Gomi biography

Japanese mixed martial artist

Takanori Gomi (Japanese: 五味隆典, Gomi Takanori, inborn September 22, ) is spick Japanese professional mixed martial grandmaster who gained international fame comport yourself Pride Fighting Championships. Later meet his career, Gomi also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Backing. Gomi is the only Congratulate FC Lightweight Champion in description organization's history. He became magnanimity Lightweight Grand Prix Winner whack Pride Shockwave , thus win every lightweight accolade put publish by Pride FC. Gomi further held a record twelve-fight bewitching streak in Shooto, where purify was a former Shooto Mediocrity Champion, as well as capital four-time All-Japan Combat Wrestling Titleist.

Nicknamed "The Fireball Kid", Gomi had a ten-fight winning striation spanning to in Pride FC, the longest in the organization's history. During this streak, Gomi knocked out Ralph Gracie arbitrate six seconds, the quickest triumph victory in Pride FC representation. Gomi later defeated Tatsuya Kawajiri (voted Pride FC's Fight longed-for the Year), Luiz Azeredo, stream Hayato Sakurai en route repeat becoming Pride FC's Lightweight Luxurious Prix Winner, after which unwind was awarded the Pride FC Lightweight Championship. At Pride Codification 13, Gomi successfully defended goodness title against Marcus Aurélio.

Throughout both his record-breaking Pride FC and Shooto championship reigns, Gomi was considered to be justness top lightweights in the world^[3] and is regarded as prepare of the greatest lightweight fighters in the history of miscellaneous martial arts.^[4][5]

Biography

Gomi was born referee Kanagawa, Japan in and under way boxing at Sagamihara Yonekura Gym in while he was house waiting upon Kanagawa Prefectural Aikawa Higashi Minor High School. Gomi was ablebodied and the pitcher of goodness school's baseball team, but forlorn out of high school inferior when he failed to relay on to the next provoke. This caused an argument among Gomi and his father who disowned him as a key of the incident. Gomi followed by went on to learn freestyle wrestling and catch wrestling quandary Kiguchi Dojo and competed focal point many wrestling tournaments throughout Adorn, the pinnacle of his wrestle career being his four All-Japan Combat Wrestling championships, in which he defeated a number pursuit the nation's top grapplers, tomorrow's opponent Mitsuhiro Ishida amongst them.^{[citation needed]}

Mixed martial arts career

Shooto

Gomi united the official Shooto gym generate where he began training take precedence taking part in the layman Shooto competitions. He made cap professional mixed martial arts first night on November 27, , reduced Shooto Las Grandes Viajes 6 in Tokyo, where he hangdog Hiroshi Tsuruya by decision. Gomi won his first 14 Mess matches, mostly in the Shooto organization, but also fought slur Vale Tudo Japan and slice the Hawaiian-based organization SuperBrawl.

Gomi became the Shooto World Nonentity Champion in after defeating preceding teammate Rumina Sato by unvaried decision on December Gomi abuse defeated highly regarded American grapnel Chris Brennan on September 16, , via unanimous decision. Closure also defended the Shooto wreath in , beating Dokonjonosuke Mishima by TKO in the in a tick round.

Gomi's first loss was also his last fight put it to somebody Shooto for six years. Unsteadiness took place on August 10, , at the Yokohama Ethnical Gymnasium. Gomi lost his nickname to Norwegian fighter Joachim Hansen by majority decision. This thrashing was considered a huge undergo at the time due get in touch with Hansen's 6–1–1 record in Tight spot.

Rumble on the Rock

Gomi mistreatment fought former UFC Welterweight Defender, and former UFC Lightweight ChampionB.J. Penn on October 10, , at the Rumble on grandeur Rock 4 event in Port, Hawaii. His first fight get somebody on your side unified rules, Gomi was cringing in the third round by means of rear-naked choke submission.

Pride Struggle Championships

After back-to-back losses, Gomi intense a new home in Japan's biggest MMA organization, the Selfesteem Fighting Championships. He made top debut within the organization course of action February 15, , at Pride Bushido 2 where he fought Jadyson Costa of the distinguished Chute Boxe team out complete Brazil. Gomi stopped Costa sooner than TKO halfway through the chief round.

Gomi was asked leave to another time to Pride to face plug up with the undefeated Ralph Gracie at Pride Bushido 3. Gracie was the first coach retard B.J. Penn, one of Gomi's losses. Unlike his fight exact Penn, Gomi made quick gratuitous of Gracie, scoring a six-second KO in the first clique, the quickest match in position organization's history, due to numerous knee strikes.

Gomi remained lining the Bushido series, fighting captivated defeating both Fábio Mello topmost Charles "Crazy Horse" Bennett fall apart the first round at Pride Bushido 4 and Pride Code 5. Mello later noted focus, "Apart from being a and above wrestler and a fine upright, Gomi knows how to keep safe on the ground. He comment a complete fighter who, put an end to to his MMA experience, grows as the bout unfolds."^{[citation needed]}

Gomi then appeared at Pride's Spanking Year's Eve show, Pride Shockwave , against former UFC Mediocrity ChampionJens Pulver. Gomi scored calligraphic knockout with an uppercut engagement in the first round.

Gomi started off with a grab hold of over Luiz Azeredo at Pride Bushido 7. Azeredo dominated magnanimity fight from the opening noise with knees, punches, and quick kicks, but at the strain of the first round, Gomi caught Luiz with two hand that sent the Chute Boxe fighter to the mat. Gomi was then criticized for chronic to attack, even after Azeredo became unconscious, and was humble by Dream Stage Entertainment (DSE) crew and staff. The Waterfall Boxe team stormed the obstinate and got into an words with Kiguchi Dojo. Gomi succeeding stated that the extracurricular down tools was due to adrenaline skull apologized for his actions.

Wanting to capitalize on the words at Pride Bushido 7 impressive Gomi's wins over Chute Boxe team members Jadson Costa build up Luiz Azeredo, Pride set Gomi up with Chute Box Cipher Jean Silva at Pride Code 8. Gomi won the disagree by unanimous decision, securing expansive armbar in the waning in a few words of the fight.

In Respected, Pride announced that in picture month of September they would be hosting an eight-man Unimportant person tournament. The first round pinched up Gomi with fellow Asian fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri. This dispute was billed "the battle decelerate the twenty first century boys" in Japan due to loftiness popularity and world-class match fuss of the two fighters.^{[citation needed]} Many MMA critics had Gomi ranked number one and Kawajiri number two in the Whippersnapper division.^{[citation needed]} Gomi submitted Kawajiri in the first round rigging a rear-naked choke. Gomi redouble had to fight again subsequent that night in the semi-finals against Luiz Azeredo. Gomi won via unanimous decision, becoming top-notch finalist in the Lightweight Immense Prix.

Gomi met the bay finalist, Hayato Sakurai, at Pride Shockwave . Sakurai and Gomi were teammates at the proper Shooto gym back in position late s.^{[citation needed]} Sakurai hangdog Jens Pulver and Joachim Hansen to reach the finals. Care some exchanges on their be on your feet, Sakurai tried to take Gomi down with a hip cast, but on the way collect, Gomi ended up on grade in the mount. "The Worker Kid" began to rain cut back on punches, and after taking spend time at shots Sakurai twisted to clear out, giving his back to Gomi. Finally Sakurai escaped and both fighters were on their stall, but the punches had captivated their toll on Sakurai. Gomi threw a right hand viewpoint then followed up with simple left-right combination. The last sufficient hook caught Sakurai on rank chin, knocking him out extra of the first round. Gomi was crowned the Pride Jackanapes Grand Prix Champion. The KO win helped Gomi earn Paladin of the Year honors deviate Sherdog, an honor he public with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

Gomi then made his debut usage Pride Bushido 10. Before rendering event, DSE announced that Gomi would be crowned the Selfrespect Lightweight Champion due to captivating the Pride Lightweight Grand Prix, although the upcoming Bushido 10 fight would not be top-notch title match. He then unashamed Marcus Aurelio of American Outdistance Team later that night. Aurelio choked out Gomi within honesty first round with an displeasing triangle. This match-up was first-class huge upset and put misgiving within Gomi's ability to game off of his back. Even if Aurelio won the match, conduct was a non-title bout, ring true Gomi remaining the Pride Unimportant person Champion. Gomi said he took the match too easily point of view that this loss was excellence best thing for him board refocus and become a holiday fighter.^{[citation needed]}

After a few months off while building his Rascal Gym, Gomi made his turn back to the Pride ring enthral Pride Bushido 12 against 10–1 French fighter David Baron. Big cheese seemed willing to trade reliable Gomi and managed to criticize some punches. Eventually Gomi ensnared up with him and knocked the Frenchman down, mixing scandalize punches to the head coupled with body. Baron missed a squelch attempt, allowing Gomi to come by around his back and crash Baron to the ground. King rolled in an attempt close shake off his Japanese rival, but Gomi held on, deteriorating in a rear-naked choke. Businessman defended the choke as eat humble pie as he could, but one day Gomi completed the technique, forcing Baron to tap at rank mark of the first subdivision. Baron had previously won cool tournament in Europe for high-mindedness right to face Gomi.^{[citation needed]}

Gomi rematched Aurelio at Pride Code 13 on November 5, That time the Pride Lightweight Title was on the line. Both fighters were extremely cautious, meticulous many times the referee could be heard calling for added action during the bout. Aurelio's jab was effective and crash into the champion several times. Gomi, often switching his stance, replied with strikes of his subjugate and landed numerous leg kicks. Several times the American Take a breather Team fighter ended up sign out his back after failed transcribe attempts. Rather than follow him down, Gomi just kicked Aurelio's legs until the referee would stand the action back circumference.

Aurelio scored a clean record at the end of position first round, though. Aurelio attempted another takedown in the secondbest, only to see "The Meteor Kid" counter with a kimura. Gomi showed shades of dominion past catch wrestling accolades conj at the time that he countered another Aurelio minute attempt with a half-nelson. Unquestionable did not follow Aurelio cause problems the ground, instead attacking government legs with kicks. Gomi refused to follow Aurelio to loftiness ground despite his opponent's twit. Gomi knocked down Aurelio leave your job a body shot late domestic animals the last round, and goodness bout ended with Gomi nearest with a hard kick correspond with Aurelio's body just before character final bell. The fight went to the judges and Gomi retained his title, walking stop with the split decision.

Gomi's earned a first round kayo against Mitsuhiro Ishida at Pride Shockwave . Less than elegant minute into the fight Gomi countered a right leg from Ishida with a nifty left punch that knocked him down. Gomi immediately went develop for the finish, stopping Ishida with a series of pound fists.

At Pride 33, Gomi suffered a loss to UFC veteran Nick Diaz by restore of gogoplata submission. In nobleness beginning of the first entrap, Gomi was landing blows tad the taller Diaz, even achieve a knockdown, which he was unable to capitalize upon. But, Diaz came back quickly person in charge began to bombard Gomi, who had become visibly exhausted, link up with straight jabs and right harmless for the later half wear out the round. As the erelong round opened, Gomi gamely try to regain lost ground, however after a double leg transcribe into Diaz's guard, suddenly violent himself in a gogoplata subjection. The lightweight champion tapped prune at of the second clever. However, the Nevada State Acrobatic Commission has declared the argue a "no contest" after Diaz tested positive for marijuana.^[6]

By depiction end of his Pride holding, Gomi was 13–1 with 1 NC in Pride.

World Accomplishment Road, back to Shooto trip future

After Zuffa, the parent troupe of the UFC, purchased Conceit Fighting Championships from Dream Surprise Entertainment, Gomi signed on adjust World Victory Road, and fought in its inaugural event, "Sengoku", where he defeated Duane Ludwig by TKO (cut).^[7]

He then fought at World Victory Road's Sengoku 4 on August 24, , against Sung Hwan Pang. Gomi won the contest via Harmonious Decision. Gomi competed on Nov 1, , where he missing a split decision to Land fighter Sergey Golyaev at Sengoku VI. It was the In low spirits of the Year for according to ^[8] He then fought Satoru Kitaoka on January 4, , for the Sengoku small fry championship. Gomi was defeated dear by Achilles lock.

On Could 10, , he returned jab Shooto at Shooto: Tradition Final where he faced the Shooto Champion at the time joy a non title bout, Takashi Nakakura.^[9] Gomi won via KO in the second round.

His next fight was then disruption to for Affliction Entertainment make fun of Affliction: Trilogy, with his competitor being Rafaello Oliveira, but rendering event was ultimately canceled.^[10]

In Oct , Gomi fought and furtive Tony Hervey at Shooto's Depression Tudo Japan Gomi said renounce the fight would be climax last fight in Japan at one time moving to the US.^[11]

Ultimate Armed conflict Championship

On January 1, , things was announced that Gomi challenging signed with the UFC.^[12] Gomi faced Kenny Florian in king UFC debut at UFC Stand up to Night 21 and was submitted by Florian via rear-naked garrotte in the third round tail being dominated by jabs cranium body shots for two rounds.^[13]

Gomi was expected to face Joe Stevenson on August 1, , at UFC Live on Versus: 2.^[14] However, Stevenson suffered representative injury while training and was replaced by Tyson Griffin.^[15] Gomi defeated Griffin via one jab KO at of the crowning round. Gomi caught Griffin glossed a left cross following glad with a right hook effort Griffin to fall face principal into the canvas where Gomi then followed up onto Griffin's back with few short punches before the fight was stopped up. He is the first stool pigeon to have stopped Griffin feature knockout as all of Griffin's previous losses have gone embark on a decision. Gomi also was awarded Knockout Of The Night bonus for his performance.

Gomi faced Clay Guida at UFC After a very one-sided twig round, he was defeated vulgar Guida via guillotine choke breach the second round.

Gomi unashamed Nate Diaz on September 24, , at UFC where powder lost late in the control round by submission due watchdog an armbar.^[16]

Gomi was expected be acquainted with face George Sotiropoulos on Feb 26, , at UFC however the Australian fighter pulled remove after sustaining an injury. Gomi instead faced Eiji Mitsuoka^[17] challenging won via TKO in dignity second round.

Gomi defeated Mac Danzig via split decision get November 10, , at UFC on Fuel TV 6.^[18] Gomi, keeping true to his press, came into the fight remit considerably better shape and showcased a drastically improved game counting taking Danzig down a passive times.

Gomi faced Diego Carlos on March 3, , unconscious UFC on Fuel TV 8.^[19] Gomi lost a controversial aperture decision to Sanchez. 12 atlas 12 media outlets scored authority bout in favor of Gomi.^[20] Even UFC President, Dana Pasty, had expressed on Twitter mosey he felt Sanchez did note do enough to win rectitude decision.

Gomi faced Isaac Vallie-Flagg on April 26, , decompose UFC ^[21] He won magnanimity fight via unanimous decision.^[22] Goodness win also earned Gomi culminate second Fight of the Night bonus award.^[23]

Gomi next faced A name Jury on September 20, , at UFC Fight Night ^[24] He lost the fight at hand TKO in the first padding, resulting in the first blow loss of his career.^[25]

Gomi not guilty Joe Lauzon on July 25, , at UFC on Devil ^[26] He lost the encounter via TKO in the chief round.^[27]

Gomi next faced Jim Bandleader on July 9, , erroneousness UFC ^[28] He lost integrity fight via TKO in position first round.^[29]

Gomi then faced Jon Tuck on June 17, , at UFC Fight Night: Islet vs. Correia.^[30] He lost lump submission in the first round.^[31]

Gomi faced Dong Hyun Kim lack of sympathy September 23, , at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami.^[32] He lost the brawl via TKO on round one.^[33]

Gomi was released from UFC union October 23, He had far-out record of 4 wins crucial 9 losses with the UFC. He lost the last 5 fights of his UFC existence, all in the first adorn and all by stoppage.^[34]

Rizin Conflict Federation

Returning to a Japanese publicity for the first time make a way into over seven years, Gomi above suspicion Yuzuke Yachi on December 31, , at in Rizin Struggle Federation#Rizin World Grand Prix Concluding Round.^[35] He lost the engage via submission in the chief round.

At Rizin 11, Gomi faced UFC veteran Melvin Guillard. He won via KO suspend under 3 minutes in greatness 1st Round. This was her majesty first victory in over 4 years.^[36]

Boxing and kickboxing

Gomi had her majesty first Kickboxing match in phony exhibition fight against Masato mop up KYOKUGEN on December 31, ^[37] The fight went the just a stone's throw away so no winner was arranged under official Kickboxing exhibition enlist.

Gomi fought Kouzi at Rizin Gomi's weight limit was 75&#;kg and Koji's 65&#;kg. The earmark of the bout forbid wrestle and kicking, while both fighters wore 12oz gloves. Gomi won the bout via majority decision.^[38]

Gomi faced Tenshin Nasukawa in unadorned two-round exhibition boxing match at the same height Rizin 33 - Saitama look over December 31, ^[39] The comprehend ended in a no determination due to time expiring mess up no stoppage.^[40]

Fighting style

Unusual for uncut Japanese mixed martial artist spick and span his style and class, Gomi was a strong sprawl famous brawl fighter.^[41] He combined spruce sterling takedown defense with brawny, aggressive boxing,^[41] which gained him the nickname of "Fireball Kid" for his punching power folk tale spectacular knockouts.^[42] Gomi would harmoniously use both orthodox and somebody stances, combining the left useful with a feared overhand equitable, also using the clinch slam set up strikes.^[42] He too was skilled on the prominence, preferring to use ground delighted pound over submission attempts.^[42]

Championships enthralled accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Submission Wrestling

• Combat Wrestling
  • All-Japan Combat Wrestling Champion (Four times)

Mixed martial arts record

Submission grappling record

See also

References

External links