Feb 26, 2009 - An excerpt of an interview Takanori Gomi had with Japanese MMA magazine Kakutogitsushin on February 21.
How have you been since your last fight with Satoru Kitaoka?
I though you wanted to asked me about that fight. Of course, it would be nice if you tell me about that.
As you saw, I couldn't do anything. I suppose fans who knew me since PRIDE considered that I looked like a totally different person. I don't even know why. I didn't feel any energy in the ring. After the fight, I felt like I was free. I thought I fulfilled my duty.
Do you mean that you resigned from a representer of the top lightweight fighter?
I suppose so. I haven't proven myself the last few fights. I was training, yet everything has fallen apart. I couldn't put together because my training wasn't enough. My skills went down in the last 2 years. I experienced a lot in the last 2 years. I quit Kiguchi dojo without thinking well, and started my gym. I felt responsibility to take care of my students, and I was passive about my fight. I was just waiting and see who I fought with.
That tournament was "road to Gomi"
I have no excuse about my performance and my loss. Kitaoka was entirely better than me. I I hope he becomes a great champion and defends his title.
Kitaoka asked you a rematch in the ring.
I wonder if he still wants the rematch. He completely dominated me. I want him to move forward to bring more fans to Sengoku.
Did you feel that you got weaker that before?
I admit that I hadn't had enough training. I didn't feel any energy and power. After Misaki's fight, I tried to concentrate and motivate myself. When arriving at the ring, I noticed that I wasn't even sweating and my intensity was getting lower. Right after the fight started, I responded to him well and cut his tackles. Though I was concerned about something, I though I should be fine if I took my time. I appreciated my fans support in that event. However, I was already exhausted mentally when I got there. "Road to Gomi" started half a year ago, but I felt like I was waiting for 10 years. It was extremely long and exhausting.
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