In an interview with Tom Gerbasi for UFC.com, Japanese lightweight Takanori Gomi says that MMA is definitely back on the rise in Japan. 

"The UFC coming back to Japan for the third time this year and I am feeling the heat from the fans." he said.The Japanese superstar is scheduled to face Myles Jury on the UFC Fight Night main card at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. He used to fight in the same arena when he was the champion for the Shooto and Pride banner.

Like Us on Facebook

With a 14-0 win-loss record, Jury has already been making waves, even breaking in UFC's 155-pound top ten. He used to look to Gomi as a stepping stone to break into contender status.

"The Fireball Kid" has struggled fighting away from his hometown since his coming to the UFC with alternating wins and loses in his last five fights.

"Speaking of home and away, I felt the venue was completely away for me when I fought against Rumina-san. Since then, I became a UFC fighter and most of my fights are away from home, so I am used to the situation now," Gomi said through translator and manager Mizuka Koike.

Furthermore, the Japanese fighter also expressed his appreciation of his opponent's acceptance to fight with him in Japan. 

"I don't really know about pressure, but I really appreciate the fact that Myles accepted to fight me in Japan," Gomi said.

Although Gomi is already an MMA legend in Japan with over forty pro fights, he still hopes to accomplish a lot more such as a title fight, just like the old days.

"It would be super cool if I get a title shot here in Japan in the near future," he said. 

Gomi turns 36 on Monday and he contents himself on reminiscing his glory days being a world champion in Japan.

TagsUFC, MMA, MMA News, Pride, PrideFC, Shootoo, Tokyo, Saitama, Takanori Gomi, Gomi, Legend, Superstar, RiSe