Takanori Gomi Signs With UFC
by Nick Thomas on Jan 1, 2010 10:06 PM EST
in MMA News
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Takanori Gomi, once considered to be one of the best lightweight fighters in the world, has signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC. MMAFighting.com learned of the acquisition from sources on Friday.Happy New Year indeed.
No word on when and where Gomi will make his debut for the UFC. The organization has yet to officially announce the signing.
HT: mmafighting.com
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cool signing.
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
Does the deal require him to starting training with an American fight camp?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
well he did train with AKA for a few sessions, maybe he's making the move full time now?
hopefully he does.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
Can a promoter really dictate where a fighter trains?? Is this the type of thing that can be written into a contract?
I hope so
I hear that Gomi has his own gym and just trains with his students with him being the best fighter there. If he wants a good run in the UFC, he should follow his fellow countryman Yushin Okami and train in the U.S.
I think Sexyama should open a US leg of his Cloud gym for him and his Japanese peers in addition to anyone else that would want to train with them.. Maybe become a circuit fixture with Team Quest or Couture? Sexyama, Gomi, Okami, Mizugaki, Uno, etc..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Gomi vs Frankie! Make it happen. Winner gets penn
"I’m not going to stop yelling because that would mean, I lost the fight!"-Kenny Powers
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by ekc on Jan 1, 2010 9:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
dominate champions
this is why having dominate champions is such a good thing for the sport. It forces organizations like the UFC to go out and find the top talent to challenge theirs. It also makes the contenders train harder and work harder at their skills because they know how good the top man is.
Lets hope Gomi works out better than some of the other international signings like Cro Cop
The word you’re looking for is dominant. I’m sure it sounds "douchey’ but just trying to help.
by CSKit on Jan 1, 2010 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I’m always extremely cynical when I hear about a Japanese fighter making there way over to America, so I’m shocked. I hope Gomi sticks with AKA or another top camp, if he does he could definitely make an impact on the division. Great news.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
I hope Gomi sticks with AKA or another top camp
I couldn’t agree more.
The more time Gomi spends away from home, the better I will feel about his chances. He has always had a problem with getting complacent and not training hard. It’s easy to slack off when you are the better than everyone else in the gym, but when you are just one of many, you have to bring your A game to the gym or someone is going to take your head off.
Its an interesting signing, and I’ll look forward to seeing his fights but I don’t think he is the fighter he once was. He lost to Penn at a time where he was closer to his peak, and with Penn seemingly fighting at higher level than he ever has I doubt the outcome would be different and it might be an even less competitive match.
I don’t think he is the fighter he once was
I agree, but I don’t think any of his problems are physical. They are all mental. The guy hasn’t been motivated for years and slacks off in the gym. That’s easy to do when no one you train with can make you pay for not bringing your A game to the gym.
Hopefully, the AKA guys are kicking the crap out of him and letting him know that he had better show up to train with his A game.
A few years too late, no?
The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run. Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering BROCKLESNAR; to the last I grapple with thee.
by judonerd on Jan 1, 2010 9:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Group hug!
Although this is going to be CroCop all over again.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Maybe.
A lot of people have this perception that Gomi is done. With the right training, he’ll do well. His hands can do a lot of talking already. He has the wrestling ability to give top 5 lightweights problems in getting him down. It’s motivation really.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
exactly right when Gomi comes to fight and in shape his biggest enemy he is a hand full for any top LW in the world and can win against any top LW on any given day. His skill set if you ask me is perfect for the UFC/cage great def wrestling, above average boxing and power in his hands. I think with the right motivation and training Gomi has a solid run and over all success in the UFC. Its really all up to him and how much he is still into fighting.Thats a Real BIG if now ?
Could be, but a major part of CC’s problem is that he’s a headcase. I don’t really see Gomi that way.
I love me some Sexyama!
Was CroCop a headcase before he got Gonzagaed or was he a headcase because he got Gonzagaed?
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Well, consider how tentative he got once he realized he couldn’t KO Fedor or Hunt. He gets spooked easily.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Jan 2, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
lol… i think you got it with the crocop except crocop was actually coming at the height of his career.
But like crocop Gomi doesnt have the mental tools to make it.
you know this how ? Gomi has always had the mental tools to make it. its all about him being lazy bottom line and not putting the training time in. I never have ounce in my opinion seen a problem with his mental make up or tools when it comes to fighting.
really excited to see who his first opponent is, gonna be interesting to see how he does in the octagon
"The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." - Revolver
by flyingkneetoface on Jan 1, 2010 9:59 PM EST reply actions
So if they ever do Penn-Gomi 2 will it be for the unified title
or are we past that now? Or am I jumping way to ahead of things?
I think Gomi stands no chance with Penn and I even question how he will do if they throw him a top contender like Florian, Edgar, Maynard.
I still think he either beats a few top guys in which the UFC haters will be out saying how bad the UFC LW’s suck or he loses to the top guys in which point the whole he is past his prime starts.
He won’t beat Penn, but people are being ignorant if they think Gomi won’t motivate himself with this signing. He was motivated simply from attending a UFC event, so I think he may really get himself up for this. His punching and wrestling ability to stuff takedowns could put the hurt on guys like Edgar and Maynard. I’d actually love to see him take on Maynard.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
and I hope your right Leland
I dont want to see another Cro Cop situation. It would be cool if he is able to come in and string together a few wins and set up Penn-Gomi 2.
on a business standpoint, I think it is best to give him an immediate title shot first… He probably costs a lotttt, and that would lessen his value if he lost on his Debut fight… They can heavily market him as the last PRIDE LW champ, and number 1 for several years, and a guy who took BJ lightly and paid for it… casuals will surely tune in.. (the hardcores will obviously still tune in, cause damn, it’s Gomi!)
I think if they put him up against Maynard, he loses a decision where he looks bad, and then also ruins a high profile rematch against BJ… If he loses to BJ, he doesn’t lose that much luster, then he could fight the other guys like Sherk or Edgar.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s probably the thinking. He’s a tailor-made contender they can promote just based on his past history. Sure, hardcores know he’s probably not going to contend with Penn in a fight, but they can give the perception that Gomi can win.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think they can put him in with BJ immediately. Not with how he has looked recently. He is going to need a couple of fights to acclimate him to the cage and prove that he is back to his dominant form.
why can't they?
It’s not like there’s a rule against immediate title shots… They wanted to “showcase” Crocop before a mega fight against Randy, look what happened.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
They should though from a business standpoint, or at least give him a feeder fight and throw him in there.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Too many risks I think..
Unify the Pride and LW titles, then if he loses, make him fight Guida/sherk or someone he can rebuild himself against.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
Gomi/Sherk was one of the first things I thought. I would love to see that fight..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I'd like to see that too..
After he gets BJ though.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
Read below.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Personally, I think Maynard vs. Gomi is stylistically a great fight for a motivated Gomi. Maynard is suddenly wanted to be a striker with a solid wrestling base, but Gomi could bomb him. If he can get in shape, his wrestling is solid enough to stuff Maynard, and that will surprise people.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
Gomi has always had good wrestling. Maynard is big and strong, and can bully fighters, but I never really thought his takedowns were all that great. Huerta stuffed him well.
Really?
I guess you didn’t see the Edgar fight..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Maynard’s striking is methodical. Gomi is much more dynamic, and he’d stick it to Maynard in that regard. Wrestling would be interesting to see.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Sergey Golyaev
Took it from him, then gave it to Eiji Mitsuoka, who gave it to Kazunori Yokota, who just gave it to the NEW PRIDE LW Champ Tatsuya Kawajiri! :)
Hendo got his immediate title shot.. TWICE.
they can market it as another pride/ufc unification title, and everyone will tune in again… More people will watch this than BJ Penn vs Maynard, especially if they market it like they did Rampage vs Hendo.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
This is too far removed I think.
I’m guessing he’ll get more of a Vitor treatment. He’ll fight a good name that is dangerous but not too dangerous. Maybe Gray Maynard or Frankie Edgar, but I think they’d sooner have him fight a Joe Stevenson or Tyson Griffin.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Actually, Stevenson would be a safe bet for Gomi.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Right.
He seems to be the absolute gatekeeper to the LW title. BJ, Kenny, and Diego all had to pass through him to get to the belt. No reason to end that now, other than fearing Greg Jackson. At which point, I think Tyson Griffin is still a great option. I’d be nervous forcing Gomi to go though Sherk first, just in case he remembered he’s a wrestler.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
I have a funny feeling that “new” Joe Daddy would beat Gomi.
Unless he loses to Sotiropolouopoloplo-plopolpous, is which case Sotiropolouopoloplo-plopolpous would be a great match for Gomi.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Sotiropolous might beat Stevenson pretty badly in a ground war.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 1, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Sotiropolousmightwill beat Stevenson pretty badly in a ground war.
fxd
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I think Joe Daddy would overpower him. Joe Daddy is head and shoulders above anyone Sotiropolois has taken on so far.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Just because he is doesn’t mean he can’t handle it. And I think you’re giving Joe Daddy a shit ton more credit than he deserves— he’s no world beater, but he’s a major test. I think Sotiropoulos is a star in the making, personally.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Only one way to settle this:
SIG BET!!!!!!!
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
and were still going to bet on Vera Bones.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Flag bet
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
sure thing..
(im scared for Vera’s chances there though… im just banking on Bones’ inexperience to make him lose this one)
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
LET'S DO THIS
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Aight
Joe Daddy victory, you go =
My head looks like a penis
Pick your George victory line to match.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Are you trying to say my head looks like a penis?
I’ll have to think about it, but if you’re giving me odds, you’re doing a pretty shitty job!
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Those are my terms, take em or leave em. To finalize the bet I need the phraise that I would need in the unlikely event Joe Daddy loses.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
I'm all over it
Blackout612 is always right.
It’s true, but it’s humiliating. Seems fair..
Duration?
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Tony Hervey was a safe bet...
I really don’t think they should risk anything here.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar
reppin va?
two up, two down!
haha
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
by Loot on Jan 1, 2010 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
God. Dude’s ladyfriend is absolutely smoking.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Jan 1, 2010 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah, that's the only thing i got from the video also. haha.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
and I wouldve flinched when he threw a punch
by cagefightonacid on Jan 1, 2010 10:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i like how at first he just gives the thumbs up, then realizes “oh shi- im on camera!” and proceeds to punch. oh bj, you so crazy
"The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." - Revolver
by flyingkneetoface on Jan 1, 2010 10:12 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know
I don’t think Gomi is necessarily “done” per se, but if they don’t throw him in against Bj right away, I don’t really see him stringing enough wins in a row to earn one. I really don’t think he matches up well against Kenny, Edgar, Maynard.
Here comes another japanese fighter who will realize he cant wait cut like the americans and have to move down in weight to have a chance
He’ll have better chances that Ishida that’s for sure. That guy is tiny! He needs to go to bantamweight.
by majesticlamb on Jan 1, 2010 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
I still don’t understand this argument— Belcher is one of the biggest 185er’s out there.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
He's huge
but doesn’t use his size well. And I still scored that fight for Belcher. Not outraged by the decision, but that fight is not a compelling argument for Akiyama’s competitiveness. Imagine Akiyama vs. Sonnen or Marquardt or Okami. Less fun, right?
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
That's horse shit, my friend
Akiyama clearly won that fight. Watch it on mute next time..
Also, Belcher is a much better fighter than you give him credit for. He dominated Gouveia.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Yeah Akiyama, won that fight, but it was far from convincing. It was very very close. And Belcher is just under the top of that division. He’s not quite in the same league as Nate or Vitor, but I think on a good day he could beat anybody else. If that fight was any indicator Akiyama is sitting ok at 185.
I like Belcher more and more everytime I watch him fight, even though he’s the type of fighter I normally don’t like. He’s got what it takes to be a top fighter at 185 (like everyone thought before he made it to the UFC). It’s still possible he could fulfill his potential.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Haven't watched the broadcast.
Had floor seats to the event, so don’t pull the commentary excuse. I’m going based on that one viewing of the fight, you may be right. Like I said, I’m not outraged or anything, but it didn’t seem to be a great win from my vantage point.
As for Belcher… I’m a huge fan. Possibly my favorite MW behind Demian and Vitor. He’s a great fighter, but really doesn’t use his size advantage that well. He gets into firefights without working his reach effectively, and doesn’t have the ground game to wear any top 20 MWs out with his strength/weight. I’m still hesitant to think of Akiyama being a force against anyone who can use their size well like Anderson, Nate, Sonnen, or Okami.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Fair enough
But my point still stands— watch the fight again, but on the broadcast (and on mute). I’ve watched it four or five times and I just can’t see any avenue to victory for Belcher. Though, that fight got me to like him just a little bit, and since then I’m becoming more and more of a fan.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Just watched
but not on mute. I focus better when I hear the fight and with background noise, and don’t hear the actual commentary. My abridged thoughts as follows:
R1: Belcher has a t-shirt tan. Wow. That groin shot was nut-liquifying. Akiyama failed a throw, not even close, seems to be the size problem and he bailed on it quick. Exchanges are pretty back and forth. Belcher is not controlling range… and did he try to gogoplata him at the end? Draw maybe? I’m leaning Belcher.
R2: Nice trip, Belcher totally muscled out of the position though. Bad strategy puts him back, good technique holds him there. Not great GNP, Belcher looks outclassed on the ground though. Akiyama seems to have let him up just to save energy. He’s swinging wide, kinda gross, Belcher’s not much better right now. Heavy leg kicks at least. Akiyama takes it for the first half of the round.
R3: Both are kindca gassed. Akiyama lands, Belcher is more aggressive, landing more single shots than combos. Belcher looks great in the scrambles, Akiyama unable to capitalize when the fight hits the ground.
That was competitive, I’m inclined to say Akiyama won it 29-28, but he took a lot of damage and didn’t really impose his game on Belcher other than the first half of the second round. I’d give him decent odds against guys like Bisping or Cote, but it still comes back to the other names in the division. Sonnen, Okami, Nate, Anderson, or Hendo (not happening, but imagine the horror) would put a hurting on him. Anderson with his reach is terrifying, but imagine how Akiyama will react if Nate makes him work on the ground and throws some GNP, then unleashes another Tekken combo. Or getting worn on by Okami or Sonnen’s wrestling with their size. Doesn’t bode well, and I don’t think the Belcher fight shows he can necessarily hang with bigger fighters. Although I have come around, I do believe that decision was correct now.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
The original point is that he won a legit fight against a very large 185er. I think that despite his size, he’s struggle with some of the top of the division (as would most anyone). I’m a big believer in Sexyama and don’t feel that he’s regressed in the manner that is popularly suggested. It’s very possible that he and Belcher will fight again some day. Could be a great fight, and I think the UFC would do well to set up two or three fight series’ with fighters that aren’t champs or top contenders.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Right, but I still maintain that the fight wasn't indicative of his ability to survive against larger fighters.
Belcher traded with him a lot, didn’t use his jab much, was very willing to trade, and has no top control game to speak of. I think almost any wrestler in the division will handle him quite easily. Also, I know I said he’s do well against Bisping before, but I need to revise that now that I think of the GNP on Kang. I don’t see Akiyama handling large middleweights at all.
I’m also wondering why he hasn’t gotten another fight yet. I know there was the Wanderlei rumor before Bisping got that fight, but damn… he’s been inactive for awhile already. He needs a fight. Kendall Grove maybe?
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on Jan 2, 2010 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
Wow, awful writing here.
Ignore my stupidity, focus on the points I was trying to make please? Have mercy, I don’t have a g-g-g-good brain….
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on Jan 2, 2010 1:36 AM EST up reply actions
Ha
I don’t know why he hasn’t been signed for another fight yet, but I’m anxious for it. He’s getting paid handsomely, so they must be interested in him fighting someone that would lend him credibility in victory. I hope he fights soon, though..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Me too.
I have a feeling that he’s going to get matched up with Demian, Nate Quarry, or be Cote’s return fight. You got anything else that makes sense?
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on Jan 2, 2010 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
I guess I haven't thought about it..
He would murder Cote— quote me on that if it happens. I think that he would have a great fight with Quarry, though I think he would win that, too. Could be valuable, being that Quarry has the name to drive Belcher’s value up much higher.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
WHAT – Gomi has always been a heavy LW what are you talking about prides LW devision was adjusted to 160 just for him.
He’s definitely going to fight BJ first. After the Diego fight, BJ seemed interested in fighting again soon. Don’t see the point in wasting the opportunity to see Gomi possibly lose to someone else. I think he’s going to be highly motivated and he hasn’t regressed physically, despite claims to the contrary. How amazing would it be if he actually won? I can think of at least five fights I want to see him in at 155 in the UFC. Can’t wait..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
For sure. There is no way the UFC is going to let him get Maynard or someone else that could beat him and make him look bad. I’m gonna give Gomi the benefit of the doubt and believe that he is definitely looking for motivation. Looks like he was serious about fighting in the States.
I love me some Sexyama!
A part of me thought he was leveraging like Japanese fighters often do, so I’m super excited for this. If he stays at AKA I think he’s going to be better than he ever was. And yeah, it doesn’t make sense to put him in a #1 contender’s fight with someone that could sink him, considering he’s probably got a pretty high salary figure and he’s not worth mortgaging away on someone elses future. I mean, seriously, how amazing would it be if somehow he beat Penn? I would lose my fucking mind.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
It’s terrible, but my immediate thoughts of a Gomi rematch would be Penn would destroy him. But you’re right, if he stays with AKA, he could surprise people.
I love me some Sexyama!
If anything, I just hope it’s a great fight and that he can gain some equity in failure (which is what I expect). The PRIDE series on Spike and some good marketing could make Gomi legit in the states. I always worry about Japanese fighters and how they’re marketed, because a lot of my favorite fighters are Japanese and they aren’t marketed properly. It’s always “this guy beat some people in Japan” instead of the personability that is lended to the Brazilian fighters. Japanese guys have families and lives outside of MMA, too!
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Blackout612 on Jan 1, 2010 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Agreed on all accounts. Japanese fighters tend to get the short end of the stick. I’m hoping the UFC will start changing some of that starting with Gomi. I think if the UFC can really start to make guys like Gomi seem like megastars, then there might be more top Japanese fighters wanting to come fight in the States, even if it is on an exclusive contract.
I love me some Sexyama!
Absolutely
I think that if the UFC wants to be as international as they’re suggesting, they need to start behaving as though fighters of all nations are as valuable as one another. I get it that most of the cards will still take place domestically, and that people will root for the americun by default… but I think one of the keys to the long-term growth of the sport is making it accessible to as many people as possible… The first direction to go with that mindset is to obtain whatever males 18-34 you can attract. Then you can try to go for women and the old (which will certainly have limited effect). In order to be international, you need to appeal to more than the Arum Demo. And it will do wonders for the sport to negate that particular theory.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
You might very well be right that they’d go with BJ first, and they certainly have the footage to hype him up very well.
But I’d be against it. Gomi is 3-2 in his last 5, with mediocre wins and bad losses. I don’t think he deserves to leapfrog Gray Maynard or Frank Edgar.
But if it’s essentially a buffer fight (with BJ being ready to fight very soon instead of laying off for 6 months), I don’t think anyone would be too hurt over it. What would you suggest— that he fights one of those two? I don’t know that that’s any better, is it?
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
It’s definitely better. Both of those guys (especially Gray, for obvious reasons) have done more to earn a title shot.
by JRN on Jan 2, 2010 1:28 AM EST up reply actions
This is great news. Hopefully, he won’t get Gono’d.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
Sad face..
God damn it I love Gono. I almost cried when he beat Mach. Can’t wait until he gets to fight Hornbuckle again. In fact, I think it’s possible that that fight could happen in the UFC (since Hornbuckle has said he’d like to get there after some seasoning and Gomi has intimated that he’d love to come back to the states).
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I’ve been waiting for the all-purpose Dynamite discussion post so I can talk about how awesome Gono’s armbar was. I hope there will be a Judo Chop about it.
by JRN on Jan 2, 2010 1:29 AM EST up reply actions
An all-purpose Dynamite thread would be awesome.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I honestly marked out big time when this happened. I love(ed) Mach, but Gono is such a sentimental favorite of mine..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Actually
ufc4 beat you to it in fanshots.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
This goes along nicely with the new Best of PRIDE series on Spike, one would think they’ll air a ton of his fights to get people excited about seeing him.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Jan 1, 2010 10:30 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
gomi has to fight bj first… because I don’t think he can make it through Edgar and/or Maynard, sorry I somebody already mentioned that. also bj’s striking has improved since their first fight, should he stand with gomi?
by cagefightonacid on Jan 1, 2010 10:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Make no mistake this signing was for the video game. If Aoki didnt sign with EA he would be bid on aggressively as well.
Whose up for a possible BJ vs Gomi in Abu Dhabi this spring?
Aren't they proposing a Hawaii card?
That’s where my head jumped to. Any word on that?
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Hawaii is supposed to be this year… but BJ wants to get a fight in instead of waiting more than 6 months.
I am.
the location doesn’t matter to me, i’ll still watch it for free at home. (unless by some chance they go here, or maybe go to Strikeforce headquarters when I’m there. haha.)
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 1, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Would like to see Gomi beat a Edgar/Griffin/Maynard level guy first.
Keep firing Assholes!
It’s as if you fell down a flight of stairs, then logged onto the internet.
Shinya Aoki signing with EA shouldn’t affect anything, Vladimir Matyushenko signed with EA prior to going to the UFC.
It effects everything. I didnt say Zuffa wouldnt bid, I said Zuffa would be bidding more aggressively for him.
Main reason because Zuffa needs cover shots for the video game in Japan. he’s not worth as much because he signed away his rights.
With Gomi you have a cover shot. Uno in the background, etc…
Game isnt the only reason but a major one.
And Akiyama w/ devil horns. I bet he’s the final boss.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito Ortiz on Vitor Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Jan 2, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously?
You’re aware that the last time sold a meager 10k-ish, right? Signing Japanese fighters has nil to do with video game sales in Japan— the Japanese have near zero taste for US developed productions.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
???
What difference would it make if Gomi, who’s at the low point of his career right now, was in a competing video game?
The difference is Zuffa now has a better Japanese cover shot for the game. It wasnt to take away gomi from EA but to get a cover shot for the japanese inventory.
I kinda doubt Gomi would be a better cover shot than Akiyama.
by JRN on Jan 2, 2010 1:30 AM EST up reply actions
They wouldnt buy a poster of Akiyama let alone a game… they hate him over there.
Gomi was the star when MMA was at its height in Japan… Akiyama will be on the cover but Gomi will be prominent. Akiyama will be like how the “bad – evil guys” are usually positioned within the graphics.
Gomi, Crocop, Uno, Akiyama are the main characters for that demo.
Dollar dollar bills
Just yesterday I was talking about the relatively embarrassing US attendance record and how the UFC should try to best it (by a mile). Cheaper seats, large venue, BJ at home? Bingo.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I know Hawaii has an mma scene but is it sanctioned?
by cagefightonacid on Jan 2, 2010 12:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yep
June.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
thanks man… gets confusing.
by cagefightonacid on Jan 2, 2010 1:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They should give him an exciting fight in which he should win impressively.
Melvin Guillard comes to mind.
They can rush Gomi into a title fight after that since Gomi probably isn’t cheap.
That would be the Rampage/Vitor treatment.
I’m not opposed to Gomi fighting someone like Tyson Griffin either. That would be an exciting fight in which Gomi should prevail.
by MickDawg on Jan 1, 2010 11:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I don't know
There aren’t really any gimmes, unless he maybe fights the winner of Gunderson/Oliviera (but having zero name value won’t help him any). Seems like the risk is far greater than the reward. Have him fight BJ while BJ is ready to take an uncharacteristically quick back-to-back… That way there is nothing lost in gambling. And, trust me, the UFC isn’t going to be as desperate for super-marketable mains as they have been with this recent rash of injuries/movies/illnesses.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I think this fight only appeals to the hardcore fan at the moment.
To get casuals to care, Gomi would need to win an exciting fight or have highlight reel KO which he is capable of.
Aside from Dan Henderson, I don’t recall in recent memory, any fighter getting an immediate title shot.
It’s been a few years. The Pride LW title has lost it’s luster.
And sure there aren’t any gimmes, but Guillard is the type of guy who poses no submission threat. An in-shape, motivated Gomi should take this one rather easily.
Same with Tyson. Tyson is a solid grappler, but he’s perfectly content with striking the whole fight. Gomi should take this one rather easily also. At the very least, this should be an exciting fight with Gomi taking the decision.
They can just market him as the Last PRIDE LW champ, and make it a unification bout...
hendo wasn’t a draw, but the fight was one of the most watched in UFC history.. I don’t see why that would be a problem for gomi..
Plus they can market him better with the best of PRIDE show.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 2, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Pride was still relatively fresh on everyone’s mind.
And Rampage being on free TV would certainly make the show very popular.
What makes you think any of these “Best of” shows are going to do anything more than what Spike pulls in normally anyways for UFC Knockouts or any UFC replays.
Most of these have already been shown on FOX sports. The UFC can package it a different way and it’ll do better ratings, but you’re talking about old fights.
Gomi doesn’t even speak any English.
They can’t even sell Anderson Silva as the champ.
And any Pride champ talk is way overdue.
Penn could probably fight any other LW and pull in the same numbers he would with Gomi.
It’ll be a waste of a “Superfight” if Gomi isn’t hyped up properly.
it would be more of a waste of a superfight if he loses to florian...
cause that’s who they’re planning to put him against.
by Anton Tabuena on Jan 2, 2010 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
If BJ and Gomi win their next fights
I’m thinking BJ/Gomi 2 at aloha stadium
by IRodC on Jan 2, 2010 12:22 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Good news: maybe this will get BJ Penn’s mind off GSP.
Bad news: after Diaz, Golyaev and Kitaoka, I don’t think we’ll be seeing the Gomi that was PRIDE’s LW king.
by Monday Morning Martial Artist on Jan 2, 2010 2:35 AM EST reply actions
Not excited
It seems that the UFC is only signing japanese fighters who are past their primes.
Gomi is not at all at his best and is not top 20 anymore.
Why Are Some People Saying Unify PRIDE and UFC Titles?
Really? Even after Diaz, Golyaev, Hervey and this:
Isn’t Aoki or Diaz the real PRIDE champ at this point anyways?
Come on Sup, you know the Japanese scene better than that.
Lots of guys lose in non-title fights and keep their belts. Jorge Santiago is the most recent example. Gomi was the last guy win a Pride LW title fight, ergo he is still the champ.
It’s kind of like the SEG era UFC, where Pat Miletich was a dominant champion but got his his ass kicked every time he took a fight outside the organization.
by Steve4192 on Jan 2, 2010 8:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's Kawajiri now...
Takanori Gomi – Sergey Golyaev – Eiji Mitsuoka – Kazunori Yokota – Tatsuya Kawajiri
Dude, the Diaz fight didn’t end up counting..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Yeah
I’m not going to get into a pissing match to prove that Gomi is still a dangerous fighter and an excellent acquisition. Had Coker signed him, Sup would’ve done a four page fanpost about how the Fireball Kid is going to change the complexion of the US MMA landscape and that SF now has a better lightweight division with their DREAM partnership.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Blackout612 on Jan 2, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
YEEESSSS!!!
Iam really excited about this. Gomi could easily take out every LW in the UFC division except for BJ Penn.
for all intents and purposes, just consider all my posts as works of satire.
I wouldn’t go that far.
Whether this signing works out or not depends entirely upon how serious Gomi is about becoming an elite fighter again. If he shows up motivated and prepared, he can give anyone a hell of a fight. If he shows up fat and lazy (which has been the norm for him lately), he can get his ass kicked by just about anyone.
Only time will tell.
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