Satoshi Ishii Wants To Fight In UFC

The potential DREAM exodus continues. This time the departing notable name is top judoka Satoshi Ishii, who today in Japan told the press that instead of apparently planning to sign with DREAM he wants to sign with and fight in UFC, even if it means going to WEC first.

Article

wow now thats stepping up, leaving his home country where he's probably a star to come here for harder opponents and harsher fans. idk if this is a good or bad sign for Dreams.

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Posted by 4u2nv

wow now thats stepping up, leaving his home country where he's probably a star to come here for harder opponents and harsher fans. idk if this is a good or bad sign for Dreams.

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The future doesn't look good for FEG, as far as Dream goes.

A couple things to add to this story from Mania's just-posted report:
He had a verbal agreement with FEG in place and was expected to make his Japanese MMA debut at K-1 Dynamite!! Not happening now.

He'll be heading to American Top Team in March.

He's already marked man back home. In addition, his Judo Federation doesn’t seem too keen on the idea of him making the jump from Judo to mixed martial arts, despite Ishii’s persistence.

From Tokyo’s Kokushikan University program leader Kazuo Yoshimura:
“This guy turns everybody into an enemy. He’d better get out [of Japan] without delay.”

Full story and usual Mania humor after the jump:
Mania Article

Wow, that's absolutely insane. He was offered a contract worth 5 million, from FEG with escalators. He's also one of the most popular sports figures in Japan and probably would have made a ton in endorsements as well.

He's giving up a lot, because he'll never see that kind of money from the UFC. I find it hard to believe the UFC would take him in, without having at least made a debut in smaller show.

I give the Ishii a lot of respect for wanting to fight the best, despite having to give up more lucrative offers to reach that end. I like that he seems to be more concerned with being the best, rather than being rich.