Yamamoto Talks Faber and Love
Jul 1, 2008
Norifumi "Kid"
Yamamoto was the star attraction at the "Asakasa Fight
Festival" Monday at TBS headquarters in Asakasa, Tokyo. The
Japanese wrestler's appearance kicked off a promotional week
leading into Fighting & Entertainment Group's K-1 World MAX
tournament on July 7 and July 21's Dream 5 lightweight grand prix
final.
After introducing his training partners and coaches, Kid jumped off the sidelines and put on a wrestling demonstration with his son after a sparring session with Kotetsu Boku (Pictures).
Later, Kid sat down with K-1 Event Producer Sadaharu Tanikawa to
discuss the upcoming K-1 MAX finals and field questions from
fans.
Yamamoto and Tanikawa joked that Urijah Faber (Pictures) student Joseph Benavidez (Pictures) -- who will face the Japanese powder keg at Dream 5 -- was sent over on behalf of Faber as an assassin. Yamamoto also displayed uncharacteristic respect for his opponent.
Although Kid predicted a knockout, his recent training has not reflected his goals. Kid said that under the tutelage of two new Brazilian jiu-jitsu coaches he has been focusing on his ground game.
"They have shown me a new way of positioning on the ground and are teaching me to use my head more," said Yamamoto. "I have been spending about 50 percent of my time [training jiu-jitsu]. My positioning and sweeps are good but my submissions are still in the initial stages. Everyone else is getting better [on the ground]. I am far from being a black belt in jiu-jitsu but I'd like to get there."
Yamamoto also issued a challenge to WEC featherweight champion Faber, who has been long suggested as a worthy opponent for the aggressive fighter.
"He is welcome to come. I want that fight soon," said Yamamoto.
However, outside of Yamamoto's vague invitation, no indication was made that the dream match might actually happen.
Yamamoto's wife, Tamotsu Mari, was also in attendance wearing a gi and announced that she has also started training. Although she stated that she has been enjoying her jiu-jitsu training, it is unlikely fans would see the significant other of the MMA great in the ring anytime soon.
The two started dating after a K-1 MAX show in February 2004 when Yamamoto saw his future wife backstage. Mari leaned in to give Yamamoto a kiss on the cheek and at the last minute changed her mind and instead bit him. From that point on Kid was smitten.
The festival's promotional week will continue with appearances by lightweight grand prix semifinalists Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) and Caol Uno (Pictures). Middleweight standout Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) will hold a public training and sparring session, Pancrase legend Masakatsu Funaki (Pictures) and other former pro wrestlers will reunite and a host of MAX stars will train and give interviews, with free K-1 MAX special matches taking place on Saturday afternoon.
After introducing his training partners and coaches, Kid jumped off the sidelines and put on a wrestling demonstration with his son after a sparring session with Kotetsu Boku (Pictures).
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Yamamoto and Tanikawa joked that Urijah Faber (Pictures) student Joseph Benavidez (Pictures) -- who will face the Japanese powder keg at Dream 5 -- was sent over on behalf of Faber as an assassin. Yamamoto also displayed uncharacteristic respect for his opponent.
"I want a punch KO for my Dream debut," said Yamamoto. "I want to
do it quickly. I have to be cautious of the takedown. He is strong;
he is really good. I want to do it quickly."
Although Kid predicted a knockout, his recent training has not reflected his goals. Kid said that under the tutelage of two new Brazilian jiu-jitsu coaches he has been focusing on his ground game.
"They have shown me a new way of positioning on the ground and are teaching me to use my head more," said Yamamoto. "I have been spending about 50 percent of my time [training jiu-jitsu]. My positioning and sweeps are good but my submissions are still in the initial stages. Everyone else is getting better [on the ground]. I am far from being a black belt in jiu-jitsu but I'd like to get there."
Yamamoto also issued a challenge to WEC featherweight champion Faber, who has been long suggested as a worthy opponent for the aggressive fighter.
"He is welcome to come. I want that fight soon," said Yamamoto.
However, outside of Yamamoto's vague invitation, no indication was made that the dream match might actually happen.
Yamamoto's wife, Tamotsu Mari, was also in attendance wearing a gi and announced that she has also started training. Although she stated that she has been enjoying her jiu-jitsu training, it is unlikely fans would see the significant other of the MMA great in the ring anytime soon.
The two started dating after a K-1 MAX show in February 2004 when Yamamoto saw his future wife backstage. Mari leaned in to give Yamamoto a kiss on the cheek and at the last minute changed her mind and instead bit him. From that point on Kid was smitten.
The festival's promotional week will continue with appearances by lightweight grand prix semifinalists Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) and Caol Uno (Pictures). Middleweight standout Yoshihiro Akiyama (Pictures) will hold a public training and sparring session, Pancrase legend Masakatsu Funaki (Pictures) and other former pro wrestlers will reunite and a host of MAX stars will train and give interviews, with free K-1 MAX special matches taking place on Saturday afternoon.
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