Olympic judo champion, Satoshi Ishii, negotiations began this Saturday (27) on a possible contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Ishii, who won the gold medal in the over 100kg category at the Beijing Olympics, arrived in the United States on Christmas Day and went to watch UFC-92 live in Las Vegas. During his stay in the city, he visited MMA training centers, including the UFC Training Center and Xtreme Couture, where he sparred with former Ultimate champion, Randy Couture.
In an interview given at the beginning of December, the Japanese stated that he would like to start his MMA career in the United States and that his dream is to fight in the UFC.
“I was impressed with the training centers here in Las Vegas and the UFC,” Ishii said. “I’m looking forward to working with the UFC and developing my techniques,” said the judoka.
"Satoshi Ishii has the potential to become a great MMA fighter.”, said UFC president, Dana White. “We can't wait to work with Mr. Ishii. We look forward to helping him with his training, his career, and his debut in MMA fights”, added the top hat.
Ishii will still decide whether he will fight in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg) or in the heavyweight division (up to 125kg)
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