Aoki: ‘If I lose, Japan becomes a US colony’
“I love Japan and it is certain that if I lose, Japan will become a colony of US MMA. Some…
“I love Japan and it is certain that if I lose, Japan will become a colony of US MMA. Some maniacs say that USA’s MMA is the best but I do not worship US MMA so this is big war to me, just like my fight against Hirota.”
“This is a high risk, high return proposition. If I get the return, I give it to DREAM because I am a son of DREAM. The same as in the New Year’s Eve fight I am thinking ‘OK, I kill you!’ The relationship between me and the DREAM staff is real. They know my mind in this fight – Japan’s lightweight division is world class, and of the same standard as the US lightweight talent pool. Shinya Aoki is an icon of the Japanese lightweights division and so this fight become mega match.”
Aoki’s countrymen have generally not fared well in their US debuts. Caol Uno is another that has not looked great since returning to the UFC Octagon last year.
“To be honest I am far from them. They are not the best of Japan. As champion of DREAM, my risk is much bigger than theirs. But if pressure destroys me I am not a true fighter.”
“I can risk my life if needs be. I am a warrior…. I am really serious about MMA. So I do not talk about technique now, because this fight is not about technique but about instinct and heart! One tough guy will stand, another tough guy will fall. Everyone, look upon this scene.”