Yushin Okami Trains With Akebono; Aoki Considering US Jump?

by Chris Nelson on Jun 29, 2008 12:11 PM EDT

Fronted by Kid Nate.

A new post on the personal blog of top-tier UFC middleweight Yushin "Thunder" Okami gives a brief account of how the Japanese fighter came to train and spar with 6'8", 500+ lb. former yokozuna Akebono Tarō.

I had an interview with Akebono, who used to be a sumo wrestler and had a title of Yokozuna, yesterday. This opportunity was arranged by a Japanese MMA magazine, Kamipro. I haven't seen him for a while; although, he was still big.
I wonder how I could have a sparring with such a big guy. Since I started training with him, I gained weight and had an effective weight training by sparring with him. I had a good experience. Thank you very much, Yokozuna and Kamipro!

The sumo (gov't name: Chad Rowan) hasn't found the same success in the ring that he did in the dohyō, sporting an 0-4 MMA record with his most recent losses coming at the hands of Giant Silva and Don Frye in 2006. But if the rumors are true regarding Okami's October rematch with middleweight champ Anderson Silva, it's only sensible that he'd put in some work trying to move an immovable object.

Thanks to the always excellent Suki MMA for the translation. She's also got Shinya Aoki's recent column for Kamipro, in which he praises the academies of BJJ masters Ralph and Cesar Gracie and intimates that he may look for competition outside Japan if all goes well in the remainder of the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix.

The top fighters I consider are all in the U.S. now. I want to defeat them and I believe I can do it. I have confidence becoming a No.1 fighter. I will be a top fighter with my techniques and in my way.

The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.

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Comments

Aoki’s been doing his best to try to sound uninterested in DREAM ever since the promotion was founded. I can’t tell if he just wants more money, or doesn’t like FEG, or if he’s genuinely bored.

by George Lucas on Jun 29, 2008 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

I can’t help but group Aoki together with JZ Calvan, obviously because of the mental year they spent fighting each other. I was only recently thinking that now would be the primo time for the UFC to try sign Gesias, because having lost to Aoki he’s not going to be moving from being the King of Hero*s to being the King of Dream any time soon and other than signing with WVR for a go at Gomi there’s nothing else in Japan for him. I have to say I’m surprised that its Aoki and not JZ that’s openly open to the idea of fighting in the US at this point…but I would LOVE to see it.

by goo on Jun 30, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

I’m surprised that its Aoki and not JZ that’s openly open to the idea of fighting in the US at this point

Seriously! It’s damn near disrespectful considering the way FEG have handled Aoki with kid gloves and the huge crowd responses he’s received at the DREAM shows. I’m a huge fan of the dude’s style but don’t really care for him outside of the ring; JZ meanwhile always comes across as extremely humble and likable (and speaks great English!).

by Chris Nelson on Jun 30, 2008 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

Aoki will not leave Japan. Not for a long while, at any rate.

In fact, I would think it more likely that if B.J. Penn really wanted to fight Aoki, then B.J. would leave the UFC and come to Japan. He’s bailed on the UFC for Japan previously.

First thing for Aoki…win the DREAM lwgp.

by AnonymousA on Jun 30, 2008 12:24 PM EDT reply actions