mma / News

Goiti Yamauchi Thinks Patricio Freire Is Overlooking Him

November 3, 2015 | Posted by Joseph Lee

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Goiti Yamauchi (19-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) said that Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Freire (24-2 MMA, 12-2 BMMA) is overlooking him when he says he has no more challenges. Freire will fight Daniel Straus (24-6 MMA, 10-3 BMMA) at Bellator 145 this Friday. Here are highlights:

On Freire’s claim that there are no more challenges: “I think that Patricio is disrespecting me and all the opponents I’ve already fought. He was losing his last fight with (Daniel) Straus, and would have been knocked out by (Daniel) Weichel in another five seconds – not to mention that he already lost to a bantamweight (Joe Warren). All he’s showing is one hell of a glass jaw. It’s very arrogant of him to say that there are no more challenges.”

On what would happen if they fought: “I’ll beat him. I know that he fears my ground game, but I will beat him on the feet. I will show how much better I am. I want to dominate him. He won’t reach me. I’m really rooting for him against Straus. I want to face him. I’m going to box with him and show how much better I am. If my hand connects, he won’t get up like in his other fights. I’ve given my message: He’s only keeping my belt warm.”

Manager Josef Borges on if Yamauchi needs more fights before a title shot: “With all respect to Coker’s position, I think that Goiti is on the same level or possibly above the promotion’s champion, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire. And I believe that Goiti has a great chance to beat either Freire or Straus. I don’t doubt that Goiti is ready. I think Goiti should be next for the belt. I personally believe that Daniel Straus will win this time, by using different tactics. We don’t choose Goiti’s opponents, but in my opinion, Goiti can beat either one without much difficulty. We hope that Scott Coker will change his mind and grant Goiti Yamauchi the chance to become champion.”