Satoshi Ishii taking his lumps to become MMA Fighter

Published on: 19th May, 2009

Satoshi Ishii taking his lumps to become MMA Fighter  | read this item

In his journey to become a full time Mixed Martial Artist former Judo Olympic gold medalist Satoshi Ishii has been training down in Brazil with UFC Light Heavyweight number 1 contender Lyoto Machida, but has been taking his lumps en route to achieving his goal as he wound up in a Brazilian hospital due to a dislocated jaw from a head kick he took from ‘The Dragon’. His first trip to the hospital had Ishii come in for a case of malaria.

While speaking to Sports-Navi.com with translation from Fighters Only Magazine Ishii says despite the injury, he overcame his fear of keeping the fight on the feet.

“Through training in Brazil, I conquered my fear of getting punches. I can see punches very well now,” Ishii told SportsNavi.

Ishii also says that when his time to train Brazil is done, he is hopeful that he can train with the world’s top fighter Fedor Emelianenko in an effort to make his MMA debut later this year.

“I haven’t decided where to fight yet, but I want to debut in 2009. I have to be a champion in the US and be famous. I am determined to be a Hollywood star,” he revealed, adding that his next training trip will be “Russia or the Netherlands next – I want to train with Fedor Emelianenko.”

However, Ishii still has not decided as to whom he may want to compete for in the near future, but his first choice in the UFC may still be the most logical for him. Also it is a good thing for him to now be able to hang in the pocket of the stand-up aspect now that he has taken his learning lessons from Machida, but there is still much to learn for the young 22 year old Judo champion.

 Nelson Rodriguez AKA: Nelo2.0 is the Co - Owner of URDirt.com who is also an Editor and Author on the site. Read more from this author

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