Greco Roman wrestler Asen Yamamoto who is targeting the Olympics will be making his MMA debut at RIZIN on New Year’s Eve. He will be facing the elite Jiu Jitsu DNA successor Kron Gracie. “I respect him, and I will punch him”.

—How do you feel about challenging in MMA in the RIZIN ring

I was happy to get the offer since I was getting bored at just wrestling and was looking for a new sport to spice up my life a bit. When my uncle (Kid Yamamoto) fought on New Year’s Eve I walked down the ramp with him thinking that this was the coolest thing ever. That was a huge event held only once a year, and everybody on the card were big names. It’s really hard to find an event that is stacked from top to bottom. It’s like a dream for me to be able to compete in such an event. I haven’t even thought about me fighting in the event.

—You have less than 2 months before the fight, what kind of training are you doing

I am training in Bangkok with my uncle. We are focused on grappling, striking and wrestling, basically everything. I’m totally in fight mode. As long as I’m fighting, I’m going to kick butt.

—What went through your head when you found out you will be fighting a Gracie

My uncle has face Royler Gracie before so I was like, another Gracie. I don’t want to lose. I believe he is world number 1 on the ground and I respect him for that. But at the same time, as long as I’m in the fight, I’m going to punch him over and over. It’s well known that the Gracie’s never give up so I’m sure it will be a tough fight, but I will do my best to get my hand raised at the end.

—Did your uncle Kid Yamamoto and your mother Miyu Yamamoto give you advise

My mom asked me not to get punched. I was like, that’s not going to happen. Maybe she’s just being a mother. But she as an athlete tells me to go kick his butt. My uncle gives me useful advice every day and I am really grateful for that. Sometimes its technical, other times it’s mental, but basically it’s all the basics.

—What kind of fight will you show us in your MMA debut

I want to show people that I’m not just a wrestler. I also want people to enjoy the fight, even though we’ll be punching each other. I want the fans to get excited and have fun even if I get my arm caught or I knock him out. It is entertainment, I’ll be happy if the audience is happy.