Props: Sanspo.com
Quoteworthy:
"I don't think I will sign a contract this time. That will probably be next time I go over. While I'm there this time, I want to invite (Dana White) to a training session to show my potential. Nogueira is a wall that I will need to get through. Next year will be a year of challenge."
Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii -- decked out in UFC regalia reportedly sent to him by UFC President Dana White -- demonstrated his desire to sign with the UFC by cutting his Christmas day short to catch a flight to Las Vegas to attend UFC 92. Ishii has opted to pursue a career in the UFC rather than the Japanese promotion DREAM, much to the dismay of his Japanese fans and colleagues. After winning his gold medal in Beijing, Ishii issued an open challenge to heavyweight deity Fedor Emelianenko who basically laughed it off. Now Ishii is targeting UFC interim heavyweight champ Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera. Pretty ballsy for a guy with no MMA experience.