Gomi now unlikely to fight in the UFC

Afro · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 02:42 PM

Sankei Sports (part of the FujiSankei conglomeration that includes Fuji TV, the network that used to own the rights to PRIDE TV) — PRIDE story covered in third place behind K-1 coverage of new fighter tryouts aka K-1 JAPAN TRYOUTS (including a former Chiba Lotte Marines baseball player). The PRIDE story headline — Henderson, TKO win to conquer two weight classes for the first time ever. Summary review (paraphrasing): PRIDE 33 “THE SECOND COMING” (13,180 fans). Challenger Dan Henderson beat champion Vanderlei Silva in R3 in 2′08 with a left hook to win by TKO. Toger with the Welterweight crown, a two weight-class conquest was accomplished. This a revenge fight from December of 2000, Heavyweight champion Emelianenko Fedor surfaces as a potential next opponent. The speed of Henderson is different, as Silva was 100 kg or more in weight. … “Three weight class championship” declaration was stated, aiming for the Heavyweight crown (93+ kg).

Sports Nippon — K-1 JAPAN TRYOUTS got two lead stories, then two stories on PRIDE 33. Top story is — Gomi, American debut fight tap defeat. Summary review (paraphrasing): Takanori Gomi drank defeat at PRIDE 33. A complete revival happened at the Man Festival, but in his American debut fight he stalled in the late part of round one and was saved by the bell. It was an easy tapout with Diaz’s feet choke in round two. A loss for Gomi a year later. The first fight in the American ring was a disgrace. Gomi suffered an ‘engine stall’ in the middle of round one suddenly, as Diaz threw lefts and rights. The expression of agony is shown and his feet staggered. The target of fighting in UFC was in view and Diaz was a tough target, but Gomi lost to another jiu-jitsu fighter (like he did with Aurelio). Training against jiu-jitsu fighters is a pressing need. Second story — Silva loses championship with 40 degree C temperature.

Yomiuri (Hochi) Sports — no coverage.

Nikkan Sports — K-1 JAPAN TRYOUTS top billing, two PRIDE 33 stories in middle of coverage. First item — Gomi’s shocking, disgraceful loss (KO)! Dark clouds for UFC participation. Summary (paraphasing) — Gomi fought Nick Diaz in a non-title fight and had a disadvantage against a long reach. He was defeated in round two with a foot choke and a re-match is coming in April and/or May. Gomi had planned to fight in round two in July by seeding in the tournament. Now, dark clouds are shrouded for Gomi’s UFC participation. It was an unprecedented event. After losing, Gomi had ‘no comment.’ Gomi was scheduled to enter into the UFC mat this Spring fighting as a PRIDE representative, but it cannot be done after losing to Diaz. There are a lot of problems for Gomi’s return fight in the United States. Henderson performs heroic deed of first-ever two weight-class championships. After the fight, Henderson said that he didn’t feel any pain in his right hand (despite a possible fracture).

Daily Sports — K-1 JAPAN TRYOUTS top billing, multiple sub-stories on PRIDE 33. Silva’s loss took top billing. The story talked about Silva’s long title reign as Middleweight champion and that even with the loss, he is still “Mister PRIDE.” The Gomi article was more clear-cut, calling his loss disappointing and halting his ‘world advancement’ on the MMA stage.

I say fine, send over Filho instead

Bullock · #2 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 02:46 PM

before I realized this was an article, I was about to post "Duh."

Dork8503 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:10 PM

i dont really care if i seen gomi in the ufc, he would get beat by gsp hughes penn and sherk, fun to watch, but i kinda wish he would have came so we could have seen one of them actually beat him inside the cage, but it would be nice to see them send fedor to beat up tim but hey thats just thankful wishing

Mac · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afro Samurai

I said fine, send over Filho instead

Yes please!!!!

Afro · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:12 PM

how did GSP and Hughes jump into the equation? lol

he would of fought Sherk in the UFC and only Sherk, and I dont see how losing to Diaz means that Gomi would DEFINENTLY lose to Sherk.

Clint · #6 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afro Samurai

how did GSP and Hughes jump into the equation? lol

he would of fought Sherk in the UFC and only Sherk, and I dont see how losing to Diaz means that Gomi would DEFINENTLY lose to Sherk.

Gomi was claiming that he wanted to fight Sherk, Penn, and Hughes. I don't know if he mentioned GSP or not.

tmatwig · #7 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:17 PM

so i guess pride did make arrangements to send over thier guys or is this just bs

NinjaShogunRua · #8 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

Gomi was claiming that he wanted to fight Sherk, Penn, and Hughes. I don't know if he mentioned GSP or not.

Yeah he mentioned GSP as well. He would have the best chance against Sherk. I don't think he could touch the other 3.

Afro · #9 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint

Gomi was claiming that he wanted to fight Sherk, Penn, and Hughes. I don't know if he mentioned GSP or not.

O Rly?
Only question is how good he would be at 170, I know he cuts from 185 but it doesnt mean he'd fight well at 170.. and I dont see how you cant give Gomi a good chance against Hughes after Gomi beat Ishida, especially with Hughes comin out and sayin he only has 2 fights left in him

I still give Gomi a good chance against Sherk, I mean ya Diaz beat him and Sherk beat Diaz but think about it.. Sherk is not a BJJ fighter, hes got great subs but in 34 fights hes finished no one good except a young Karo, and Sherk does not have the reach advantage that Diaz has.. plus you cant say that just cuz Sherk beat Diaz that Sherk would beat Gomi cuz Sherk beat Diaz at 170 lbs, not at LW.. and that fight went to a decision.

Still, in the UFC Sherk would probably win.. theres no yellow card system, you can pretty much lay on a guy and win a fight easier offa takedowns in the UFC then you can in Pride, plus the cage gives the stronger wrestler another edge

In Pride, i'd go with Gomi because Gomi is capable of doing to Sherk on the feet what GSP did to Sherk, and would have plenty of opportunities to do so with the yellow card system in place, and 10 min rounds.

AJL416AZ · #10 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:26 PM

i think an in-shape Gomi would give hell to all the top 10 WWs, but might lose most of those fights if they dont stay standing and end quick, because most of the guys are ground fighters

i think Gomi could beat all of the UFC's LWs, the only real problem is from Sherk, his style works well against Gomi, and it would probably be either a KO for GOmi, or a dec. for Sherk.