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[Caine2878]

Takanori Gomi says he has not lost his competitive fire.

Once considered the world's best lightweight, the 31-year-old Japanese star fell on hard times at the end of PRIDE Fighting Championships' reign and seemed to shy away from pursuing the highest levels of the sport.

But in a conference call held today for his fight with two-time contender Kenny Florian at next week's UFC Fight Night 21 event in Charlotte, N.C., Gomi (31-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC) assured reporters that he isn't done yet.

"I fought more than 30 [fights], and I'm still looking for a challenge in my career," Gomi said through a translator. "That was the main reason to move on to the UFC."

Gomi was expected to make his U.S. return this past August against Rafaello Oliveira at "Affliction: Trilogy" before the fight, along with the promotion, was canceled at the last minute. Shortly afterward, he announced his intention to take time off to support his pregnant wife-to-be. But in January, word leaked that he had signed a deal with the UFC, a promotion he had long admired from a distance.

"It's a challenge to be a champion in the UFC," Gomi said.

The March 31 fight is Gomi's first inside a cage and the fourth time he has fought on U.S. soil.

Asked of the biggest change in fighting for the UFC, Gomi pointed to the use of elbows. Meanwhile, he's been in Japan preparing himself for Florian, a fighter known for his Ginsu-like elbow strikes.

"Kenny's kicks and punches are so strong, and his defense is outstanding, so I am studying right now," Gomi said.

"The Fireball Kid" shot to MMA stardom in Japan's Shooto promotion and later the PRIDE "Bushido" series with wins over Rumina Sato, Jens Pulver, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Hayato Sakurai. But after a submission loss to Nick Diaz at PRIDE 33 in March 2007, Gomi struggled to put on the decisive performances that were a hallmark of his years at the top of the division.

Ever since Gomi's UFC deal was announced, many fans question whether the fighter still has the motivation to fight.

Still, Gomi is currently riding a two-fight win streak with a decision win over Tony Hervey at Vale Tudo Japan 2009 and a knockout of Takashi Nakakura at "Shooto: Tradition Final," respectively. Now hoping to find success with the UFC, Gomi disagrees with the statements of countryman Shinya Aoki, who recently told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that the UFC will not succeed in Japan.

"The fighting environment is different from the U.S, that's one of the reasons I'm fighting in the United States and the UFC," Gomi said. "But I still believe that in Japan, the mixed martial arts trend is still going.

"I don't know why (Aoki would say that)."

UFC Fight Night 21 headliner Takanori Gomi still looking for career challenges | MMAjunkie.com

If he beats Kenflo he should get all the challenge he needs in BJ.

[Pasha K]

I like him and I hope he beats Florian.
I just hope he wont be a new Mirko, but LW version.

[Chute_Boxe44]

I really don't see this fight going well for Gomi. I think Florian is looking to make a statement with this fight. He is gonna come in and use the same game plan as Diaz on the feet and pick him apart from the outside. Gomi won't be able to take Kenny down and this is gonna get him so frustrated that he's going to start throwing bombs and leave himself exposed. Kenny will take advantage of this and finish him via tko 2nd round.

[IamLMNOP]

This is something that kinda popped in my head the other day. If Gomi loses this fight, Penn may try out WW again. I mean, if Penn and Hughes both win in April, they could set up Penn Vs Hughes 3. People might not like that fight, but I think it could be a good fight for Penn back at WW.

Hell, even if Renzo wins they could set up that rematch too.

[IamLMNOP]

Oh and totally off topic, but how do I give people rep? Or is that something I just can't do yet?

Thanks

[Chute_Boxe44]

click the little white scale icon thing thats between their online status, and "report post" button.

[willpunisher]

all the challenge he needs? Kenny is no BJ. NOT even clooooooose.
idk which Gomi will show up but if its the same wrecking machine from the early days from pride than Kenny will be just a stepping stone for a war against BJ.

[lwbrewer]

Gomi got a challedge in Kenny if he loses whats nexted for BJ. With that I'd like to see him win, but like Kenny as a fighter. As long as BJ stays LW Kenny realy doesn't have a shot at winning the title. Hopefully somebody new comes along with some exstruddenary talent to live'n up the div.

[IamLMNOP]

Originally Posted by Chute_Boxe44

click the little white scale icon thing thats between their online status, and "report post" button.

Ahhhh. Thanks

[One-Way]

I wish they would have tuned Gomi up a little first. Give him an easier fight and then Florian. I really, REALLY, REALLY want to see Gomi vs. Penn 2. Deep down in my heart I think that Florian is going to beat Gomi (not that I want it that way). I dont think it will even be a close fight, either. Unfortunatly Kenny will destroy Gomi and we will never see the Penn fight. IMHO