Roberto Satoshi has plain grappling expertise however has additionally proven clear evolution within the stand-up recreation after folding Brazilian knockout artist Luiz Gustavo in simply 21 seconds in his most up-to-date title protection. Again to the ring on Dec. 31, he hopes to be seen in another way exterior of Japan.
The jiu-jitsu professional places his 155-pound belt on the road in opposition to Vugar Karamov on the iconic Saitama Tremendous Area in Japan and stated in an interview with MMA Combating that he likes the very fact his opponent has executed effectively in different promotions earlier than changing into featherweight champion in RIZIN.
“I informed you as soon as that I used to be like a cocky purple belt in hanging, and I’m like a brown belt now,” Satoshi laughed. “I had knocked folks out earlier than, however they weren’t nice strikers, they did extra floor and pound and grapplers. I used to be very joyful to knock out a striker like him as a result of I get to indicate I’ve an entire recreation. I’m the champion, and I’ve to indicate I’m full, that I’ve no flaws. It’s like folks say: you need to put some respect on my title. Thank God I used to be ready to try this in my final fights.”
Karamov went 1-0 beneath the Bellator banner, stopping Gustavo Wurlitzer in 99 seconds again in 2019 in Israel, however by no means returned to the corporate. As an alternative, he joined RIZIN and kicked off a run that may culminate with successful the promotion’s 145-pound title in 2023, tapping out Japanese star Mikuru Asakura. Karamov misplaced his belt to Chihiro Suzuki and lately rebounded with a 28-second knockout in opposition to Kazumasa Majima this previous November.
Satoshi admits he was “very stunned” that Karamov determined to maneuver up a division and problem him on Dec. 31, and stated he’s nothing like his teammate Tofiq Musayev. Satoshi and Musayev met for the RIZIN vacant light-weight title again in 2021, and Satoshi choked him out in simply 81 seconds.
“I feel [Karamov] and Tofiq are fully completely different,” Satoshi stated. “See, Kleber [Koike] and I, we’re teammates, and we have now completely different sturdy factors, however we’re form of related in a manner. I feel Tofiq and Karamov are fully completely different. Tofiq is an murderer within the hanging, very explosive and quick on the ft with virtually nothing on the bottom. Karamov is form of the alternative. He has the hanging and throws heavy punches, however he’s not a knockout artist, he takes you down and floor and pound. He has extra submissions than knockouts in his profession.”
Karamov scored three of his six RIZIN victories by the use of submission, 9 of 20 general in MMA, however going to the bottom with a talented grappler like Satoshi could be a unique problem. The Brazilian has 10 submissions in 17 MMA wins, 9 within the opening spherical.
“I’m anticipating him to do the sport he at all times does, takedowns and floor and pound, however folks often concern preventing me on the bottom,” Satoshi stated. “He scored a quick knockout final time, so perhaps he is available in assured on his fingers. However jiu-jitsu is my factor and I’m at all times coaching to ensure I’m prepared for any variations, ensuring I don’t get dominated by this Russian model.”
