Mario Yamasaki interview
One of the best referees in the UFC. Mario Yamasaki spoke with TATAME.com before working on UFC 102 main event,…
One of the best referees in the UFC. Mario Yamasaki spoke with TATAME.com before working on UFC 102 main event, between Randy Couture and Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira, and commented about his beginning in the UFC, the toughest fight he has worked, his heart when a Brazilian is fighting and more. I don’t change, I try to be always correct, but in the bottom of the heart I always cheer for the Brazilians, said Yamasaki, in the exclusive interview you check below.
How do you feel when the show is getting started?
My adrenaline starts now… You know (this arena) will be full, 20 thousand people, and I’m doing the main event, so we’re kind of nervous to start.
When did you started refereeing?
My father was also a referee in Judo, he went to the Olympics, and I grew up watching him refereeing. When we took the UFC to Brazil, I asked Big John (McCarty) why he was the only referee, and he said they were looking for another referee, so I said you found it. I started then I didn’t stop anymore.
Which was the toughest fight you worked on?
The toughest fight ever was the first time I did a main event. It was in Las Vegas, almost 20 thousand people, Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell… That was when I was more nervous, but John McCarty came to said it was only one more fight… He helped me a lot, he was a big mentor. I thank him a lot for that.
How do you feel when you’re gonna work in a fight with a Brazilian?
(laughs) My heart always cheer for the Brazilians, but inside the octagon I’m always the same. I don’t change, I try to be always correct, but in the bottom of the heart I always cheer for the Brazilians.
*editors note: interview is translated from Portuguese*