In the run up to Cage Warriors: Showdown 2, we will be introducing you to the Lightweight Grand Prix contenders. In this interview we introduce the mysterious Japanese Samurai, Tomonari Kanomata.


For those out there that may not know who you are, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your Martial Arts / MMA background.

I have a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu and eight years of MMA experience. My policy is to fight aggressively to win by tap out.


Who do you look up to in Mixed Martial Arts and/or life?

Mr. Yuki Nakai.


Please tell us how you came to be invited to take part in the Cage Warriors Lightweight Grand Prix.

I was invited to fight on Cage Warriors after my two straight victories in the Japanese cage event called D.O.G.


Have you fought in a G.P. format before? How do you feel about it?

I have fought in some MMA and Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, though they were not professional ones. I think to win a tournament I will need to be a really tough fighter."


Is your preparation for fighting in a Grand Prix different to preparing for one fight? If so, how?

In a tournament, endurance is the key to winning, so I have increased the amount of sparring I do to improve it.


Who do you expect will be in the final?

I am sure I will be in the final, but I have no idea whom I am going to fight there.


What are your MMA aspirations after the Cage Warriors Grand Prix?

After winning this tournament, I want to challenge the Cage Warriors champion and take the belt away from him.


Finally, do you have a message for your opponent, your fans, or the MMA Universe readers?

Brand my Samurai-Spirit on your memory!