When and why did you start training for fighting? I saw the Royce Gracie vs Kazushi Sakuraba fight and started training immediately afterwards.

What ranks and titles have you held? Ranked eighth at featherweight in Professional SHOOTO.

Do you have any heroes? Chuck Liddell

What is your favorite technique? Punch

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It’s a place where I can compete to obtain the top position in the world.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Waiter

Most memorable professional fight?  I still remember that it was a good fight against Takeya Mizugaki, who is champion of Cage Force tournament last  
December and I fought against him in November, 2006 at SHOOTO.

What was your most challenging professional fight? My first WEC fight against Chris Manuel

Did you compete in any other sport at college or professional level? I played baseball for about eight years

Who were your training partners for this fight? Nothing special – just my teammates as usual.

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? Antonio Banuelos is really powerful. So I’ve focused more on my physical strength this time.

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? It is absolutely to WIN every time in the WEC.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? I really like to practice martial arts and in MMA it’s possible to use many techniques standing and on the ground.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I started watching this sport since UFC 1
and I hope to stay in it a long time.