29.12.2008 Satoshi Ishii linked to UFCOlympic gold medalist in talks with Dana White
UFC president Dana White has made public his interest in signing a deal with Beijing Olympics gold medal-winning judoka Satoshi Ishii, who reportedly made up his mind to negotiate with the American production after watching this weekend’s end-of-the-year show, UFC 92. The candid expression of intent from the UFC top dog could suggest the promotion has its eye on a return to the attractive, but hostile, Japanese market, as judo stars have traditionally proven top draws in the Far Eastern nation.
"Satoshi Ishii has the potential to be very successful in mixed martial arts. 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," Dana White is quoted as saying on the official UFC website. According to the same article, the interest in fighting for the event is mutual, as Ishii says he is studying the possibility of training in Las Vegas and entering negotiations. “I was impressed with the training programs here in Las Vegas and the UFC event. I am looking forward to working with the UFC and to developing my mixed martial arts skills," the Olympic champion is quoted as saying.
Should a deal be reached, it would not be the first time Dana White decides to add a relatively untested fighter to his roster, as the recent addition of former professional wrestler Brock Lesnar proved successful by generating record pay-per-view sales. With the Olympic hero’s performance in MMA an unknown, one could speculate White sees the judoka as a Trump card to guarantee ticket and pay-per-view sales in an eventual return of the event to the island nation, and overcome any bitterness Japanese fans may hold for the UFC for having purchased and disbanded the popular Pride event in 2007.
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