TRAINING: Now I have been with Team Quest and training with Chael Sonnen and Matt Lindland. I know there are some people who say "Why does Yushin train with someone who lost to Anderson?" or something like that. As I have learned so many things from my losses, Chael learned from his loss. There are many things to learn from his experience. Chael is a tough fighter, of course and in addition, he is a very nice person and very comfortable to train with.

When and why did you start training for fighting? Five years ago; my friend got me started.

What ranks and titles have you held? Third-ranked Pancrase middleweight, 2003 ADCC Japanese qualification winner.

Do you have any heroes? Caol Uno

What is your favorite technique? Ground and pound

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? UFC is my dream since from when I started training MMA, and my challenge to the world.

What was your job before you started fighting? Working in a restaurant and Pachinko.

•    Last man to defeat Anderson Silva 5 and ½ years ago (in Hawaii in a non-UFC event. Okami won via disqualification after an illegal Silva upkick from his back)

•    Widely ranked as one of top 3 middleweight fighters in the world; 27-6 record

•    Never dodges tough opponents: Has fought against nearly every top 185 pounder in the world – and beaten most of them. In addition to his win over Silva, holds wins over Alan Belcher, Mike Swick, Nate Marquardt, Evan Tanner and Mark Munoz

•    Extremely tough and durable; in 31 career fights against a Who’s Who of the sport, has only been stopped once inside of the distance.

•    A judo black belt with exceptional balance, strength and takedown defense. Is one of the best defensive, counter-style fighters in the world, which helps him frustrate and wear down opponents.

•    30 years old. Grew up in Kanagawa, Japan, where he was a self-described “gentle child.”
 
•    ” Skilled in track and field during his school years, Okami eventually gravitated to combat sports, and by 2001, the 20-year old was entrenched in the fight game and a year away from his pro debut.


•    A globetrotter: Okami’s fighting passport has been stamped in Russia, South Korea, Northern Ireland, the United States, Germany and Hawaii.

•    After loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC 104 has since trained extensively with Sonnen in Portland, Oregon.

•    “Team Quest offered the highest training environment to me that exists,” said Okami. “I wish to express my gratitude to them. Communication was the only problem for me because my English language skill is still low.”