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26/01/10 - Gomi: "I will beat Florian by first round KO"
Takanori Gomi says he will beat Kenny Florian “by first round knockout” when they meet in the UFC Octagon in the near future. As first reported by Fighters Only and subsequently confirmed by Florian on MMA Live, the fight is being lined up to headline UFC Fight Night 21 on March 31st.
In an interview with Japanese MMA news portal Kampiro, Gomi gave his thoughts on the fight, the move to the UFC and the nature of MMA in the US:
On the fight with Florian:
Not much to say. This was already planned. I'm preparing well and I will not have problems adapting to the octagon. Mr. Florian is a fighter with good skills, one of the best of its kind in the UFC. It is a good opponent for a good start. I make a good fight for the public and start a successful outcome.
On studying tape of Florian:
This honestly does not bother me. Today, all MMA practitioners know how to fight a little of everything. I know he is a dangerous fighter with a good game on the floor.
On how he intends beat Florian:
By knockout in the 1st round!
On the prospect of getting a title shot if he beats Florian:
I always think about that possibility. Since I entered the UFC, always made clear that the belt is my goal. I will get this title for the Japanese, its what we all want.
On fighting UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn for a second time (first was at a Hawaiian show several years ago)
He is a tremendous fighter. But I know my ability and I know I'm the right person to cause problems him in the UFC. I am patient and will wait for my chance. But Mr. Dana White is one who knows the importance of this struggle.
On the loss to Nate Diaz:
I lost to Mr. Diaz because I did not fight well because I did not have adequate physical preparation, because I thought it would win the fight soon. I'm not afraid of bigger fighters and higher.
Mr. Lesnar, the heavyweight champion, is one example. He has great technique and a good boxing footwork, but their strength is immense and requires a great technique to balance that force opponents. However, I do not have this kind of problem in my category.
On training at Xtreme Couture a while ago:
When you train with great fighters, you always learn something. I intend to carry out my training continuously in the United States, but I have not decided anything about it. I received some calls, but I have not thought enough on the subject.
This interview was originally published in Japanese. If you enjoyed it, click here to give Kampiro a hit so they get the benefit of this translation (site opens in a new window, you can close it straight away)
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