Yuichiro Nagashima: Winning the K-1 World MAX Grand Prix for Japan

by Dave Walsh on Jun 30, 2010 8:43 AM EDT in K-1 MAX Comment 2 comments

Nagashima kicks for the press, via www.gbring.com

World Cup fever is in full effect the world over right now, so of course it is impossible for it not to bleed over into combat sports a bit. Yuichiro Nagashima held an open workout for the press today where he appealed to himself be a goalkeeper for Japan after their failure in the World Cup, joining with other super power nations who have fallen in the World Cup.

This just instilled a greater sense of urgency for Nagashima, who now wants to help regain the honor of Japan by picking up on Masato's legacy and claiming victory for Japan in this year's World MAX Grand Prix. He mentioned Andre Dida, a Brazilian and the "Miracle in Miami" from 1996 where Brazil defeated Japan in the first round of the World Cup and how this year he would defeat the Brazilian representative in the opening of the Final 16 and then move on to win the whole tournament.

Now, of course, what it comes down to is heart and skill, which Nagashima is heavy on both. Nagashima had problems getting everything together and clicking last year, but this year went on a tear at the World MAX Japan tournament and it will be hard to bet against him. He came out aggressive and showed great defense as well as offense.

SBN coverage of K-1 MAX -63kgs Final/70kgs Final 16

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Nagashima making a run deep into the tournament this year would be really exciting. Not only is he extremely fun to watch, but there’s the whole “next Masato” storyline behind every Japanese MAX fighter. With possibly no Souwer, Petrosyan or Buakaw I definitely think Nagashima could make a really good run in the tournament. With his power and improved defense, he could definitely be a force.

by mocavious sam on Jun 30, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

He can win Dida but in Final 8 he will have problems with big names
He has not enough power to win fighters like Kraus , Souwer , Petrosyan and ……
maybe some experience help him in next years.

by k1wgp on Jul 1, 2010 12:55 AM EDT reply actions