'King of Japan', Kleber Koike plans to shock the world against Patrício Pitbull at New Year's event

King of Japan, Kleber Koike is ready to shock the world. RIZIN featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg.), the Brazilian has the biggest challenge of his career and faces Patrick Pitbull in the main fight of the 'co-promotion' with Bellator at the New Year's event, on December 31st.

In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS no 'YouTube', Koike paid respect to Pitbull and recognized his skills, but is confident in his jiu-jitsu to leave the confrontation against the biggest name in Bellator history with his arms raised.

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“It's no secret. The strongest thing I have is my jiu-jitsu. He is a complete guy, who I have always admired and followed. But what he is very good at is striking. His jiu-jitsu is good, but it's more for MMA. Mine is more aggressive. I believe in this a lot and I don't hide it from anyone. I have to be careful, I know it's dangerous and has a balanced style. But I believe in my game and, if I can impose my rhythm, I will come out with the victory”, analyzed Koike.

Although he is excited about the opportunity, Kaike also makes a point of putting the 'trash talk' aside for the sake of a good relationship with Patrício. He also emphasizes that he has nothing against his compatriot and places him as the 'biggest pound for pound in the world' outside the UFC.

“People say: 'Hey, Pitbull is a bit lazy', but I have nothing to say about him. He is respectful, he treated me very well. He is disrespectful to anyone who is disrespectful to him. I have nothing against it. Respect is reciprocal. I'm very happy to be part of this and challenge organizations. I hope it is routine and happens other times with other organizations. Let it be a mega event, frequently. Even with other organizations. I am happy. Even happier to know that I will have the opportunity to fight a guy like Pitbull, who for me is the best pound-for-pound in the world outside of the UFC”, added the fighter.

Recognition in Asia

Kleber Koike may not be known by the Brazilian community, but he has already achieved great things in Europe and Asia. Former champion of the Polish event 'KSW' and highlighted in RIZIN, the Brazilian reveals that he does not have much access to the public in his country.

“I don’t have much access (to the Brazilian public). People don't follow me much. I was already champion at KSW, in Europe and a lot of people don't know me. It's difficult, because we're not in the UFC or in an organization that's on TV every day, people don't know me that much. But in Europe and Asia I already have a greater prominence”, observed Kleber.

Refusal to UFC

Still on the current moment, Kleber has seven consecutive victories and has not yet lost at RIZIN. He has been the subject of speculation in other organizations – including the UFC –, but claims to have refused to sign with Dana White's company.

“In the past, I really wanted to go to the UFC. I spent a lot of my life focusing on this and it didn't end up happening. When I left KSW, I tried to negotiate and they didn't want it. And I ended up frustrated. Then, over time, after I joined RIZIN, the UFC came and got in touch asking me to go there, but I also said that I didn't want to do it anymore and had already given up on it”, he concluded.

At 33 years old, Kleber Koike has a great record and currently has a record of 31 positive results, five negative results and one draw in his career. The fighter has a good base in jiu-jitsu, where he won 27 of his 31 victories in his recent career.