Interview with Hirotaka Yokoi on May 6, 2004 in Tokyo from Kami-Puroresu Magazine.
(Translated by Miho, Pictures from SportsNavi.com)
Kami-Pro: A lot of people made compliments about your fight at PRIDE GP
Yokoi:??? It's kinda of strange that I got applauded. Even if Yoshida or Sakuraba fight with Nogueira like the way I did, nobody would have good words on them you know. I'm ranked below the top fighters but being asked for more than that for this time. It's so embarrassing the way I lost. I felt like I was beaten by myself before he beat me. It's so ashamed of seeing me in a fight on the tape, I'm really depressed.....
Full interview: www.kakuto.com
Good stuff.
I think Yokoi could the best Japanese HW yet perhaps (not that theres been a lot but...).
As Mino said, i think what was impressive for Yokoi in his fight against Mino (and first against a top guy) was his poise. He seemed composed and had good tempo in the first round.
He should go to MW, probably.
"I want to be in UFC too, not only in PRIDE."
Zuffa, make it happen...
Yokoi was offered a spot in the Euphoria MFC tourneys at 205, starting in DEC of this year.
He cant commit to multiple matches due to pro wrstling commitments, so it will be hard to see him again - but he is REALLY good!
MI
Vanderlei Silva vs. Yokoi at 205 would rock.
Yokoi really should be fighting at 205.
yokoi normally fights at 205. thats the weight he fought wilson at.