Away from the UFC since the fateful fight between Valentina Shevchenko e Priscila Pedrita, the company's former referee, Mario Yamasaki opened up about his troubled departure from the organization. The separation occurred after the driver, in February 2018, took too long to interrupt the duel that was marked by the technical disparity between the Kyrgyzstani and the Rio de Janeiro woman, leading to a true massacre over the Brazilian.
See too
Almost three years after the episode, Yamasaki opened up about his departure from Ultimate. In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, Mario gave his version of the scene and also spoke about the most memorable moment within the company.
February 3rd, 2018
The show was held in Belém (PA) and the event was headlined by Lyoto Machida. The main role on the card, however, ended up going to the co-main fight, between Valentina Shevchenko and Priscila Cacoheira, Pedrita. In the clash, the duel went unevenly from the beginning. More experienced, the Kyrgyzstani gave the Brazilian no chance and, after a massacre of almost 10 minutes, the confrontation ended with a submission. The criticism about Mario came soon after, when the referee was harshly criticized by members of the press, fans and the then boss, Dana White. Now, Mario gives his version of what happened in the episode.
“My refereeing is always the same. I spoke to them in the locker room: 'as long as you are defending yourselves intelligently, I talk to you and you respond, I will not stop the fight'. I had a lot of media, a lot of interviews, I didn't concentrate for the fight. Every time I told her (Pedrita) to defend herself, she defended herself. She says that to this day. She is a great warrior. (…) My head was so focused on doing what I promised her – because I'm a fighter too – but, as a referee, I should have protected her. (…) The difference was very big. It was a mistake. I learned from that”, said the Brazilian.
'Canceled' by Dana White
In interviews after the event, Dana White, president of Ultimate, was one of the biggest critics of Yamasaki's stance. At the time, the 'boss' even stated that the referee would no longer be seen working in the octagon. Despite not agreeing with the decision, Mario said he was grateful to the UFC for the opportunity and spoke about the relationship he had with the president.
“The UFC has an owner, and the owner is Dana White. He said I would never step into the Octagon again and, as he is still the owner, he wants to keep his word. We had a relationship, because I was in the UFC before Dana White. We always treated each other well. When he came in, I helped him hunt, with several things. He always gave me gifts. (…) When he separated the Athletic Commission, he had to distance himself from the referees, because he could no longer be friends with the referees. (…) I've been there for 20-odd years, for him to take me away… through the UFC I got to know countries, did everything I wanted. I just have to thank you. It was 20 years of joy and glory. If you don't want it anymore, I'm already doing several other things. I never depended on UFC and MMA for a living. It’s just joy, but I didn’t think it was fair (laughs)”, said Mario, who revealed that he never spoke to White again.
Most memorable moment in the UFC
A professional in the sport for over 20 years, Yamasaki fondly remembers great fights within the company. One, however, Mario keeps most fondly in his memory, as it was his first title fight as a driver.
“It was the first title fight, because, in the past, it was only John McCarthy who did it. It was in (Las) Vegas, Tito Ortiz against Chuck Liddell (UFC 66), their second fight. There was that feud, that whole thing surrounding the fight, a lot of pressure. There, I will never forget. Record forever”, he concluded.
Comments