PRIDE FC Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi wants to fight one more time before the year is out. The only problem (for UFC fans, anyway) is that those plans do not include and eight-sided cage.
Instead, the Japanese star prefers to remain in the “Land of the Rising Sun” and compete in organizations such as Hero’s, Shooto and even K-1, according to FightNetwork.com.
Here’s a snip mash from Gomi:
“I want to fight – for myself, for the fans and for my gym. I want to show everyone that I’m working hard and moving quickly. I have to have another fight, or nothing will happen…. The fans should decide where I go. There is the possibility I will go to HERO’S. Shooto is a good organization, and I also have no reason not to fight in HERO’S. All organizations are fine with me. In the end, I want MMA to be as big as baseball.”
Not surprisingly, Gomi has received offers to fight on behalf of numerous mixed martial arts promotions. One thing absent from this report, however, is whether or not he is still under contract to fight for PRIDE FC.
He states clearly that he wants to remain in Japan. And who can blame him, Gomi is treated like a rockstar over there. Not to mention, Hero’s and Shooto have some of the very best lightweight fighters in the world.
We’ll have to see how this situation unfolds, but for now, it doesn’t look like “The Fireball Kid” is UFC-bound anytime soon.
In his last bout, Gomi was submitted by former UFC fighter Nick Diaz via gogoplata in one of the best fights of 2007. The decision, however, was later ruled a no contest after Diaz was popped for having marijuana in his system during the fight.
It was supposed to showcase Gomi in front of an American audience in front of a talented and well-known American fighter. Clearly, things didn’t go as planned.
Gomi has talked in the past about a showdown with UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk. The odds of that ever happening — all things considered at the current time — now seem to be very long.
41 Comments »
I’d like to see Gomi and Penn again rather than Sherk.
Get Gomi in the octagon now
[quote comment="114210"]I’d like to see Gomi and Penn again rather than Sherk.[/quote]
Penn killed Gomi. I’d rather see Gomi against someone like Guillard who is going to bang hard. Hell, bring back Nick Diaz. What a mistake that was— can’t wait to see him fight for ProElite.
Gomi fights Diaz… nailed. Wants to fight Sherk… nailed. Gomi’s like a drug sniffing dog!
Penn > Gomi
’nuff said
I like Gomi and ive been impressed by some of his fights. One thing that i dont like is he’s to reckless.
In a re-match, I’d put my money on Gomi by (T)KO. Gomi was beating the crap out of Diaz mostly but he got careless and got caught. Diaz did some damage too but it looked like it was two Gomi punches for every one of Diaz.
diaz rules gomi drules!
Gomi vs. Sherk … is this a joke? Sherk has one of the best cardios in the game and Gomi gasses after just 3 minutes. That’s why Diaz beat Gomi … by outlasting him.
As much as i hate to admit it, I see a Gomi vs Sherk fight playing out just like Franca vs. Sherk fight…Sherk would LnP a decision.
who cares about your overrated ass anyway? it is infuriating to see your stupid name atop the lightweight rankings after you were beat down and gogo’d by diaz. you can fight in an alleyway or a bathttub for all i care. you overrated putz.
Shooto and Hero’s lightweights are definitely better than the UFC’s. If there was a rematch between Gomi and Diaz, I’d put my money on Gomi.
[quote comment="114301"]As much as i hate to admit it, I see a Gomi vs Sherk fight playing out just like Franca vs. Sherk fight…Sherk would LnP a decision.[/quote]
Gomi is a wrestler, not a BJJ guy like Franca. Apples & oranges…
[quote comment="114317"][quote comment="114301"]As much as i hate to admit it, I see a Gomi vs Sherk fight playing out just like Franca vs. Sherk fight…Sherk would LnP a decision.[/quote]
Gomi is a wrestler, not a BJJ guy like Franca. Apples & oranges…[/quote]
Let me clarify. What I mean is that aside from Gomi’s heavy hands, he also has a wrestling foundation as opposed to a BJJ foundation like Franca. Sherk vs Gomi is a good match-up in my opinion.
Of course he has no plans for the UFC. He just got beat down by a mid-level fighter in the UFC, so it’s going to do nothing for his image to fight and lose to the high-caliber fighters like Penn and Sherk.
[quote comment="114321"][quote comment="114317"][quote comment="114301"]As much as i hate to admit it, I see a Gomi vs Sherk fight playing out just like Franca vs. Sherk fight…Sherk would LnP a decision.[/quote]
Gomi is a wrestler, not a BJJ guy like Franca. Apples & oranges…[/quote]
Let me clarify. What I mean is that aside from Gomi’s heavy hands, he also has a wrestling foundation as opposed to a BJJ foundation like Franca. Sherk vs Gomi is a good match-up in my opinion.[/quote]
Machine,
You have no idea how right i want you to be about such a match up, but sherk seems to have a way to turn a “would be” exciting fight to a semi-boring fight…sherk just doesn’t finish…and he’s [sherk] so strong…how could gomi defend his shoot? It just seems like gomi would end up on his back and not be able to do too much…while sherk just dry humped him for 5 rounds…
Why would he want to come to America, things are great for him in his homeland, he fights top quality guys and he probably gets paid better in Japan.
[quote comment="114338"]Of course he has no plans for the UFC. He just got beat down by a mid-level fighter in the UFC, so it’s going to do nothing for his image to fight and lose to the high-caliber fighters like Penn and Sherk.[/quote]
There’s absolutely nothing mid-level about Nick Diaz. Since you’re obviously not a fan, I understand if you wont be swayed.
However, if you really respect the sport of MMA, I’d suggest you watch his fights again. The guy always brings it & any loss he has had was by the skin of his teeth. Some decisions he argueably won despite the judges scoring against him.
Lately (prior to the Gomi fight) he realized & admitted that he needed to focus on strength training, finishing his fights to keep it out of the judges hands & a better understanding of the UFC scoring for when it does go to decision. Let’s not forget that this is the guy that beat Robbie Lawler convingly when Robbie was the Liddell/Gonzaga of his time.
[quote comment="114360"][quote comment="114321"][quote comment="114317"][quote comment="114301"]As much as i hate to admit it, I see a Gomi vs Sherk fight playing out just like Franca vs. Sherk fight…Sherk would LnP a decision.[/quote]
Gomi is a wrestler, not a BJJ guy like Franca. Apples & oranges…[/quote]
Let me clarify. What I mean is that aside from Gomi’s heavy hands, he also has a wrestling foundation as opposed to a BJJ foundation like Franca. Sherk vs Gomi is a good match-up in my opinion.[/quote]
Machine,
You have no idea how right i want you to be about such a match up, but sherk seems to have a way to turn a “would be” exciting fight to a semi-boring fight…sherk just doesn’t finish…and he’s [sherk] so strong…how could gomi defend his shoot? It just seems like gomi would end up on his back and not be able to do too much…while sherk just dry humped him for 5 rounds…[/quote]
MasterminD, I think you mean that Sherk hasnt finished any of his RECENT fights. The guy has finished 21 of his wins with either a submission or TKO.
We all cant be expected to like all of the same fighters so to each his own. I aint mad at ‘cha!
Adrock,
Penn got the better of it, but it was still a great fight. Gomi is a better fighter now, while Penn doesn’t look to me to have the same conditioning he did 3 or 4 years ago.
Penn’s wins over Gomi followed 3 months later by a win over Matt Hughes is about as impressive as it gets.
[quote comment="114244"]I like Gomi and ive been impressed by some of his fights. One thing that i dont like is he’s to reckless.[/quote]
I love the knockout power he has when he is backing up. He knocks dudes silly wit out even setting his feet.. Id rather watch him fight then the muscle shark any day
[quote comment="114401"][quote comment="114338"]Of course he has no plans for the UFC. He just got beat down by a mid-level fighter in the UFC, so it’s going to do nothing for his image to fight and lose to the high-caliber fighters like Penn and Sherk.[/quote]
There’s absolutely nothing mid-level about Nick Diaz. Since you’re obviously not a fan, I understand if you wont be swayed.
However, if you really respect the sport of MMA, I’d suggest you watch his fights again. The guy always brings it & any loss he has had was by the skin of his teeth. Some decisions he argueably won despite the judges scoring against him.
Lately (prior to the Gomi fight) he realized & admitted that he needed to focus on strength training, finishing his fights to keep it out of the judges hands & a better understanding of the UFC scoring for when it does go to decision. Let’s not forget that this is the guy that beat Robbie Lawler convingly when Robbie was the Liddell/Gonzaga of his time.[/quote]
People might not like diaz’s attitude…. but unless your blind, u know that nick is a bad dude. I like him cuz he can get in your head (like tito), but then he actually backs it up. Nick’s striking is always improving and his ju jitsu is nasty! Like Karo, every fight nick is in is gonna be an exciting one. I would love to see Gomi vs Diaz2
[quote comment="114384"]Why would he want to come to America, things are great for him in his homeland, he fights top quality guys and he probably gets paid better in Japan.[/quote]
not to mention the UFC light weight division is weak compared to the lightweights he can fight against in Japan! Big Gomi fan, loved watching him destroy pulver.
Whats up with the chute box LW and welterweights… will any of them join the UFC?
Is it true Yoshida will be fighting at 205 in the UFC?
but can yoshida fight without the gee?
[quote post="2853"]MasterminD, I think you mean that Sherk hasnt finished any of his RECENT fights. The guy has finished 21 of his wins with either a submission or TKO.
We all cant be expected to like all of the same fighters so to each his own. I aint mad at “cha! [/quote]Most of his finsihes were against weak opponets. In the UFC he has only finished 2 of his 6 fights and one of those was do to a cut.
[quote comment="114449"][quote post="2853"]MasterminD, I think you mean that Sherk hasnt finished any of his RECENT fights. The guy has finished 21 of his wins with either a submission or TKO.
We all cant be expected to like all of the same fighters so to each his own. I aint mad at “cha! [/quote]Most of his finsihes were against weak opponets. In the UFC he has only finished 2 of his 6 fights and one of those was do to a cut.[/quote]
GSP4prez,
Thank you for the clarification…Sherk is NOT an exciting fighter, he is NOT very entertaining, and he does NOT grow the sport…and when he loses his belt, by way of fighting or strippage, very few will shed a tear…
Sherk is a great fighter; but his style doesn’t appeal to American audiences. Also, he is certain to get stripped of the belt after the Aug. 6th hearing.
What Sherk ought to do (after the suspension is upheld) is ask to be released from his UFC contract, and see if he can negotiate a deal with K-1, Shooto, or DEEP. The Japanese fans have always liked Sherk. In fact, it was in Japan that Sherk got his moniker–The Muscle Shark. They would pay him well, and his wrestling/GNP style would be appreciated over there. He could even possibly get good fights with JZ, Gomi, KID, Shaolin, or other great LWs.
It doesn’t make sense for Sherk to try to ride out his yearlong suspension and get back to fighting in the UFC. He should just head overseas and start over. The Japanese won’t care if he uses steroids or other drugs and he won’t have a yearlong break in his fight career.
I don’t think Diaz is anything special, considering he got beat by Diego and Joe Riggs, but to get a win stripped because of pot? That’s retarded. If you can smoke pot and still when you deserve extra credit.
*still win
[quote comment="114402"]
MasterminD, I think you mean that Sherk hasnt finished any of his RECENT fights. The guy has finished 21 of his wins with either a submission or TKO.
We all cant be expected to like all of the same fighters so to each his own. I aint mad at ‘cha![/quote]
In the UFC his only non-decision wins were by a stoppage due to a shoulder dislocation and a cut. No KO’s, no real subs, nothing fun to watch at all. He can finish in the minors, but in the big leagues its Lay and Pray all the way. Him being champ is bad for the sport, his roid suspension will do wonders for the division. We should get an exciting champ after he goes back to flooring or whatever he did before.
As you can tell I’m not a Sherk fan. A man that roided up should be able to finish a fight.
[quote comment="114245"]In a re-match, I’d put my money on Gomi by (T)KO. Gomi was beating the crap out of Diaz mostly but he got careless and got caught. Diaz did some damage too but it looked like it was two Gomi punches for every one of Diaz.[/quote]
True…Diaz looked like the newest addition to the local battered wife shelter after that fight. Give him credit though, he stood tough and wow – what a gogo.
Nick Diaz is the man, period.
[quote comment="114224"]Get Gomi in the octagon now[/quote]
Gomi has is supposedly the #1 Lightweight in the world. If this is the case he must fight in the octagon
Actually, Gomi is NOT treated like a rock star in Japan. Certainly not the way Kid, Masato, Genki and Uno are. For a long time in Shooto, Japanese fans considered him a boring lay and pray wrestler. I don’t think he’s ever really gotten past that reputation even though he’s much more exciting now, compared to 4 years ago.
[quote comment="115137"]Actually, Gomi is NOT treated like a rock star in Japan. Certainly not the way Kid, Masato, Genki and Uno are. For a long time in Shooto, Japanese fans considered him a boring lay and pray wrestler. I don’t think he’s ever really gotten past that reputation even though he’s much more exciting now, compared to 4 years ago.[/quote]
how would you know?
[quote comment="114240"]Gomi fights Diaz… nailed. Wants to fight Sherk… nailed. Gomi’s like a drug sniffing dog![/quote]
Good Shit! lol He could prolly get a job working for customs
The PRIDE fans wouldn’t know about his Shooto years and he was seen as the saviour of Bushido because of his “new” fighting style, especially the early ones. I actually felt sorry for Gomi during his Shooto years. He comes off as someone that was bullied and what not and there’s a story that his wrestling team laughed at him when he said he was going to become a champion someday. He’s really introverted and quite weird actually if you see/read his interviews. He’s intelligent, but says everything with his cynical smile that makes him look insecure. The language barrier does make him come off as quite a prick in English though and some of his actions throughout his career were annoying, but I’m rambling now.
HERO’S is adding new fighters all the time and they already have two top 10 fighters at lightweight for him to fight against namely Calvancanti and Ribeiro. HERO’S might not be such a bad choice for these Japanese fighters in limbo.
[quote post="2853"]n a re-match, I’d put my money on Gomi by (T)KO. Gomi was beating the crap out of Diaz mostly but he got careless and got caught. Diaz did some damage too but it looked like it was two Gomi punches for every one of Diaz.[/quote]
you’re right gomi was winning. but the rematch would look more like the end of the fight. Diaz knows his range with gomi now, and that’s all he needs. He said he probably wouldn’t get hit next time, because he knows how to stay outside of his punches.
Diaz by TKO or maybe he’ll throw another gogo.
Diaz is a badass and gomi is a badass, someone had to lose. i would love to see a rematch and it would be the best fight ever!
i think they both learned something from that fight, according to the NSAC diaz had a marijuana level so high that he couldnt feel the pain, gomi even dropped diaz in the fight, diaz has better ground game, way bigger, and has reach advantage but i would put my money on gomi if there were a remnatch, i dont see him losing to the same guy twice…he would be hungry not to lose again…