Diretamente do Japão, mas autodeclarado brasileiro, Goiti Yamauchi foi escalado para enfrentar Michael ‘Venom’ Page nesta sexta-feira (10), no Bellator 292. Veterano no esporte, o atleta é conhecido pelo alto nível no jogo de solo e vai em busca da 22 finalização na carreira. Embalado por três vitórias seguidas, a promessa dos meio-médios (até 77,1kg.) está cada vez mais próxima do cinturão.
In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Goiti spoke about recognition; gratitude to Bellator; career; revealed what he thinks about Michael Page; analyzed the confrontation and chose the round that he hopes will end the fight.
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“I don’t think I have that recognition yet, but I’m getting closer. What I always wanted is recognition from the greats and with that I think I did a good job. I'm not satisfied, but I think I did a good job. Now I need to expand this to professionals and the public who watch it occasionally or almost never. I want to reach these people.”
G.Yamauchi is ranked fifth in the Bellator welterweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @goitiyamauchi
Bellator broadcast by Combate
“Here in Brazil, Combat is very popular, it will be good for everyone. not just for me, but for every Bellator fighter. Even for those who watch it to realize that there is not just the UFC and get to know other talents. The other organizations also have very high quality.”
Relationship with Bellator
“I had an opportunity facing Neiman Gracie In the last fight, I wasn't qualified to face him and I thank him to this day for the opportunity. Now once again, I'm number five and Page is number one. I feel very grateful for the opportunity. Because he accepted and the organization made it happen. This all indicates that they want to project me into something big and I’m ready for it.”
Most important fight of your career?
“Without a doubt, it’s the biggest fight. She will go from fighting Michael chandler. Not only because of the athlete, but because of the phase I'm going through. At the time I fought Chandler it was another phase. Today I'm a more mature, experienced guy, I have more malice. The conversation is different and the story will be different.”
G.Yamauchi after knockout Neiman Gracie. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @goitiyamauchi
Michael Page
“I've already met him personally, I've fought in some events where he was present. He was always a respectful and nice guy. I only have respect and gratitude for him accepting the fight. As a fighter, that's what everyone sees. There are people who judge his style, but he is very skilled. He’s a showman, he puts on beautiful fights and he has that quality.”
Duel of styles
“He is one of the biggest knockouts in the organization, I am the biggest finisher. However, it is MMA. You can't be too predictable and logical. We need to surprise each other to come away with victory. This is the battle of styles, for sure. If I want to finish him, I'll have to change things up a bit and if I go for the knockout, I'll wear him out in the grappling fight.”
Dream ending
“In my mind there’s a second-round submission.”
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