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Dec-28-2008

SATOSHI ISHII STARTS EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATIONS WITH UFC

Japan's Olympic Judo Gold Medalist, Satoshi Ishii, yesterday started exclusive negotiations to enter into a contract with the UFC.

Ishii, who won the gold medal in the men's over 100-kilogram event at the Beijing Olympics, arrived in Las Vegas on Christmas day to experience UFC 92.  Over the next two days, Mr. Ishii toured Las Vegas and visited various MMA gyms, including the UFC Training Center and Xtreme Couture, where he trained and sparred with Randy "The Natural" Couture.

Earlier this month, Mr. Ishii decided that he wished to start his MMA career in the United States, and that his dream was to fight in the UFC. He made his choice to negotiate with UFC last night after watching UFC 92.

"I was impressed with the training programs here in Las Vegas and the UFC event," said Mr. Ishii.  "I am looking forward to working with the UFC and to developing my mixed martial arts skills."

"Satoshi Ishii has the potential to be very successful in mixed martial arts," said Dana White, UFC President. "We can't wait to start working with Mr. Ishii, we look forward to helping him with his training, his career, and his eventual debut in a professional fight."

Ishii competed as a Judo heavyweight in the Olympics this year. Whether he will attempt to compete as a heavyweight or light heavyweight has yet to be decided.

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No one's had the guts to say anything, yet. Do you?

3 Comment (Showing #(Attributes.comments.current - 1) * Attributes.comments.commentsPerPage + 1#-#Min(Attributes.comments.total, Attributes.comments.current * Attributes.comments.commentsPerPage)# of #Attributes.comments.total#)

  • Photo of treazn treazn
    treazn
    Male, 24
    santa maria, CA
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    01/22/09
    Posted 10 months ago by treazn

    Well, I don't know if the days of the one style fighter are over per say.

    Have you seen Shinya Aoki or Sotaru Kitaoka in Japan?

    Or even Demian Meia in the UFC at 185.

    Single style guys can still go shockingly far.

  • Photo of treazn treazn
    treazn
    Male, 24
    santa maria, CA
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    Last Updated
    01/22/09
    Posted 10 months ago by treazn

    Well, I don't know if the days of the one style fighter are over per say.

    Have you seen Shinya Aoki or Sotaru Kitaoka in Japan?

    Or even Demian Meia in the UFC at 185.

    Single style guys can still go shockingly far.

  • Photo of NextMessiah NextMessiah
    NextMessiah
    Male, 20
    Wichita, KS
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    05/01/09
    Posted 11 months ago by NextMessiah

    I saw his Olympic stuff, hes pretty badass. I could see him giving alot of mid-cardish guy fighters hell and being dominant. But I dont see him being top of the division typa guy. Kinda like a Heath Herring level, beats up most dudes, but just cant make it over that **** to the big leagues.

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