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May 23, 2004 Yokohama Arena Yokohama, Japan
For all those who don't have the capability to download the post-fight interviews conducted by PRIDE and the media on their website (http://www.pridefc.com/index_j.html), the following are very short recaps of the interviews (they do contain results). Unfortunately, English interviews only. Many of the questions are inaudible so some just contain responses.
Matt Foki (Foki Salutes everyone) When asked about his impressions about the fight: Foki stated that it was very tough. He said Alex hits very, very hard. He tried to get inside but Alexandre just kept him back with his long arms. Foki said that when Alexandre was on top, he was very, very heavy - very, very hard to get back up. It was very tough.
The next question was inaudible but his response was: Train harder
Foki's brother, who was sitting next to him, was also asked a question and his response was: It’s hard to watch your brother (Matt) get hit when there is nothing you can do about it. It’s their first time over there (Japan). They enjoyed the PRIDE event and they would like to come back.
(They Thank everyone)
Carlos Newton (Newton salutes everyone) When asked what his impression of the fight was: Newton said Takase was very strong. It was a very good fight. He deeply believes he deserved to win but the judges decided it was Takase's night tonight. Newton said he respects that and he congratulates Takase.
When asked about studying his opponent and how the fight went: Newton stated that he did study his techniques. Newton thought he was more aggressive on the ground. He thought that Takase more or less tried to neutralize his attacks and that was it.
When asked about his impression of Takase's closed guard: Newton said his closed guard is very defensive. He thought it was very dangerous. It was difficult to counter.
When asked if he thought he should be more defensive: Newton said he tried to make the fight very exciting. Takase is a niwaza (ground fighting) player and sometimes when two niwaza players get together, it’s very hard to make an exciting fight but that he was determined to try to make it an exciting fight every time. He doesn't want to be a defensive fighter. He always wants to go for the win.
Inaudible question but Newton's response was: He thinks everyone understands what happens. Tomorrow is a new day.
When asked if he wanted to stay at his weight or move up: Newton said he wanted to keep his weight the same
When asked what he’d like for his next fight: He said his next fight he would like to be in PRIDE – Bushido 4 or 5. He looks forward to his next fight. He would like to have a rematch with Takase someday but it doesn’t have to be his next fight. He looks forward to his next fight.
(Thanks everyone)
Chalid "Die Faust" - wearing a sling on his left arm When asked if he was seriously injured: He responded - I think so, yes.
When asked if he had seen the doctor: Chalid said yes, that the doctor said that he will need three weeks rest and that the doctor doesn't think that the muscle is ripped but injured.
When asked about his impression of the match: He said that he had everything under control. There was no moment when he thought he was in danger but after he ripped his muscle, he couldn't fight normally. He couldn't punch anymore, he couldn't box, shoot, or turn around from the ground. That's why he tried to improve but in the end, it didn't work. You can't fight if you have an injury.
When asked which muscle he injured: Chalid stated it was his chest muscle (pointing to the sling - left side).
When asked when the injury occurred: He said in the beginning when he tried to push Nakamura away, so it was his pushing that ripped his muscle and not his opponents technique.
When asked if he thought it was unfortunate that he accidentally injured his chest: He said definitely. He felt he was much faster than Nakamura and he saw everything that Nakamura tried to do. He stated he was really confident from the beginning on. He felt he was the boss in the ring. But the injury changed everything.
When asked about his future plans: He said he's always happy to fight in Japan - the people are always nice to him and they respect the sport. After the injury, he is going to come back for sure.
(Thanks everyone)
All the other post-fight interviews are either in Japanese, Portuguese, Korean, Russian, or French.
(5/23/04)
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