New Rizin lightweight champion, Roberto Satoshi is still unknown to a large part of the Brazilian public. However, after winning the belt, the Brazilian wants to change this scenario. In an exclusive chat with SUPER LUTAS, the Brazilian athlete spoke about recognition in his country, the difference in rules in Asian events and about fighters leaving Ultimate for other organizations. Check out this and other excerpts from the interview.
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More recognition from the Brazilian public?
“I think the belt changes everything. You can win 10 fights but from the moment you win the belt and become the champion of the event, people start to respect you more. They had the recognition, but as long as I couldn't say I was the champion, the crowd was still left behind. From now on I think it will change a lot.
What changed after winning the belt?
“My record is good but people doubted it and said I had never faced a 'top' guy. The fighter I submitted, before facing me, was ranked twelfth among the lightweights in a ranking that included fighters from the UFC, Bellator and other organizations. What stood out to me was that he was a huge favorite. Most polls gave him 90% favoritism. I went there and finished it in 1m12s, without taking a punch. That was what stood out to me the most.
Another organization? No thanks!
“I like Rizin, financially I feel very good here. But I don't have that desire to fight for the PFL or Bellator belt. Mainly because I have recognition for my work here at Rizin. I've already been a world jiu-jitsu champion, I've won a medal in many championships and I don't have the recognition I have here.
Difference in rules for Asian events
“In the first event I fought in, Real Fight, I just couldn't use my elbows, but 'goal shots', stomps on the head, were always there. After I went to Rizin, everything started to matter. I never took any of those blows in a way that would harm me in the fight and in the gym we always train for that. Since the first organization I fought for, these 'traumatic' blows have always been allowed.
Top-3 lightweights in the world?
“For me, the most dangerous guy who has been dominant for a long time is Patrick Pitbull. I think he is number one. Charles (From the Bronx) has also been dominant for a long time, however, he didn't have the belt. Number three for me would be Natan (Schulte) but he's not in a good phase, he hasn't done well this season. So the third position I will leave open.
Any opponent you would like to face?
“It would be Charles but he is a very good friend of mine. Jorge Patino Macaco, who is his trainer, helped me a lot in this last fight. Patrício and Patricky (Pitbull) already came to Japan and we stayed in the same dressing room. I think that with the UFC's top-3 athletes, I would fight to test myself. I haven't shown my striking game yet for people to see, but I would fight with a (Conor) McGregor or a (Dustin) Poirier.
Have you already planned a possible confrontation against someone in your top-3?
“So, Bellator and Rizin have a contract, right? We have already seen fighters from both organizations facing each other. I've been asked how I would react if Patrício or Patricky came to fight at Rizin and I replied that I'm an employee of the organization, I fight with whoever they told me to. But I confess that it would be a very difficult confrontation. The entry and striking time of the two (Pitbull brothers) would be something very complicated to face. It would be even more difficult than facing Charles (From the Bronx).
Athletes leaving the UFC for other organizations
“I think it’s super good. Before, the UFC had a monopoly so they paid whatever they wanted. Seeing other events growing and paying more, these people from youtube coming to box and making millions, that's perfect. Monopoly for us fighters is horrible, the more events there are out there, it’s good for us.”
Roberto Satoshi History
With a record of 12 wins and one loss, Satoshi became Rizin's lightweight champion by submitting Tofiq Musayev in the first round on June 13th. The Brazilian athlete has been riding a streak of three straight victories. His last defeat was in October 2019 when he was knocked out by Johnny Case.
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