Takanori Gomi feels the heat rising for MMA in Japan
UFC Fight Night Japan Weigh Ins
According to UFC lightweight Takanori Gomi, MMA is definitely back on the rise in Japan. "Of course," he recently told Tom Gerbasi in an interview.
“The UFC coming back to Japan for the third time this year and I am feeling the heat from the fans.”
Gomi fights Myles Jury in Tokyo Saturday on the UFC Fight Night main card. When he was a Shooto and Pride champion, Gomi got used to fighting at or near home in Japan.
Since coming to the UFC, "The Fireball Kid" has had to adjust to fighting away. As such, he appreciates that his opponent, the American Jury, was willing to take him on in Tokyo.
“I had a lot of fights there at Saitama Super Arena. It’s a shame that I only get a chance to fight there once a year these days, but that’s why I feel so many expectations from Japanese fans. As for me, it is easy to fight there because I don’t have to fly and adjust to a different time zone," Gomi said.
"I really appreciate the fact that Myles accepted to fight me in Japan."
Even after over forty pro MMA fights, the Japanese legend still has hopes of accomplishing a lot more. If he has his wish, Gomi will be back in Japan fighting again soon, this time for a UFC title.
“If I continue to win, a title shot comes eventually,” he said.
“It would be super cool if I get a title shot here in Japan in the near future.”
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