Judo Medalist to be at UFC 92...

Underground
1

 but only as a spectator...



White invites, Ishii accepts, invitation to UFC 92


<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --> addthis_pub = 'mmafighting'; <!-- AddThis Button END --> Posted by Suki 12/19/08—12:38 PM


satoshi-ishii.jpg


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Just two days after Satoshi Ishii made it clear his interest in fighting for the UFC, UFC president Dana White has extended his hand to the 2008 Olympic judo gold medalist.

According to a report on Nikkan Sports, White released a statement today through WOWOW, which televises UFC events in Japan, saying that Ishii has the potential to become a great mixed martial arts fighter. White applauded Ishii's decision to fight in the UFC and invited the judoka to Las Vegas to watch UFC 92 "The Ultimate 2008" on Dec. 27, to which Ishii has accepted.


Ishii said on Wednesday that he wants to fight for the UFC instead of DREAM and plans to go in March to train with the American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida for his mixed martial arts debut sometime late 2009. 



2

This is awesome news!!!

3

It would be VERY cool if he signed with the UFC.



DROC

4

Dana must have spunked all over the room when he read Ishii wanted to fight in the UFC. Kind of a strange decision from Ishii. He could be an instant superstar in Dream, but he'll have to earn his respect in the UFC. Not to mention he'd likely get paid more in Dream. Gotta give him props, though. Like Lesnar, it seems like he wants legit competition over an easy payday.

5

The budo is strong with this one.

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Ryan G - Dana must have spunked all over the room when he read Ishii wanted to fight in the UFC. Kind of a strange decision from Ishii. He could be an instant superstar in Dream, but he'll have to earn his respect in the UFC. Not to mention he'd likely get paid more in Dream. Gotta give him props, though. Like Lesnar, it seems like he wants legit competition over an easy payday.


If he fights at heavyweight the "legit competition" is in Affliction.

7

Return of Ultimate Japan?

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what weight class would he fight in?

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Heavyweight 



Lots more on Ishii on our Japan section



http://www.mmafighting.com/japan

10

"If he fights at heavyweight the "legit competition" is in Affliction."



By the time he gets in his training at ATT, Affliction MMA will have folded.