Mika Arai will be fighting this Saturday in Tokyo, Japan for Deep Jewels. The 27 year old has been very active so far in her short career, fighting in numerous weight classes. When I spoke to Mika, I got the impression of a young fighter who loves to fight. It doesn’t matter where, who, or at what weight. She will be fighting Micco Nirvana on Saturday and the event will be available on PPV.
Please enjoy this article as part of our series of articles introducing Deep Jewels’ new crop of fighters.
Check out her Instagram
CJ: What is your background in martial arts and how did you become a pro fighter?
Arami: I didn’t have a background in martial arts. Maybe Kendo if you stretch it (lol). I got into MMA because I happened to pass by a MMA gym and thought that I wanted to give it a try. So I went to a trial lesson and told the owner that I am going to go pro and become a champion. He told me that people like me quit because there is a gap between what we want and what is reality. Ever since then I have been working towards my goal of being a champion.
CJ:You have had matches at Fly-weight, Straw-weight, and Atom-weight. Why have you been involved in so many weight classes? Which weight class do you prefer?
Arami: I think my natural weight class is straw-weight. However, what I need now more than anything, is experience, so sometimes I don’t care if it is at straw-weight or not. Beside, I just like fighting, so if I can have a fiery match, I will fight against anyone! It is kind of romantic, the idea of a smaller opponent beating a bigger person.
CJ: What do you think of your next opponent? How do you think the fight is going to go?
Arami: She is a good fighter, who is good on the ground and is in good condition. It also seems like she is up for anything during the fight. I obviously can’t tell before we fight, but I think it’ll be a scramble maybe.
CJ: What are your goals in MMA?
Arami: My goal is a UFC belt. My smaller goals are to fight for Rizin and Invicta. I also want to get belts in those promotions.
CJ: Is there anyone you would like to fight?
Arami: It is not yet within my ability to fight the opponents I want to fight. I want to fight the current UFC champion, Weili and anyone who is strong in Japan (lol).
CJ: How has COVID019 affected your training? Has it been difficult?
Arami: There is Corona, but practice is still solid. I regularly test for Corona because of my upcoming match and I’m still in good physical condition.
CJ: Non-fight related, do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
Arami: When I’m indoors I like to read, I wouldn’t call it a hobby but when I am outdoors I like survival games and mountain climbing.
CJ: How did you get your nickname Arami?
Arami: Its a nickname from my school days. My real name is Mika Arai, so my nickname was Arami (Arai Mika). I then switched it to roman characters.
CJ: For a non-fighting related question, qhat is your favorite food?
Arami: Sashimi. I also like ice cream!
CJ: Lastly, is there anything you would like to say? Do you have a messge for the fans?
Arami: I don’t have a lot of sense. I want to show all the talents I have built up. I would like to thank all the fans for their support. I will keep gaining a lot of experience and win the championship belt, so please keep an eye out for me.
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