In the dynamic realm of mixed martial arts, an up-and-comer from the land of the rising sun has emerged and captivated audiences with his skill set and determination. Introducing Kana Watanabe, a talented judoka turned professional mixed martial arts (MMA) contestant.
Watanabe's path from tatami to cage was truly extraordinary.
With a formidable grappling arsenal and an unwavering competitive spirit, Kana amassed an impressive 9-0 record in Japan before traveling overseas to test his mettle on the world stage.
Now, she aims to become the best female flyweight fighter and carve her name into mixed martial arts history.
sports look We caught up with Kana ahead of his Professional Fighters League debut in the 2024 regular season tournament. Kana, 35, spoke about his blossoming career in an interview.
Here is an excerpt:
compete at international level
In your post-fight interview after the 2019 RIZIN event, you said you wanted RIZIN to create a flyweight division and expressed your desire to conquer it. You also said that you are interested in competing overseas to become the best in the world in your weight class.
Ever since I started my career in MMA, I have always wanted to compete against the best fighters in the world. I thought that America's fighter jets were of a higher level than Japan's. So I wanted to test myself against the competition.I was really happy when I got the contract for the first time. [Bellator] To compete internationally.
We achieved victory in our overseas debut match. What did you find out about the level of competition?
Honestly, I thought we would win. However, compared to Japanese players, there was a clear difference in their physique and physicality, and I felt their strength. [international fighters] teeth.
What did you think of the season and the other fighters on the roster before your first match in the PFL Regular Season Tournament (April 4th in San Antonio, Texas)?
Since the league is a long season, it is important to maintain your weight and how to win and compete while minimizing injuries.
There are a lot of top fighters, former champions and UFC fighters, so I'm very honored to be able to challenge them and be a part of the roster.
I think more celebrities will join in the near future [the roster] Because of the prize money.
Your fight is on April 4th, but your opponent, Shanna Young, has dropped weight. As a result, they will be competing in a catchweight match.
When I actually looked at it, it was much bigger than I expected. I thought I had to fight hard.
My strategy remains the same. Just do your best to the best of your ability.
Editor's note: In the PFL women's flyweight division, Kana Watanabe defeated Shana Young by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3) to earn three points.
The road to number one
Given your judo background, is there anyone who has inspired you to become a mixed martial artist or the best in the world?
When I think of someone I would like to imitate, I can't think of anyone.I retired from [competitive] Although he was good at judo, he still had a strong desire to become a world champion. That's when I thought about becoming a mixed martial artist.
At first I didn't understand anything, but I wanted to aim higher.And the closest person with something similar [skill set] Probably Ronda Rousey since she has a background in judo.
I want to be known as the “only one” and original.
Thinking about your future and your career, what results do you want to achieve?
If I become PFL [women’s flyweight] Champion, my goal remains the same. I want to compete at the top and be on top. From the beginning, this was my goal.
In judo, my goal was to compete at the Olympic level. That's why I don't want to set goals lower than that. That's why I want to be the best in the world.
Do you remember the moment you decided to be number one in life?
I started judo when I was young, and I can't say it's because judo is an Olympic sport, but from the time I started I had a strong desire to be the best.
Trivia
You recently posted a photo on social media with Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko. Please tell me about how you met him.
I asked him to take a photo. [with him] And he accepted. Unfortunately, I can't speak English at all, so I couldn't have a conversation with him.
In 2019, when Bellator was in Japan, I was competing in the same tournament as Fedor. I wanted to tell him that, but he couldn't say it in English.
Choose from two options.
Do you like to rest on your days off or do you like to do something active?
I don't usually make time to rest.
Morning or night?
I'm a night owl.
Rice or bread?
rice
Meat or fish?
meat
When you want to relax, do you listen to music or watch something?
I watch TV dramas and series instead of listening to music.but [for relaxing] I love listening to podcasts!
conclusion
Do you have a message for your fans?
A lot of things happened leading up to this match, including my opponent being underweight.
I want to show the world the strength of the Japanese people. I train in Japan, not America. [and] We want to show the world the power we have cultivated in Japan. See us prove it in the next fight.
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Author: Galileo Ferrari
