. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  37. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】9・10RENAがアメリカの女総合格闘家を迎え撃つ！". News (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  38. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2011-09-10). "Jessica Penne Upsets Rena Kubota At Shoot Boxing: Act. 4". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2011-09-10.
  39. ↑ Herbertson, Daniel (2011-09-10). "Bovy Sor. Udomson Downs Toby Imada Three Times to Win Thriller in Shoot Boxing". United States: MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
  40. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2011-11-23). "Rena Kubota Defeats Erika Kamimura In Rise 85 Rematch". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  41. ↑ "【ライズ】ヘビー級トーナメントをシングが全試合KOで制覇！最強女王決定戦はRENAが勝つ". Results (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2011-11-23. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
  42. ↑ Sargent, Robert; Yamamoto, Go (2013-07-23). "Erika Kamimura Set To Face Momi In RISE Queen Title Fight". News. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-07-28.
  43. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2012-08-25). "Rena Kubota Wins 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup Tournament". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  44. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】RENAが2度目の世界女王に！MIO、魅津希がトーナメント優勝". Results (in Japanese). Japan: God Bless the Ring. 2012-08-25. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  45. ↑ Sargent, Robert; Yamamoto, Go (2013-04-10). "Rena Kubota To Face Du Peiling At Shoot Boxing 2013: Act 2". News. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  46. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】4・20RENAの相手は台湾の美人金メダルボクサー". News (in Japanese). Japan: eFight. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  47. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2013-04-20). "Rena Kubota, Mio Tsumura Victorious At Shoot Boxing 2013: Act 2". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  48. ↑ Sattler, Sam (2013-04-21). "Shootboxing 2013 act.2 Results: Shishido Tops Takaya, Mohan Dragon KOs Suzuki". News. United States: LiverKick.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  49. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】宍戸が大激闘の末にDREAM王者・高谷に勝つ！". Results (in Japanese). Japan: eFight. 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  50. ↑ Sargent, Robert (2013-06-23). "Ai Takahashi, Lorena Klijn Victorious At Shoot Boxing 2013: Act 3". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  51. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】8・3世界女王RENAがオランダの野獣を迎え撃つ". News (in Japanese). Japan: eFight. 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
  52. ↑ Sargent, Robert; Marchand, Dean; Yamamoto, Go (2013-08-03). "Mizuki Inoue, Mio Tsumura Win 2013 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cups". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  53. ↑ "【シュートボクシング】魅津希とMIOが優勝、RENAは強敵に涙の勝利". Results (in Japanese). Japan: eFight. 2013-08-03. Retrieved 2013-08-04.
  54. ↑ Sargent, Robert; Yamamoto, Go (2013-11-18). "Rena Kubota, Ai Takahashi Win At Shoot Boxing: Ground Zero". Articles. Canada: MMARising.com. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  55. ↑ 【シュートボクシング】立ち技最強の牙城守った！"怪物くん"鈴木が優勝. Results (in Japanese). Japan: eFight. 2013-11-17. Retrieved 2013-11-21.
  56. ↑ Mio Tsumura Wins Fifth Straight At Shoot Boxing 2014: Act 1
  57. ↑ "Fedor-Emelianenko-Makes-Triumphant-NYE-Return-Strikes-Jaideep-Singh-into-Submission". Results. Japan: Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
  58. ↑ Hashimoto, Kinya (2009-12-21). ジュエルス１周年パーティ&表彰式 (in Japanese). Japan: Jewels official blog. Retrieved 2010-09-01.

External links


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