PRIDE lightweight champion Takanori Gomi (27-3) shared his fighting ambitions and thoughts on the Japanese mixed martial arts scene in an interview for Kakutogi Tsushin magazine’s 427th issue. He indicated interest in fighting in K-1 HERO’S, as well as Shooto, and a report Thursday from Daily Sports confirmed Gomi is planning to return to the ring in Japan this year.
“I want to fight – for myself, for the fans and for my gym,” Gomi said. “I want to show everyone that I’m working hard and moving quickly. I have to have another fight, or nothing will happen.”
When asked if he had any preference for an organization for which to fight, Gomi put his fate in the hands of the fans. “The fans should decide where I go,” he said. “There is the possibility I will go to HERO’S. Shooto is a good organization, and I also have no reason not to fight in HERO’S. All organizations are fine with me. In the end, I want MMA to be as big as baseball.” Gomi did state that he feels very much a part of the Japanese people and admitted it would be difficult for him to go elsewhere.
According to the Daily Sports, Gomi announced Wednesday that he was hoping to fight within the year and had received offers from a number of MMA organizations. Gomi will attend the All-Japan Beach Wrestling Athlete Competition Sunday, where some of his Rascal Gym students will be facing off against other competitors, including wrestlers who train under Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.
“I want to fight – for myself, for the fans and for my gym,” Gomi said. “I want to show everyone that I’m working hard and moving quickly. I have to have another fight, or nothing will happen.”
When asked if he had any preference for an organization for which to fight, Gomi put his fate in the hands of the fans. “The fans should decide where I go,” he said. “There is the possibility I will go to HERO’S. Shooto is a good organization, and I also have no reason not to fight in HERO’S. All organizations are fine with me. In the end, I want MMA to be as big as baseball.” Gomi did state that he feels very much a part of the Japanese people and admitted it would be difficult for him to go elsewhere.
According to the Daily Sports, Gomi announced Wednesday that he was hoping to fight within the year and had received offers from a number of MMA organizations. Gomi will attend the All-Japan Beach Wrestling Athlete Competition Sunday, where some of his Rascal Gym students will be facing off against other competitors, including wrestlers who train under Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.