After winning the Greatest Common Multiple (GCM) Cage Force Welterweight Tournament, Yoshiyuki Yoshida was given a chance to compete in one of the deepest divisions in the UFC. After winning his last six fights which included being undefeated in the last two years, Yoshida thinks he can adapt to the UFC style and be successful. Here is what Yoshida told ADCC News in this quick Q&A.
Talk about your experience of fighting and winning the GCM Cage Force’s welterweight tournament.
That tournament, to me, was stage to prove my real ability. Out of anyone in that tournament I was probably the least experienced, but I believe in my strength and at that end, I gained complete confidence that I am better than these fighters.
In the final bout of that tournament you won after Dan Hardy was disqualified after a groin shot. How did that first round go and are you kind of disappointed that you won it in the fashion?
Of course I was hoping for a clear win. I was thinking about wrapping that championship belt on my waist and being photographed by the media. I couldn’t do that, so that was a bit unfortunate. But honestly, after the first round I felt that I could definitely submit him in the second round though.
Did you have a feeling that if you won that tournament, you could end up in the UFC?
Yes from the beginning. I believed that the winner would end up in the UFC.
What other organization were you talking to and why did you choose the UFC?
My trainer Noboru Asahi and my manager Shu Hirata worked on my deals, so in terms of other offers, they would be able to tell you more. At the end I chose the UFC because I think the UFC has the toughest fighters at my weight class.
Here are my impressions of these fighters. I think GSP is a great all around fighter. Matt Hughes has incredible ground and pound with the use of elbows. Karo Parisyan can throw anyone like a great judo-ka. And Matt Serra fights like a champion.
Besides Shooto veteran Noboru Asahi, who else will be helping you train for your UFC debut?
Of course, Asahi-san is my main trainer, but I also work with Tsuyoshi "TK" Kosaka, as well as fighters like Hidehiko Yoshida, Kazuhiro Nakamura, and Ryo Chonan at the Yoshida Dojo. Right now I am doing a lot of sparring, but Asahi-san and I talked about putting more power into it so I will be bigger and tougher in the UFC.
A lot of people talk about the “UFC jitters” and how some fighters look bad in their first UFC fight. With that and fighting in the United States, do you think these outside factors could affect your first performance?
There are many fighters fighting in the UFC now so I will talk to them about the different environment, and all. So it should be fine.
You haven’t loss since 2006 and you have stopped your last eight opponents. What has been the biggest change influence in your current winning streak?
I believe I started to win because I began establishing my fight style and also the winning pattern, so to speak. The toughest opponent I faced so far is Sand World Champion, Hossein Ojaghi. He was a very tough striker.
Well thanks for your time and we wish you luck in your debut. Do you have anything to say to your fans or sponsors?
I don’t feel any fear about fighting in the UFC. I am just really looking forward to this so tell the fans in the states that Yoshida is coming to the Octagon to show that I have unbendable heart. I would to love to thank some sponsors but right now my manager is working on this so maybe in a few weeks, I hope I can thank my sponsors (laughs). Thank you very much.
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Flashing Blade
