This Saturday, Deep jewels will hold the opening round of their flyweight tournament. When it was announced and the participants were revealed, familiar names like Shizuka Sugiyama, Rin Nakai, Nirvana, and Aoi Kuriyama were announced. However, one name was glaringly absent. That was Yukari Nabe. With a record of 10-3, a win over one of the participants, and a 4 fight win-streak, some people assumed that she would take part. While she may not be taking part, we thought that she would be a perfect person to give some insight on tournament. Not only is she actively fighting in that division, she has also fought two of the participants, Shizuka Sugiyama and Nirvana, and she trains with another in Shoko Fujita. Below is our conversation where we discuss why she couldn’t take part and her thoughts on the tournament itself.
CJ: First off, some people are wondering why you aren’t in the tournament. Can you talk about that?
Yukari: Well, since last year, I’ve been going to the hospital for regular treatment due to some health problems. So I spoke to my doctor and my coach at Me, We and I decided not to take part since I’m not at 100%.
CJ: I see, how are you doing now?
Yukari: I’m still going for regular treatment.
CJ: I’m sorry to hear that. Any idea on how long it will take to recover?
Yukari: It’s still uncertain, but I’ve been slowly getting better!
CJ: Well, I hope you feel better soon. Now let’s get into the upcoming tournament. What were your initial thoughts about it?
Yukari: Thank you. I was surprised to see Rin Nakai taking part! She’s a very worthy participant.
CJ: That’s a good point, I think a lot of people were surprised. What do you think about her in the tournament? I imagine a lot of people have her as the favorite to win.
Yukari: She’s experienced fighting in the UFC, so I think she’s one of the heavy favorites to win. However, my teammate from Me, We, Shoko Fujita, who will be fighting Nakai in the opening round, is also a very skilled fighter, so I think she will win! Other than that, I’m also really looking forward to the match between Shizuka Sugiyama and Micco Nirvana!
CJ: I see! By the way, you are Nakai are roughly the same age, did you ever meet in your Judo days?
Yukari: I don’t have any memory of meeting her but my high school traveled a lot so maybe we met at a camp or during a scrimmage!
CJ: So your teammate Fujita is going to fight Nakai in the opening round. What are your thoughts on that fight?
Yukari: My impression is that Nakai can strike and grapple, but I don’t think she’ll have an overwhelming advantage because Fujita is the better striker!
CJ: Is that because of her Karate background?
Yukari: That is part of it, but I think she’s one of the best strikers in Deep Jewels.
CJ: Back to her opponent, Nakai has only fought three times in the past five years. Do you think that will play a factor?
Yukari: I think it will play a factor.
CJ: Your other teammate, Sugiyama is also taking part in the tournament. You’ve fought her and her opponent Nirvana before. Having fought them both, how do you think this match will go?
Yukari: Generally, I think Sugiyama will win but Nirvana has her ankle locks and she’s an aggressive fighter who comes forward so this is the match I’m most looking forward to!
CJ: I see! What’d you think when Sugiyama chose to fight her?
Yukari: I think she thought Nirvana was the most interesting opponent to fight.
CJ: Did you give Sugiyama any advice?
Yukari: I didn’t give her any advice, all I said was please win!
CJ: Onto the next match between Kuriyama and Hanako. What are your thoughts on the fight?
Yukari: I don’t know either one of the very well, so I’m going to check them out during this match…
CJ: Hanako has a pretty strong wrestling background, did you see her debut?
Yukari: I heard that she’s a strong wrestler, but I didn’t see the match.
CJ: Alright, so as far as the tournament goes, what are your predictions for the opening round?
Yukari: I think Sugiyama, Fujita, Hanako, and TE-a will win!
CJ: Care to share why?
Yukari: Well, I think Sugiyama has a good feel for the game from her experience and I don’t think Mikko will be able to take advantage of her strong point, her grappling. I think Fujita will will a decision because of the damage she can do (I hope). Hanako will win because of her physicality and her wrestling ability. Finally, I think Te-a will win based on her opponent’s record.
CJ: I see! To wrap things up, are there any fights outside of the tournament that you are looking forward to?
Yukari: The Oshima and Hime fight. Hime is also strong so I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
CJ: Yes, they are. Have you ever trained with Hime?
Yukari: No, but I remember thinking she looked like a good striker when she fought Fujita.
CJ: Thank you for taking the time to talk about the tournament with us!
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