Long-running mixed martial arts pioneer Pancrase is preparing for a landmark return to the calendar, announcing an early start to its 2027 campaign that breaks an absence stretching back more than a decade. The historic shift will see the promotion launch its upcoming schedule earlier in the year than it has managed in recent history, bringing a fresh wave of anticipation to the Japanese combat sports landscape.
The promotion officially confirmed that it will open its 2027 season with Pancrase 370 on Sunday, January 24, taking place at the familiar and vibrant New Pier Hall in Tokyo, Japan. This high-profile card carries immense historical significance for the organization, as it marks Pancrase’s first January event since Pancrase 275 was hosted at Differ Ariake nearly eleven years ago on January 31, 2016.
That substantial 11-year gap between January events gives the upcoming season opener a distinct and notable historical context even before the promotion begins rolling out its initial matchups. Pancrase 370 is designed to serve as the launchpad for a busy and dynamic schedule that will also provide an early, high-visibility opportunity for the organization’s next generation of emerging fighters.
Building quickly upon that opening momentum, the promotion has also locked in its second major event of the early year. Just two weeks after the numbered season opener, Pancrase Blood.13 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 7, at the Shinagawa Intercity Hall, also located in Tokyo. This event will carry the prestigious responsibility of opening the 33rd Neo Blood Tournament, marking the continuation of the promotion’s legendary developmental competition designed to unearth and cultivate raw talent from across the martial arts world.
Together, these two major announcements establish the foundational opening dates for both Pancrase’s premier numbered series and its celebrated Neo Blood Tournament structure. While the dates and venues are firmly locked in stone, specific fighter rosters, individual matchups, and potential championship bouts have not yet been revealed by the promotion for either event, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on who might fill out these historic cards.
For international and domestic fans looking to follow the action, broadcast and streaming coverage has already been secured. Streaming will be available exclusively on U-NEXT for viewers watching within Japan, while international audiences will be able to catch all the action live on UFC Fight Pass. At the time of the announcement, specific event start times, broadcast schedules, and comprehensive ticket information for both New Pier Hall and Shinagawa Intercity Hall had yet to be finalized and released to the public.
As the martial arts community looks ahead to the unfolding of the 2027 calendar, the early start by Pancrase signals a renewed push to capture momentum early in the year. With the historic return to January action set for Pancrase 370 at New Pier Hall, followed swiftly by the launch of the 33rd Neo Blood Tournament at Pancrase Blood.13 in February, the promotion is positioning itself for a robust and memorable year of elite mixed martial arts competition in Tokyo.
