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Shockwave 2003 Post-Fight Interviews Recap
December 31, 2003 Japan
NOTES: ROYCE GRACIE (paraphrasing 20 minute PRIDE post fight interview) - In the after fight interview conducted by PRIDE, Royce thanked his entire family by name - very humble - giving a lot of credit to his family
- Royce said he had heard that Yoshida asked for a rematch about seven weeks ago
- Royce said that he had been training since then
- Royce said he previously asked for a rematch the day after his controversial loss to Yoshida
- He also said Yoshida is very tough, very strong, but he did asked a reporter (in response to a question if he thought he won) - look at the fight and tell me who you think won
- Royce said that this fight cleared his throat because he felt that he was robbed in his previous bout with Yoshida (left a bad taste in his throat)
- When asked if he wanted a rematch with Yoshida - Royce responded that it was up to the show
- Says he respects Yoshida now because he took his beating like a man
- Royce said he fought without a Gi because it was part of the strategy that Royler came up with
- Royce said that by not wearing a Gi, Yoshida could not hold him and stall
- At the end of the interview, Royce said "tonight, let say, I was driving a yellow bus, school bus, and I took Yoshida to school" chuckling after he said it.
NOTES: DANIEL GRACIE (paraphrasing 6 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- Says the outcome was what he was preparing for
- Says Sakata is a tough guy - called him a Samurai - Says he respects him - says he has a brave heart - Ryan Gracie agreed
- Says he wants to fight Nakamura again - doesn't think he lost that fight
- Says Renzo tought him everything he knows
- Says he thinks Royce won his fight
- Says Yoshida showed them he is a strong fighter (getting better with every fight)
- Thanked PRIDE and dedicated the fight to Renzo
NOTES: GARY GOODRIDGE (paraphrasing 12 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- When asked about his win - Gary said it was a little emotional and that Frye was a big hill for him to climb
- He also said he may have been a little lucky but it's still a win
- Says that he wants to stay in the game commentating, refereeing, or judging
- Says he doesn't want to retire (that there are certain things that are making him retire)
- Says he felt an emptiness, sorrow leaving the ring for the last time - it's sad, not happy about it
- Says it's a personal decision that had to be made for retiring - not happy about it
- Most memorable moment in his career - this fight
- Said Frye is a great fighter - loves the man (Good respect given to Frye)
NOTES: HEATH HERRING (paraphrasing 8 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- Says his opponent was a really Big guy
- Didn't know the fight until two days before Christmas - hard to prepare - never saw his opponent before
- Says you have to respect his size and strength
- Says he was nervous at the start to attack more - tried to stay away and throw low kicks
- Says Giant caught him once good and thought he better watch for that
- Says he was worried about getting too close and having Giant fall on him or something
- Says his leg kicks took a toll on Giant
- Says the fight didn't really show his skills
- Said this fight may have been more of a side attraction
- Still gave good respect to Giant though
NOTES: "RAMPAGE" JACKSON (paraphrasing 3 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- Wished everyone a Happy New Year
- Said he felt like getting drunk
- Said he broke his right hand (has it bandaged)
- Said Minowa was tough
- Said he liked Minowa because he fights like him sometimes
- Said Minowa has a hard head
- Said he talked to Minowa after the fight - Minowa told him he wanted a rematch
- Says he felt his hand brake in the first two or three minutes of the first round
NOTES: GIANT SILVA (paraphrasing 5 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- Said this was his first time in a MMA bout
- Said he tried to do his best
- Said Herring is very fast
- Said Herring hurt him with the leg kicks
- Said it was a little hard for him because he doesn't have a lot of experience
- Says he has a pro-wrestling match on January 4th and that his legs will be okay
- Said herring was too fast for him to take him down
- Said he didn't have time to train for this type of fight
- Sounded humble
NOTES: Don Frye (paraphrasing 2 minute PRIDE post fight interview)
- Said he felt pretty bad, pretty embarrassed
- Said he didn't see the kick coming (said it was a great kick)
- Said he is hoping to get into the PRIDE heavyweight tournament
- Said he'll fight Goodridge when he comes out of retirement (said he has retired four times)
- Looked and sounded very disappointed
(12/31/03)
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