Satoshi Ishii, the Japanese heavyweight who won a gold medal in judo in Beijing, has said from the moment he got off the medal stand that he would like to try mixed martial arts.Now the world's premier MMA organization, the UFC, says it's in "exclusive negotiations" to sign Ishii. From UFC.com:
"I was impressed with the training programs here in Las Vegas and the UFC event," said Mr. Ishii. "I am looking forward to working with the UFC and to developing my mixed martial arts skills."It's not quite clear what "exclusive negotiations" means, and until a contract is signed, this isn't a huge deal. But it is a sign that the UFC is serious about making an impact in Japan.
"Satoshi Ishii has the potential to be very successful in mixed martial arts," said Dana White, UFC President. "We can't wait to start working with Mr. Ishii, we look forward to helping him with his training, his career, and his eventual debut in a professional fight."
Knockout Night at UFC 92
Wanderlei Silva begins to fall after a knock out punch by Quinton Jackson, right, during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Quinton Jackson celebrates his first round KO over victory over Wanderlei Silva during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Wanderlei Silva is worked on after being knocked out by Quinton Jackson during the first round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Wanderlei Silva is worked on by medical staff after being knocked out by Quinton Jackson during the first round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Forrest Griffin, left, takes a right from Rashad Evans during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art championship match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Forrest Griffin is worked on by his corner just before the third round during his UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match against Rashad Evans, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans, left, takes a right from Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans, right, trades punches with Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art championship match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third round. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans connects with a right to Forrest Griffin during the third round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won in the third round by TKO. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans celebrates his third round TKO victory over Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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