Street Fighter 6 legend Daigo Umehara responds to MenaRD challenge

Capcom Cup champion Saul Leonardo ‘MenaRD‘ Mena II has challenged veteran Daigo Umehara to an exhibition match.

MenaRD is revered as one of the top modern Street Fighter 6 players after winning the Capcom Cup in 2017 and 2023.

Meanwhile, MenaRD has become a respected player in the FGC, especially for what he’s done to build up the scene in the Dominican Republic. However, a first-to-ten exhibition match with Daigo would be an entirely different beast.

Earlier this week, MenaRD decided to send out a lengthy tweet on X (formerly Twitter) directed right at Daigo. He started by saying Daigo is “the best ever” at long sets of Street Fighter 6, as proven by his record. This includes beating rival Hajime ‘Tokido‘ Taniguchi in an emotional and long Street Fighter 5 set.

“It would be the greatest honour of my career if I had the opportunity to fight you in a first-to-10,” MenaRD wrote. “Since I was young, I have dedicated myself to preparation, and I wonder how far we could take it if we decided to focus on a single set between us for months.”

MenaRD went on to say that the match could be anytime in the future—whenever would be a good time for Daigo.

“I know this is a big request, to ask for so much of your time, but I promise that I would make it the toughest challenge I possibly can,” MenaRD concluded.

Shortly after MenaRD sent the respectful challenge on X, Daigo caught wind of it while livestreaming and responded.

Daigo first appeared to be in deep thought as he pondered the request. But he then replied in Japanese: “I see. Alright. Let’s do it sometime.”

While Daigo and MenaRD didn’t set a time, the FGC is already highly anticipating this exhibition match. One fan said it would be “a match to remember.”

Others noted Daigo’s calm and casual appearance while accepting such a big challenge, making it all the more intimidating. Will MenaRD end up like Tokido, who cried after losing to Daigo?