Hello everybody, hope everyone is doing great, just killing time here at Narita waiting for my flight to leave and figured I would let everyone know what a fantastic event Vale Tudo Japan 2012 was. The event was an absolute success and was very well received here in Japan by all major media outlets. To be able to fight on such an incredible card alongside legends and idols of the sport such as Rumina Sato, Hideo Tokoro, Megumi Fuji as well as talented up and comers like Ian Loveland and Darrell Montague was an honor. I have fought for many years professionally however fighting in Japan had been a dream that had eluded me until this point, and I would like to thank my manager Jason Chambers, Shingo Kashigawa and Shooto pres Mr. Sakamoto for the confindence invested in me and for giving me such a worthy and skilled opponent as their champion, Hironaka-san, who is a true warrior and class act all the way. I would also like to thank my long-time trainer Saul Soliz for being away from his family and gym for the week to come and corner me. The Japanese fans are incredible and truely understand fighting and the sacrifice we go through, which motivates us to give our all and put on the best show we can. The Japanese media and Shooto officials were true professionals and a breath of fresh air, inspiring confidence in their very competent promotion and production. Although I would have loved to end the year with a w, all in all I am truly elated to have been a part of this historic event which I wont soon forget. So, in summary, thank you to all my buddies on this board for support, and may 2013 be the best year for us all. merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! God bless!
Yamato-Damashi!