NYE Dynamite!! 2009 Card

[tuco]

Alistair Overeem

Q: How are you feeling?
A: I feel very relaxed. I arrived just yesterday. I am adjusting to the time here, and just relaxing. I am not really thinking about the fight. Later I will go for some sushi and then get a massage.
Q: You fought in the WGP twice just a few weeks ago
A: My condition is good. I fought Aerts in Korea and then took a couple more fights before the WGP, so I keep my condition good. After the WGP I had absolutely no injuries, so I am good.
Q: Your fight is one between DREAM and Sengoku. How do you feel about this?
A: I feel proud of it. When in K-1 I was representing both DREAM and MMA, so I am getting used to this feeling, and I like it.
Q: Could you tell us what you know of Sengoku?
A: I donft know much. I know they are the other martial arts organization in Japan, and they have lots of Japanese fighters.
Q: What is your impression of Fujita?
A: He has been fighting longer than I have. He is a living legend in Japan and has many great fights under his belt. I think my style isnft good for him, as he is a wrestler. My all-round style will be too much for him, but it is an honor to fight him.
Q: In your mind, how will it end?
A: There are several ways I could finish him. I think I would rather not say, as I donft want to give away the secret.
Q: What sort of fight do you want to show the fans?
A: It will be a great fight. It will be aggressive. I always fight for the kill. I am going to try and finish him, and finish him fast. I think it is going to be a knockout this time, and I predict within 3 minutes.
Q: When you are home, you eat 8 meals a day. Do you do the same while here?
A: I eat a little less because I train less. I eat maybe 5 or 6 times. I love food, who doesnft? The sushi is delicious. The Korean BBQ is delicious. The breakfast here is delicious.
Q: You said you were going to eat sushi after this, so how many meals have you had today?
A: Well, I have been here 24 hours, and eaten sushi 3 times. I eat an average of 30 plates. Usually 35 to 40. I love chu-toro. And this is just lunch.
Q: How many meals today though?
A: Today it will be my third meal, but that is because I have been sleeping all day. If I am awake more, I eat more.

Mizuto Hirota

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: It is New Years Eve, so I am excited. More excited than nervous.
Q: What do you think about Aoki?
A: He is a top level grappler in the world, but his fights are boring.
Q: How would you like to end the fight?
A: I would like to pound him out. Drop his with a shot, and then land more on the ground.
Q: How do you feel about facing him?
A: I feel like I have to beat him to show how interesting MMA really is.
Q: What is your theme for this fight?
A: My theme is the same as next years Chinese astrology symbol. The tiger.
Q: How long did it take to make that hairstyle?
A: About 4 hours?
Q: When did you do it?
A: On Sunday.
Q: How much was it?
A: It was free. My friend did it.
Q: What do you want to show in this fight?
A: Ifm pretty sure I will end up on the ground once or twice, so I want to include some of the techniques I am good at.
Q: Your last fight was against the grappler Kitaoka, so does it make it easier facing another one here?
A: He is a completely different type than Kitaoka. Kitaoka is a powerful grappler, while Aoki is creeping up on you. Just sticking on you until he finds something.
Q: You are the two fighters that hold belts, so do you feel like it is a championship bout?
A: If you look at this as a championship fight, I absolutely have to win.
Q: Do you feel the pressure?
A: Aoki has quite a bit, but I donft think I have as much pressure as he.
Q: What do you want to show in this fight?
A: I want to keep going until he canft fight any more.

Hideo Tokoro

Q: How do you feel now?
A: I feel relaxed, and wish the fight would happen sooner.
Q: How do you feel about your opponent changing so suddenly?
A: For me I prepared well, but I feel sorry for Kim trying to make weight, and appreciate that he took the fight on such short notice.
Q: What is your impression of him?
A: He is a very strong striker.
Q: What is your expectation for the bout?
A: This is DREAM vs. SRC so I hope our fight is one of the more exciting fights.
Q: After some losses, have people been asking you to change the way you train?
A: I want to keep doing things my own way until I get the results I want.
Q: Why are you so stubborn?
A: Yeah, maybe I should change from next year.
Q: Did you see Naitofs fight against Kameda?
A: I went to see it live.
Q: What did you think?
A: I got goose bumps from his entrance, and loved the fight. Saying I became his fan is odd, but I really respect him now.
Q: Did you learn anything watching the fight?
A: Naito vs. Kameda alone filled Saitama Stadium, so I did feel I want to become a fighter like that.
Q: Why did you go to Osaka this time?
A: Just a change of pace.
Q: What do you think of KIDfs opponent?
A: Kanehara is a great fighter, and I am looking forward to seeing a great fight.
Q: Is Bananamanfs Himura coming to the show?
A: He said he would.
Q: Have you spoken with Naito since the fight he had?
A: I had a meal with him once after the fight.
Q: What did you discuss?
A: Just general things. Things that have nothing to do with fighting sports.
Q: Did he give you any advice?
A: Not really.
Q: Did you promise him anything?
A: Nothing.
Q: Who will your second be?
A: My raining partner, Maeda.

Michihiro Omigawa

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: As usual. I feel the same as before any other fight.
Q: Your fight weight is slightly different to your usual weight, so how do you feel about it?
A: I havenft heard anything about it.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: I think he is one of the best fighters in DREAM.
Q: What is his strongest point?
A: Hefs got balls.
Q: How do you plan to fight?
A: As usual with judo as my backbone.
Q: I heard you trained in Chiba for this fight, what did you do there?
A: I trained my heart.
Q: How long were you there?
A: About 4 or 5 days.
Q: How do you feel about representing SRC here?
A: Ifm looking at it more as a fight between Takaya and myself, and not some sort of representative fight.
Q: What sort of fight do you think it will be?
A:It will be a real man vs. man fight for the end of the year.
Q: You seem to have a hoarse throat.
A: Yeah, I donft know why but I canft talk well.
Q: Your weight is 65kg, but it seems as though the fight weight is 64kg. Is it possible to drop that weight?
A: I havenft heard anything about a weight change.

Shinya Aoki

Q: How do you feel?
A: Ifll just do what I do.
Q: Could you tell the fans what to expect in the fight?
A: Ifll give 120% in my fight. I wonft disappoint.
Q: Hirota seems to think you are a kid. Do you have anything to say about that?
A: I donft need to be concerned.
Q: I guess this fight feels quite different to before another fight.
A: Not at all. It is the same as always.
Q: What was the reaction to the press conference?
A: Some people said it was fun. But people know the real Aoki, and the professional Aoki.
Q: What is your impression of Hirota?
A: Nothing particular.
Q: He said he hopes to pound you out. What is your response to that?
A: I donft think I need to answer.

Hiroyuki Takaya

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifll just make weight tomorrow, and do what I have to do.
Q: What is your impression of your opponent.
A: Aggressive. He is a judo that can also punch.
Q: What do you need to look out for?
A: Judo leg locks and some unexpected strikes.
Q: How will the fight end?
A: Strikes, or course.
Q: Your opponent said he didnft really feel like he was representing his organization, and was just happy to fight you.
A: Well, it is a fight between us, but it is also a fight where I represent.
Q: You feel it will be an exciting battle?
A: Yes, I think we will.
Q: Your opponent was under the impression the fight was at 65kg.
A: I heard from the start it was 64kg.
Q: So if he asks for it to be at 65kg, you wouldnft alow it.
A: Thatfs right.
Q: It is your first DYNAMITE fight, so how does it feel?
A: Well, the fight itself is the same, but everyone around me seems more excited so I am more motivated.
Q: The friends of yours that come to support you are coming again this time?
A: They couldnft get tickets, so you donft need to worry.

Misaki Kazuo

Q: How are you feeling right now?
A: Right now, I am just waiting patiently.
Q: Have you seen any of Melavinfs fights?
A: Yes, I have seen his videos several times. I was already training at the time though, so they werenft very useful for the actual training.
Q: What did you notice that might be useful?
A: Nothing that I have noticed so far. I have to wait until I am in the ring, believe in myself, and do what I can.
Q: Do you feel much pressure as a representative that you cannot afford to lose?
A: Of course. Representing the organization is a big thing.
Q: At the press conference you seemed upset with the last minute fight. How about now?
A: Well, I am still upset. When he is in front of me though, I will use 100%, 120% of my abilities to stop him.
Q: So your feeling for this fight is quite different to that of previous fights?
A: I think stepping in the ring is a gamble, as only one of the two can win. But I donft feel it is smart to gamble before you are even in the ring. I have always stepped in the ring completely confident that I will beat the opponent in front of me. Unfortunately, this is a gamble. I have to take another path and perhaps other doors will open, so I accepted this fight.
Q: So you have to try and motivate yourself for this fight?
A: Ifm not planning to increase my motivation. I have the experience behind me of many fights that will come out in the fight.

Katsuyori Shibata

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifm really excited for the fight.
Q: What is your impression of Izumi?
A: Tuna. Or, a rock around this size.
Q: How do you see the outcome of this fight?
A: Ifm going to turn him into a tuna. His father said to him he can do judo for 10 years, and then return to the business. That time has past, so I should beat badly him so he returns to his father.
Q: How do you feel about fighting in this competition between organizations?
A: Everyone feels slightly different about representing their organization. For me, I have never met or spoken to my opponent, so I will do everything I can to stop him.
Q: This fight is a judo vs. pro-wrestler fight.
A: And he looks exactly like a judo player from the 60fs or 70fs.
Q: Did you see his debut fight?
A: Yes, I saw the fight. It was after one of my team mates. I heard he was an Olympic judo player and I expected a slow fight, but he immediately went after his opponent with strikes, and I thought it was exciting. He will be an exciting fighter in the future. But look out for the tuna.

From

Sokoudjou

Q: How do you feel about your upcoming fight?
A: I feel really great, I am happy to be here. I almost said I am ready to fight but I am ready to beat someone up.
Q: How is your condition?
A: My condition is pretty good. Like I said, I am ready.
Q: What is your impression of Minowaman?
A: Minowaman is just a man I have to kill to get the belt.
Q: Have you a special game plan or did you do any particularly different training for this fight?
A: My special training is easy; I will punch a hole in his head.
Q: Are there any particular techniques of Minowamanfs that you feel you need to be careful of?
A: Not really. All he does is leg locks and a bit of wrestling.
Q: What sort of fight do you want to show for this New Year fight?
A: I am not going to come and fight, I am coming to beat him up, so it will be entertaining. Ifm going to give him a good ass beating.
Q: Do you like soccer.
A: I love soccer. I am from Cameroon, so that soccer what we do!
Q: Do you know any players?
A: Samuel Etofo.
Q: Have you ever met him?
A: Not yet.
Q: Did you know that Cameroon is in the same group as Japan for the World Cup?
A: Yeah, but all I can say is that Cameroon will win.
Q: So you want to jump-start Cameroonfs victory over Japan by beating Minowaman.
A: Of course.

DREAM Event Producer, Mr. Keiichi Sasahara

Good morning. It is still early, so not everyone has arrived, but I want to announce one new fight and one changed.
The first is a Heavyweight DREAM fight between Gary Goodridge and Gegard Mousasi.
The second is Tokorofs opponent. Marlon has been injured, so his opponent has not been changed to Kim Jon Man. We donft know the exact details of the injury at the moment, but he was hurt in training and his doctor has stopped him from competing.

Gary Goodridge

Q: How long has it been since you have fought here?
A: In Japan, wowcmaybe 10 years ago. Too long.
Q: When did you get the offer for this fight?
A: I received the offer for this fight about 2 days ago.
Q: How did you feel then?
A: I thought to myself; I am going to get some money to pay my bills now.
Q: Were you in training?
A: As a matter of fact I was. I have a fight on January 9 against Ron Sparks, so I was in training for that.
Q: Wonft this fight affect that one?
A: I donft care, because this is my home. If my mother calls me, I come home.
Q: What are the rules of the other fight?
A: MMA
Q: When was the last time you fought MMA?
A: I donft know, maybe 5 or 10 years ago.
Q: How has training been going?
A: For me great, but please tell me after you see the fight.
Q: What do you think of your opponent, Mousasi?
A: Ifve seen his pictures on the net, and he looks really good. I am not going to let him get a victory over me easily. If he is good he will have to prove it. As you know, I am a gatekeeper.
Q: Have you seen any of his fights?
A: No I havenft. I know he has good stand up, and he beat Musashi. I know he is good, but I also know he isnft going to bite my groin or poke my eyes so I am happy.
Q: Donft you feel you should review some of his fights?
A: I find that if you follow the way someone fights, you sometimes forget what you really do. I have a strong plan, so I want to make him fight my game. He I a kid, I am an adult, so I am going to make him fight my game.
Q: Arenft you worried about fighting him without even seeing one of his fights?
A: If you see one, you start to think about looking out for this and that. If I worry about only doing what I do well, and make him fight my game, it is much better. Of course in this game you have to worry about everybody over 200lb. I am worried about him, and he is worried about me. When I was younger I didnft understand, but now I do. He is young, so he has to win. I just have to fight my game. If he allows me to, I will beat him. I have to stick to my game.
Q: Who was your opponent on January 9 again?
A: January 9th is Ron Sparks. He is a big guy like Tom Erickson. He is a very different fighter to Mousasi. Ron has just a big punch. I just need good conditioning for my fights?

Ray Sefo

Q: Recently you are fighting in MMA, but do you really want to fight K-1 more?
A: For me stand up, or K-1 rules are second nature to me. MMA is a great sport but it takes time. In transition, having to learn wrestling and the ground game was tough. There are only so many hours in the day, so because stand is something I have been doing all my life it is more favorable for me. But I love MMA as it has given me a new passion for the game, and here we are. At the same time I enjoy fighting MMA. I have a certain level in MMA I have to fight at though, and it would be stupid for me to go in and fight Fedor. I have to work my way up. Despite what a lot of critics say, I am a realist, and I know I have to fight people my level. Ifm really enjoying it though.
Q: What are you K-1 and MMA goals?
A: Absolutely. Having to train MMA for the last year and a half has given me a new hunger for the game which is why I am here. My goal is definitely, definitely to work my way into the WGP in 2010. I got this fight confirmed just 3 weeks ago, so when I go home I will be straight back to training and dieting hard. As for MMA, pound for pound the best man in the world is Fedor. I look up to him. Fighting him now would be stupid though. If it was just standing, it would be interesting. But fighters are going to take me to the ground and not stand with me. I am not a young fighter anymore. I am not 22. I know this, and I have to train and take things slowly and continue to enjoy you. But by saying that, I am the sort of fighter that will jump in the ring with anyone. If the opportunity was there, it might not be the smartest thing, but I would probably take the fight and do my best.
Q: What do you think of Nishijima, and also let us know why you allowed him to use his shoes?
A: I think Nishijima is a very brave, strong fighter. He has proven time and time again that he is not afraid of anybody. I donft know him, and I have never met him, but I like to fight brave guys that will stand in the middle of the ring and bang with me. As for the shoes, it was his decision. It is K-1 rules, so he cannot kick with shoes on, while I can kick and knee. It is limiting the amount he can strike me, but it is his own decision and I respect that. I think it probably has something to do with this being DYNAMITE. If it was a pure K-1 rule fight, he probably wouldnft be allowed to wear them.
Q: When Ishii was in Las Vegas you trained with him. What did you think?
A: Yes we did. He was a very nice guy and we worked a tiny bit together. I introduced him to another boxing trainer at Extreme Couture. He is a talented guy, and he is very strong. He threw around a lot of people. He has a lot of character. He is young and charismatic. I think the Japanese fans will love him. And Yoshida will have his hands full with this opponent. Yoshida has the experience in MMA, but Ishii is strong and has youth on his side.

Melvin Manhoef

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifm okay. I feel okay.
Q: This time it is DREAM vs. SRC, so how do you feel representing DREAM?
A: They decided the opponent, so I am going to do my best in this fight.
Q: Have you ever watched Sengoku fight videos?
A: Yeah, I watched Misakifs fight. But, I am fighting for DREAM and this is the important thing.
Q: What do you think of Misaki?
A: He is a good fighter. I saw a lot of his fights and he did what he had to do. He is a nice fighter. He has stand up and the ground game. He is a complete fighter. I am pretty good with stand up toocand everyone knows my ground game. This time I donft even have a gym to train the ground in.
Q: What is you image of the end of the fight?
A: It is not about Misaki, but every fight I want to end with a KO. This is how I fight. The best finish is to knock him out in 10 seconds so I can go out and party. This is what every real fighter wants to do. And it is what I will look for early this time. If it doesnft come, it will come later.

Kazunori Yokota

Q: How do you feel?
A: As always. I did train a little too much yesterday and I am sore.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: I think he has strong punches, but he likes takedowns. He takes them down and pounds. When he canft get them down, he loses.
Q: What are you better at than him?
A: For speed and standing I am better. He is big so he is probably more powerful
Q: How would you like to win?
A: I want to stop him on the feet.
Q: You stirred up the press conference with you words. Was it planned?
A: Hirota was quite mature that day, so I just spoke my mind. I was thinking of several things to say, and just threw one out. However, I was expecting Kawajiri to respond, but another did.
Q:@What else did you want to say?
A: I forgot to be honest. I realized I am pretty weak at adlib.
Q: Would you like to fight Aoki after this fight?
A: Well, those two fighting will make the number 1 and 2 in Japan. I donft mind fighting him if put in the position.
Q: Are you thinking about a victory speech?
A: Of course. I think they will cut it though. I canft be too long. Ifm not sure which angle to go with yet, but I have to keep it compact.
Q: Do you always prepare something to say after a fight?
A: Usually I do. I am not Gono, but the fight begins with the entrance. I am always thinking, because they always suddenly hand me the microphone after the fight.


Hiroshi Izumi

Q: How do you feel now?
A: Ifm in good condition.
Q: What do you think of Shibata?
A: From watching his DVD he has good spirit, and decent punches.
Q: What will you focus on for this fight?
A: I will fight my own fight.
Q: How do you envision the end of the fight coming?
A: It will come as it comes.
Q: Last time you spent a lot of standing in the fight, do you plan to again?
A: I donft mind standing again.
Q: What have you worked on in training since last time?
A: Defense.
Q: Who taught you defense?
A: I lot of people have taught me. Together with Anjo we have worked on improving it along with other areas.
Q: You trained in America for a few weeks to prepare for this fight. How do you feel the changes will be shown?
A: I think the results of it will be shown in 2 days.
Q: Youfre father was telling you to come back to the tuna business on TV recently.
A: Really?
Q: You donft contact him anymore?
A: I canft say I have had no contact at all.
Q: Where did you train while in the US?
A: I trained out at AKA gym.
Q: Working your defense?
A: Not specifically, just general sparring.
Q: Do you hope to show your father your future in MMA by winning this fight?
A: I just plan to win it.


Kim Jon Man

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifm only worried about my weight.
Q: Why is your weight an issue?
A: Honestly, the offer was on such short notice that if it was any event other than DYNAMITE I would have turned it down. Unusually, the weight is coming off well though.
Q: You are here representing SRC, so how do that make you feel?
A: It is a proud thing to have the responsibility to represent an organization. I will do my best not to disappoint them.
Q: What is your impression of DREAM?
A: Ifve never fought in DREAM, but I did in HEROfs in Korea. It was a great event and it is an international stage.
Q: What do you think of Tokoro?
A: I have seen every single one of his fights. He is a great fighter, and someone I look up to.
Q: Which specific fights of his stand out for you?
A: His fight against Royce Gracie at DYNAMITE was a memorable one.
Q: How do you foresee this fight going?
A: If Tokoro actually comes at me, I donft think it will be a long fight.

Yuji Shimada

Basically we have tried to mix the rules of the DREAM vs. Sengoku fights. The rounds will be 5 minute, there will be 3 of them, and there will be an interval of 60 seconds between rounds.
There will be no stomps or soccer kicks allowed.
We will use a total fight system to judge the fights, however the judges will also write their score after each round. These scores will be taken into consideration when judging the entire fight.
The bandages will be supplied by us, however if the fighters want to use their own they must be checked tomorrow, along with the costumes/trunks they plan to wear in the ring.
Some of the judges and referees work both Sengoku and DREAM, those will be the ones used for the most part.
Yoshida and Ishiifs fight will be held using the normal Sengoku rules, while Goodridge vs. Mousasi and Sokoudjou vs. Minowaman will be held under DYNAMITE/DREAM rules.

From

Sokoudjou

Q: How do you feel about your upcoming fight?
A: I feel really great, I am happy to be here. I almost said I am ready to fight but I am ready to beat someone up.
Q: How is your condition?
A: My condition is pretty good. Like I said, I am ready.
Q: What is your impression of Minowaman?
A: Minowaman is just a man I have to kill to get the belt.
Q: Have you a special game plan or did you do any particularly different training for this fight?
A: My special training is easy; I will punch a hole in his head.
Q: Are there any particular techniques of Minowamanfs that you feel you need to be careful of?
A: Not really. All he does is leg locks and a bit of wrestling.
Q: What sort of fight do you want to show for this New Year fight?
A: I am not going to come and fight, I am coming to beat him up, so it will be entertaining. Ifm going to give him a good ass beating.
Q: Do you like soccer.
A: I love soccer. I am from Cameroon, so that soccer what we do!
Q: Do you know any players?
A: Samuel Etofo.
Q: Have you ever met him?
A: Not yet.
Q: Did you know that Cameroon is in the same group as Japan for the World Cup?
A: Yeah, but all I can say is that Cameroon will win.
Q: So you want to jump-start Cameroonfs victory over Japan by beating Minowaman.
A: Of course.

DREAM Event Producer, Mr. Keiichi Sasahara

Good morning. It is still early, so not everyone has arrived, but I want to announce one new fight and one changed.
The first is a Heavyweight DREAM fight between Gary Goodridge and Gegard Mousasi.
The second is Tokorofs opponent. Marlon has been injured, so his opponent has not been changed to Kim Jon Man. We donft know the exact details of the injury at the moment, but he was hurt in training and his doctor has stopped him from competing.

Gary Goodridge

Q: How long has it been since you have fought here?
A: In Japan, wowcmaybe 10 years ago. Too long.
Q: When did you get the offer for this fight?
A: I received the offer for this fight about 2 days ago.
Q: How did you feel then?
A: I thought to myself; I am going to get some money to pay my bills now.
Q: Were you in training?
A: As a matter of fact I was. I have a fight on January 9 against Ron Sparks, so I was in training for that.
Q: Wonft this fight affect that one?
A: I donft care, because this is my home. If my mother calls me, I come home.
Q: What are the rules of the other fight?
A: MMA
Q: When was the last time you fought MMA?
A: I donft know, maybe 5 or 10 years ago.
Q: How has training been going?
A: For me great, but please tell me after you see the fight.
Q: What do you think of your opponent, Mousasi?
A: Ifve seen his pictures on the net, and he looks really good. I am not going to let him get a victory over me easily. If he is good he will have to prove it. As you know, I am a gatekeeper.
Q: Have you seen any of his fights?
A: No I havenft. I know he has good stand up, and he beat Musashi. I know he is good, but I also know he isnft going to bite my groin or poke my eyes so I am happy.
Q: Donft you feel you should review some of his fights?
A: I find that if you follow the way someone fights, you sometimes forget what you really do. I have a strong plan, so I want to make him fight my game. He I a kid, I am an adult, so I am going to make him fight my game.
Q: Arenft you worried about fighting him without even seeing one of his fights?
A: If you see one, you start to think about looking out for this and that. If I worry about only doing what I do well, and make him fight my game, it is much better. Of course in this game you have to worry about everybody over 200lb. I am worried about him, and he is worried about me. When I was younger I didnft understand, but now I do. He is young, so he has to win. I just have to fight my game. If he allows me to, I will beat him. I have to stick to my game.
Q: Who was your opponent on January 9 again?
A: January 9th is Ron Sparks. He is a big guy like Tom Erickson. He is a very different fighter to Mousasi. Ron has just a big punch. I just need good conditioning for my fights?

Ray Sefo

Q: Recently you are fighting in MMA, but do you really want to fight K-1 more?
A: For me stand up, or K-1 rules are second nature to me. MMA is a great sport but it takes time. In transition, having to learn wrestling and the ground game was tough. There are only so many hours in the day, so because stand is something I have been doing all my life it is more favorable for me. But I love MMA as it has given me a new passion for the game, and here we are. At the same time I enjoy fighting MMA. I have a certain level in MMA I have to fight at though, and it would be stupid for me to go in and fight Fedor. I have to work my way up. Despite what a lot of critics say, I am a realist, and I know I have to fight people my level. Ifm really enjoying it though.
Q: What are you K-1 and MMA goals?
A: Absolutely. Having to train MMA for the last year and a half has given me a new hunger for the game which is why I am here. My goal is definitely, definitely to work my way into the WGP in 2010. I got this fight confirmed just 3 weeks ago, so when I go home I will be straight back to training and dieting hard. As for MMA, pound for pound the best man in the world is Fedor. I look up to him. Fighting him now would be stupid though. If it was just standing, it would be interesting. But fighters are going to take me to the ground and not stand with me. I am not a young fighter anymore. I am not 22. I know this, and I have to train and take things slowly and continue to enjoy you. But by saying that, I am the sort of fighter that will jump in the ring with anyone. If the opportunity was there, it might not be the smartest thing, but I would probably take the fight and do my best.
Q: What do you think of Nishijima, and also let us know why you allowed him to use his shoes?
A: I think Nishijima is a very brave, strong fighter. He has proven time and time again that he is not afraid of anybody. I donft know him, and I have never met him, but I like to fight brave guys that will stand in the middle of the ring and bang with me. As for the shoes, it was his decision. It is K-1 rules, so he cannot kick with shoes on, while I can kick and knee. It is limiting the amount he can strike me, but it is his own decision and I respect that. I think it probably has something to do with this being DYNAMITE. If it was a pure K-1 rule fight, he probably wouldnft be allowed to wear them.
Q: When Ishii was in Las Vegas you trained with him. What did you think?
A: Yes we did. He was a very nice guy and we worked a tiny bit together. I introduced him to another boxing trainer at Extreme Couture. He is a talented guy, and he is very strong. He threw around a lot of people. He has a lot of character. He is young and charismatic. I think the Japanese fans will love him. And Yoshida will have his hands full with this opponent. Yoshida has the experience in MMA, but Ishii is strong and has youth on his side.

Melvin Manhoef

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifm okay. I feel okay.
Q: This time it is DREAM vs. SRC, so how do you feel representing DREAM?
A: They decided the opponent, so I am going to do my best in this fight.
Q: Have you ever watched Sengoku fight videos?
A: Yeah, I watched Misakifs fight. But, I am fighting for DREAM and this is the important thing.
Q: What do you think of Misaki?
A: He is a good fighter. I saw a lot of his fights and he did what he had to do. He is a nice fighter. He has stand up and the ground game. He is a complete fighter. I am pretty good with stand up toocand everyone knows my ground game. This time I donft even have a gym to train the ground in.
Q: What is you image of the end of the fight?
A: It is not about Misaki, but every fight I want to end with a KO. This is how I fight. The best finish is to knock him out in 10 seconds so I can go out and party. This is what every real fighter wants to do. And it is what I will look for early this time. If it doesnft come, it will come later.

Kazunori Yokota

Q: How do you feel?
A: As always. I did train a little too much yesterday and I am sore.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: I think he has strong punches, but he likes takedowns. He takes them down and pounds. When he canft get them down, he loses.
Q: What are you better at than him?
A: For speed and standing I am better. He is big so he is probably more powerful
Q: How would you like to win?
A: I want to stop him on the feet.
Q: You stirred up the press conference with you words. Was it planned?
A: Hirota was quite mature that day, so I just spoke my mind. I was thinking of several things to say, and just threw one out. However, I was expecting Kawajiri to respond, but another did.
Q:@What else did you want to say?
A: I forgot to be honest. I realized I am pretty weak at adlib.
Q: Would you like to fight Aoki after this fight?
A: Well, those two fighting will make the number 1 and 2 in Japan. I donft mind fighting him if put in the position.
Q: Are you thinking about a victory speech?
A: Of course. I think they will cut it though. I canft be too long. Ifm not sure which angle to go with yet, but I have to keep it compact.
Q: Do you always prepare something to say after a fight?
A: Usually I do. I am not Gono, but the fight begins with the entrance. I am always thinking, because they always suddenly hand me the microphone after the fight.


Hiroshi Izumi

Q: How do you feel now?
A: Ifm in good condition.
Q: What do you think of Shibata?
A: From watching his DVD he has good spirit, and decent punches.
Q: What will you focus on for this fight?
A: I will fight my own fight.
Q: How do you envision the end of the fight coming?
A: It will come as it comes.
Q: Last time you spent a lot of standing in the fight, do you plan to again?
A: I donft mind standing again.
Q: What have you worked on in training since last time?
A: Defense.
Q: Who taught you defense?
A: I lot of people have taught me. Together with Anjo we have worked on improving it along with other areas.
Q: You trained in America for a few weeks to prepare for this fight. How do you feel the changes will be shown?
A: I think the results of it will be shown in 2 days.
Q: Youfre father was telling you to come back to the tuna business on TV recently.
A: Really?
Q: You donft contact him anymore?
A: I canft say I have had no contact at all.
Q: Where did you train while in the US?
A: I trained out at AKA gym.
Q: Working your defense?
A: Not specifically, just general sparring.
Q: Do you hope to show your father your future in MMA by winning this fight?
A: I just plan to win it.


Kim Jon Man

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: Ifm only worried about my weight.
Q: Why is your weight an issue?
A: Honestly, the offer was on such short notice that if it was any event other than DYNAMITE I would have turned it down. Unusually, the weight is coming off well though.
Q: You are here representing SRC, so how do that make you feel?
A: It is a proud thing to have the responsibility to represent an organization. I will do my best not to disappoint them.
Q: What is your impression of DREAM?
A: Ifve never fought in DREAM, but I did in HEROfs in Korea. It was a great event and it is an international stage.
Q: What do you think of Tokoro?
A: I have seen every single one of his fights. He is a great fighter, and someone I look up to.
Q: Which specific fights of his stand out for you?
A: His fight against Royce Gracie at DYNAMITE was a memorable one.
Q: How do you foresee this fight going?
A: If Tokoro actually comes at me, I donft think it will be a long fight.

Yuji Shimada

Basically we have tried to mix the rules of the DREAM vs. Sengoku fights. The rounds will be 5 minute, there will be 3 of them, and there will be an interval of 60 seconds between rounds.
There will be no stomps or soccer kicks allowed.
We will use a total fight system to judge the fights, however the judges will also write their score after each round. These scores will be taken into consideration when judging the entire fight.
The bandages will be supplied by us, however if the fighters want to use their own they must be checked tomorrow, along with the costumes/trunks they plan to wear in the ring.
Some of the judges and referees work both Sengoku and DREAM, those will be the ones used for the most part.
Yoshida and Ishiifs fight will be held using the normal Sengoku rules, while Goodridge vs. Mousasi and Sokoudjou vs. Minowaman will be held under DYNAMITE/DREAM rules.

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