Very wild KJ genuinely forgot he fought for DREAM in Japan.
“What a time hey” lollllllll
You would think that would be such a cherished memory I mean, Japan is like the Mecca of combat sports is it not?
1 Like
I will preface this with I’ve never listened to KJ speak outside of post fight interviews… Him forgetting he fought in Japan wasn’t funny, you could see KJ searching for words and the frequent small pauses that is common with guys who have been in a lot of wars.
3 Likes
Don’t forget to give it a like!
What was more funny to me was his reaction but overall my jaw dropped a bit…
If I were asked to go to Japan and fight I’d do it for free. It’s dang near been a dream of mine.
Being obsessed with K1 mainly and PRIDE / DREAM Japan has grown on me so much, the best fans ever.
Its freaky he didn’t remember that. Though it does really seem like it’s not the next chapter it’s the next book for KJ you can tell it’s all family and work for him.
He will not do an interview ever again he said first and last on LOP
1 Like
3 Likes
2 Likes
Sam Stout…I was crushed.
I remember seeing Sam was down and out just staring off, knowing KJ was coming down on him with more punches I shrieked for fellow Canuck warrior Stout.
Dang.
2 Likes
Stout is an absolute gentleman
I hated watching him fight because of how much I didnt like seeing him lose
- the UFC matchmaking never did him any favors
Sam
2 Likes
My good friend who is originally from Toronto has partied with Sam and Tomkins (Rip) , said they went hard 
1 Like
Sean Tompkins had his foot on the gas pedal when it came to after parties
Truly a shame
He was engaged to Sam’s sister
2 Likes
Though Tompkins record didn’t show it he was a badass.
He was just a young buck in the gym when guys like Ian Jacklin and Lennox Lewis were in their prime. He trained with and learned from so many high class fighters.
I think Syd and Fitz Vanderpool might have been around there in those days also
Been around a long time his record didn’t show his talent. He made up for it in spades through coaching of course.
RIP.
1 Like
I am under the impression that he was a K1 style fighter that tried his hand at mma
- unsuccessfully
However when you look at his track record as a coach it’s pretty incredible
He legit took several kids within driving distance of his house and had them on PPV including a world title fight
1 Like
1 trainers
- a place where fighters stop through looking for a home in between their next gym
2 poacher
- A big game Hunter that is a master strategist and take already developed fighters and make them better
Then there is the rarest one of them all
3 coach
Someone that takes you from fundamentals to a world title fight
Shawn was a coach
2 Likes
Yea it was awesome watching them over the years.
Horodecki would be a great listen also.
2 Likes
I agree with that
Looking like a child he was starching people left and right
I will throw him on the list
4 Likes
He was! The guy is only 36 now it is insane!
Everyone at the time was saying
- although he belongs here, it is too much too soon
In hindsight, they were correct
He should be just after his athletic peak right now
3 Likes
Yea when the WEC merger happened he was 2-2 in the WEC with losses to Cerone and Anthony Njoukani.
He should have had a longer Bellator run.
He always seemed to be the most effected by Tompkins passing of the 3.
1 Like
I agree with you on that
2 Likes
Fantastic episode as always! Appreciate the work you guys do @Hong_Kong_Phooey @LytesOutPodcast
2 Likes
Very cool to learn about the whole Pride situation.
Had to have been the 05 Tournament Gomi won that they wanted KJ in
An American Lamb at the time and the Japanese knew it.