Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

By Rob Sargent – MMARising.com

On December 17th, Japanese star Hiroko “Cat’s Eye” Yamanaka takes on the toughest test of her MMA career. The 5’11″ Yamanaka faces champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos for the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Championship at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.

Yamanaka has tasted defeat only once; a loss that she avenged last year. Training with UFC veteran Kuniyoshi Hironaka at Master Japan has led to improvements in Yamanaka’s striking and ground game. She speaks with MMARising.com about her Strikeforce debut and representing Japan.

Hiroko Yamanaka (12-1-0) debuted in mixed martial arts in 2006. After one amateur fight, she entered the pro ranks and went on to win her first four fights in the former Smackgirl promotion. Yamanaka suffered her first and only defeat in 2008; a late-fight submission loss to Hitomi Akano. The setback motivated Yamanaka and she made changes to her training in order to develop new skills. Yamanaka went on to post a perfect 7-0 record in Smackgirl’s successor, Jewels, and has finished three straight opponents. She makes her Strikeforce debut as a significant underdog, but believes in her skills and hopes to bring championship gold back home to Japan.

Note: Phrasings changed slightly during translations for clarity and context.

MMARising.com: Hiroko, you have wanted to fight Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce for quite a while now. What are your thoughts on finally getting to face her?

Hiroko Yamanaka: First, I’m very glad to have this opportunity to fight overseas. It is also my honour to face the person who is considered as the strongest female fighter in the world. That being said, my goal is to win so I can end this year on a happy note.

MMARising.com: Are you excited to be able to fight in the United States for the first time?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Yes! At first I couldn’t believe it’s really happening, but now I’m getting more and more excited every day.

MMARising.com: You are a star in Jewels in Japan. Do you feel that you will be representing Jewels and Jewels fighters when you face Cyborg?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Yeah, that’s right. I was able to get a lot of experience at Jewels events, and they opened the door for me to fight overseas. I want to win not only for myself, but to PROVE the potential of Japanese female fighters.

MMARising.com: Cyborg is a good striker. What do you think is most important for you to beat her?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Not backing down. Keeping my own distance on the feet. Also, concentration!

MMARising.com: Jewels fights are in a ring and elbows are not allowed. Have you been training a lot with a cage and elbows for your Strikeforce fight?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Yes, I have been for about two years now.

MMARising.com: When you face Cyborg, it will be for her Strikeforce title. How would you feel if you are able to become a champion in Strikeforce?

Hiroko Yamanaka: It’s my biggest chance to shine EVER!

Hiroko Yamanaka (bottom) submits Esui at Jewels: “15th Ring.” (Photo Credit: GBR)

MMARising.com: You have improved a lot since you began training with Master Japan. What are the most important skills that you have been learning at the gym?

Hiroko Yamanaka: I’d say my striking rhythm.

MMARising.com: Some Japanese fighters have struggled recently when fighting in the United States. Why do you think this has happened?

Hiroko Yamanaka: I try not to think too hard about it…I don’t really know why.

MMARising.com: MMA is not as popular in Japan as it was before PRIDE closed in 2007. What needs to change to make MMA more popular again?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Exciting fights and more star fighters!

MMARising.com: Do you think that female fighters receive enough opportunities to fight in Japan?

Hiroko Yamanaka: Well, it’s still difficult right now, but I hope that opportunities will increase.

MMARising.com: Some female fighters retire after only a few years. How much longer would you like to fight in MMA?

Hiroko Yamanaka: I haven’t decided yet, so I don’t really have any idea right now.

MMARising.com: Do you have a message that you would like to send to Strikeforce fans in North America?

Hiroko Yamanaka: USA, here I come! I’m gonna show you a great fight in Strikeforce! Thanks for all of the support!

Hiroko Yamanaka faces Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos for the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Championship at Strikeforce: “Melendez vs Masvidal” on December 17th. The event takes place at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California and airs live on Showtime in the United States and Super Channel in Canada.

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

• MMA
• Sports

This post is related to an ongoing story:

• MMA: The Women Ain't Goin' Nowhere

View Original Post at wombatsports.wordpress.com

View MarQFPR's Full Profile