Gomi to the UFC?

[demzor]

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LAS VEGAS -- Takanori Gomi ([Only registered and activated users can see links]), once considered to be one of the best lightweight fighters in the world, has signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC. MMAFighting.com ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) learned of the acquisition from sources on Friday.

Nicknamed "The Fireball Kid," Gomi (31-5-0, 1 NC) had talked about wanting to sign with Strikeforce or the UFC in 2010, and recently spent some time training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif.

No word on when and where Gomi will make his debut for the UFC. The organization has yet to officially announce the signing.

The former PRIDE lightweight champion has recently gotten his career back on track after losing two straight fights in Sengoku. Gomi followed up his victory over Takahashi Nakakura at the Shooto: Traditional Final event in May with a unanimous decision win over Tony Hervey at Vale Tudo Japan 2009 in October.

He holds notable victories over Rumina Sato, Jens Pulver, Hayato Sakurai, Duane Ludwig and Mitsuhiro Ishida.



I think its a little late for Gomi.. but I won't complain.

[chimba]

Gomi brings excitement whether hes a 3rd stringer in a ppv. UFC needs anything it can get right now.

[Delroc]

this has cro cop written all over it.

i hope he does good but something tells me his best days are over.

[LB3000]

Was expecting this as he has been in negotiations with UFC and Strikeforce for a while now. I think he is past his best but if he can get some of his hunger/desire back he can be a handful for a lot of guys. I'm not expecting him to do as bad as Cro Cop (in the UFC), you never know though. As Chimba said, at least the guy will bring some excitment. Spending more time again at AKA (or another good camp in the US) will do him a lot of good. I wish him the best and hope he does well.

[jimmie]

Gomi and Cro Cops problems arent physical its all mental. Neither guys talent and skills have eroded very much. Cro Cop got KTFO for several minutes about Gonzaga with his own trademark headkick hes been gunshy ever since. Gomi for me just has to truely dedicate himself to his training you cant half ass your training and show up for fights. I thought he looked strong knocking out Nakakura and decisioning Hervey this year although the Hervey fight was 5 rounds and he gassed badly. I think a good first fight is Nate Diaz remember Gomi's last USA fight was vs Nick so alittle revenge maybe and we know Diaz has a great chin, great jiujitsu and great cardio which could cause Gomi some issues.

[LB3000]

That wouldn't be a bad first fight. Another option could be someone like Spencer Fisher. Dana confirms the Gomi signing (at the 4:38 mark) in his latest video blog.

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[jimmie]

That wouldn't be a bad first fight. Another option could be someone like Spencer Fisher. Dana confirms the Gomi signing (at the 4:38 mark) in his latest video blog.

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Fisher would be a war.

[scurlaruntings]

this has cro cop written all over it.

i hope he does good but something tells me his best days are over.Truth. Nice to see him in the UFC but he would have fit in better at Strikeforce. UFC is the big keagues. And i cant see he's recent sabbatical paying any dividends.

[theHawtness]

gomi can't fight anymore.

[Stoo]

Skip and pause the 30 sec mark on the blog guys

[achillesthegreat]

I think White has got over excited about this based on his blog. Gomi doesn't rock my world at the moment.

[BewareofDawg]

Can Gomi really beat Florian and Sanchez?

[scurlaruntings]

Can Gomi really beat Florian and Sanchez?Gomi's done. I cant see him even making a dent in the UFC.