Ikuei Yamamoto is a former Munchen Olympian wrestler and a father of 3 world champion wrestlers whose grandson will be facing Kron Gracie. “Yamamoto blood contains the warrior DNA. I’m not worried one bit” he said during the interview.

――Asen is set to step foot on the big event on New Year’s Eve. What are your thoughts

It reminded me of my son Noriufmi’s debut. He won in a spectacular fashion. I was in his corner, but he put his opponent out with one punch. Asen carries that blood and he’s won world titles in wrestling. All of Yamamoto kids plus Asen have won world titles, its in our DNA. So I’m not worried one bit. It’s all how he executes his plan. He has a solid wrestling background, but lacks experience in submissions and striking so it’s about how much he can learn up to the fight. But he’s still 19 and can fight for another 40 years.

――His opponent is Kron Gracie who shares the similar family situation

The battle between the families who hold the DNA of champions. This is a fight that doesn’t happen that often. It’s what Norifumi went through, I would be happy if we could get the same results as that time. Asen is still 19, he has the physical base, but he still needs to learn how to adapt his body, mind, technique to MMA. He grew up watching Norifumi and he’s been training with him for a long time, so I’m pretty sure he’ll show a good performance.

――What do you want the fans to see in Asen

I think he is going to strike. He’s been practicing a lot. He has a wrestling background, but I want everybody to focus on his striking. Norifumi called me the other day and told me that he is doing great and not to worry. I think the key is how much Asen can adapt to the real fight. I think he’s sharp and has the natural reflexes so I doubt that it’s going to be like a normal rookie fight.