As I’ve covered extensively in the past, Japan has long been one of the superpowers in mixed martial arts, but it has had a steady decline in the skills of the fighters it produces and the amount of prospects sprouting from its roots. While we have spent considerably time mulling over how those problems can be remedied, there is still hope among some fans that Japan’s greatest stars of the past can still prove they have the skills to compete with the best in West.
We’ve seen those fights actually happen in more recent times, most notably Shinya Aoki vs Gilbert Melendez and Takanori Gomi vs. Kenny Florian. The major difference in these two battles is that Aoki is considered Japan’s best right now whereas Gomi is seen as a declining legend of Japanese mixed martial arts. While Aoki suffered defeat and abruptly reclaimed some interest in a rematch with Melendez after successfully submitting Tatsuya Kawajiri, Gomi’s chance will come on Sunday evening as he battles long-time UFC veteran Tyson Griffin (14-3, 7-3 UFC).
We can view this fight in many different ways from a broad look to a more specific and meticulous angle. Some might refer to it as PRIDE vs. UFC, the old guard vs. the new era, or the typical American “wrestleboxer” prototype vs. Japan’s best version of the American “wrestleboxer”. In any case, these fighters are on similar footing in terms of style, but there are plenty of questions that have come to the forefront of discussion surrounding this match-up after both fighters’ most recent performances.
Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi (31-6, 0-1 UFC) finally entered the UFC back in March after a very disappointing string of appearances that saw him lose considerable status in Japan with losses to Satoru Kitaoka and Sergey Golyaev. Even in an easier match-up against Tony Hervey, Gomi didn’t look like the dominating PRIDE champion we had known and loved, and the reports and first-hand accounts of Gomi’s motivation problems also surfaced and worried fans.
His debut against one of the UFC’s best in Kenny Florian didn’t help matters in terms of his motivation, but Gomi did look as if he had taken the fight rather seriously considering the fact that his last few performances hinted at the notion that he didn’t train as well as he could have. Following the loss, questions were asked, but none were answered. Is Gomi in the midst of a rebuilding phase? Or is the UFC’s best simply too much for a fighter who once crushed opponents with his heavy hands and solid wrestling?
Tyson Griffin will surely answer those questions as he has top notch wrestling, great cardio, good power, and a solid kickboxing game on the feet. Questions also surround Griffin, although I’m not exactly sure how relevant they will be in a battle with Gomi. His loss to Evan Dunham at UFC 115 certainly put some scrutiny on Griffin’s ground game and his effectiveness in the stand-up game, and while I would normally believe it pertains to any fight — Gomi is only a ground threat if he can land cleanly and pound on his opponent from top control.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. Griffin’s wrestling is the major key in this fight, but Gomi’s heavy hands are still a legitimate threat in the stand-up game. While I wouldn’t normally push the wrestler vs. puncher cliche too far, I think that’s exactly how each fighter wins respectively. Gomi’s chin has shown resiliency and toughness in the past, and he’s willing to eat a few blows to land one devastating shot. Griffin hasn’t show exceptional power though, and he’s remained relatively quiet in terms of takedown shots and wrestling in his more recent appearances.
I have a feeling that will change in this fight however. It’s no secret that Gomi’s wrestling was once solid enough to compete with some of the best in the world, but it’s obvious he’s let that portion of his skill-set slump. With age or without motivation, we don’t know why it’s declined or been neglected, but it’ll need to make a comeback if Gomi wants to win.
I’m torn on this bout. Griffin’s inability to finish on the feet along with the fact that he can be reluctant to go to the ground in exchange for the opportunity to punch someone out has me on the border. On the other hand, the perfect gameplan for Griffin is to constantly shoot and put Gomi in a grappling match, an area that Gomi has obvious problems.
I’m taking Gomi. Yeah… because I’m still a PRIDE fanboy despite not caring at all about stupid PRIDE vs. UFC debates. I simply want to see Gomi succeed, and I think Griffin is an opponent he can capitalize against. A motivated Gomi must show up, but having reach and height on Griffin along with knockout power helps. His wrestling must improve, or it’s going to be three rounds of hell for Gomi. Here’s to hoping!