Yushin Okami: Title Fight with Anderson Silva – FIGHTING WORDS

By Sean Farrell

For some reason everybody flocks to see a fight with pound for pound king Anderson Silva, from the “I just want to see him lose” to the always hilarious “He isn’t that good, I need to see the hype.” whatever your opinion may be, you will be tuning in tomorrow night to witness his next title defense against Yushin Okami at UFC 134 and here is why.

The first time these two met, Yushin Okami won via DQ after Silva landed an illegal upkick to the kneeling Okami knocking him out. Now, these two will step into the Octogon in the biggest stage of MMA to settle this once and for all on who is the best middleweight in the world.

Yushin Okami also understands there are favorites and underdogs in everything, and has no problem playing underdog Saturday night. “I am inspired by watching various sports,” Okami said. “Especially, I was inspired by the victory of the Japanese women’s soccer team in the World Cup at this time. It taught me how important it is for me to believe in myself once again.” Okami knows many believe he can’t be the one to stop Silva even with his impressive 26-5 MMA record. Since entering the UFC, the man they call “Thunder” has lost just twice, to Rich Franklin and Chael Sonnen, with both defeats coming by decision. “I believe it (a win over Silva) would add one more boost to the Japanese people who are now working really hard to reconstruct Japan. Japan has been suffering in a difficult situation, and when I think about what I can do, the answer is getting the belt from Anderson, so I have been focusing on it,” Okami said. When asked about holding a win over Silva Okami stated “I do not think that was my victory, I think the fight has never been given any conclusion. I am glad to bring an end to that fight on the best stage.”

Okami went 4-1 in his first five UFC matches, and even earned a rematch with Silva, which was set for UFC 90 in 2008. But a broken hand took him out of the bout and he has been working to secure another shot at the champion ever since.
Okami beat Nate Marquardt in 2010 in a title-eliminator, giving him this elusive meeting with Silva. When asked if he thought he never would get a title shot if he lost to Marquardt, Okami replied, “Yes, I did.”

“The victory over Marquardt gave me a lot of confidence,” Okami said. “Also by winning that fight, I was given a clear vision of my title shot, so I started to think about fighting Anderson Silva from that moment.”

Okami knows that Silva will be given a hero’s welcome by the Brazil faithful when he begins his walk to the Octagon tomorrow night, but Okami is confident,”I still remember his appearance. It was something like an aura. And I felt how good he was, but I will utilize that experience to guide myself to a better direction.”

Expect Okami to not be intimidated and to come ready to fight win or lose tomorrow night.