—Could you tell us about your training and preparation going into this fight?
My opponent, Satoshi Ishii has a Judo background so I have really been focusing a lot on working with Judo guys. In my gym, there are a lot of really good Judoka so I have been working with them, getting as much advice as I can.

—What do you think makes you better than Ishii?
I have watched the way Ishii fights. I think when it comes to my standup game, my posture and striking are superior to his. When we fight, I think I am going to surprise him with my striking ability. I don’t really consider fighting a Japanese fighter to be any more special than any other fighter, but I know I need to be cautious. I will try all the more harder to win this fight.

—Please tell us your thoughts on this tournament?
All fights are of the same importance to me but to be fighting in such a big event like this one really is very prestigious. It’s a big honor to be here, and to be able to knock out such a great fighter like Ishii is one of many of my big career aims.

—Do you have anything you’d like to say to the fans?
Japan is where the Samurai came from and this country has had such a big influence on me. I love Japan, and that’s why I would be so happy if the Japanese fans got behind me and supported me. I want to give a polished, samurai spirit like performance for the Japanese people.