Takanori Gomi says he could “easily” take the belt away from Frankie Edgar, as BJ Penn wants to fight as soon as possible
Despite a disappointing first UFC bout against Kenny Florian, ever since Takanori Gomi made light work of Tyson Griffin, many are calling this his “second coming”. A brutal knockout, not seen since the early days of the “Fireball Kid”, has prompted this, and now fans and clambering to see if he can follow it up in his next bout. Even UFC President enjoyed the performance enough to award Gomi The Knockout of the Night award, as well as a sweet little bonus.
But since it would appear Gomi himself believes he is on a comeback trail, he has some strong idea’s about his next opponent. Speaking at the UFC Undisputed 2010 Japan press conference, Gomi told his native crowd:
“”BJ (Penn) and (Kenny) Florian have a jiu-jitsu base so I had a hard time dealing with them but the champion has a wrestling base so I can fight him calmly. I’m aiming for the belt? Yes, I am. I think I can take the belt. Hmmm…I wonder if I’m stronger than the champ?” (Gomi smiles)
Gomi, one time top of every Lightweight rankings board the world over, is currently 32-6-0-2 overall. His vicious striking and speed earned him his nickname during his PRIDE days. In his last 6 fights, Gomi has went 3-3.
Meanwhile, BJ Penn released another video addressing his fans, where he talks about his intentions to return as soon as possible. The former Champ was seen in a disappointing (at least from Penn’s perspective) at this weekends UFC 118, where he dropped a unanimous 50-45 decision to Frankie Edgar, in a rematch of their UFC 112 bout. With both fighters looking for opponents, could we see BJ Penn vs Takanori Gomi? Much has changed since Penn defeated Gomi via rear naked choke in 2003, and a rematch would guarantee a huge crowd.
