Leonardo Santos and the future at Sengoku

Leonardo Santos and the future at SengokuMonday 08th of June 2009 02:49 PM

By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Eduardo Ferreira

After five consecutive victories inBrazil, being the last four in the first round, Leonardo Santos returned to the Japanese MMA, where he made his debut in the professional rings. Facing Kazunori Yokota, the Brazilian made the fight that would determine the next candidate for the belt of the event, against the champion Satoru Kitaoka. In 15 minutes of fight, the black belt of the Nova União ended defeated in the split decision, but disagrees with the result.

"The fight was very tight, but I didn’t give all that I trained. I was well trained, confident and happy, but I think I felt the time zone, I was a little sleepy. In my opinion, of other reporters and even Kitaoka, I won the fight", says Léo, recalling the fight. "The fight was very tight. I won the second round, I was more aggressive. I dominated the four minutes of fight, passed, got the back, but, remaining 30 seconds, he left the position and turn in front of me. He came like a crazy trying to beat me, but nothing that hit me, just showing aggressiveness in this 30 seconds, which impressed the judges".

Even winning the fight that would determine the next challenger to the title, Yokota wasn’t scheduled to face the champion, who will defend, on August 2, the title against Mizuta Hirota. "We sent a letter to there complaining, because whoever won the fight would fight for the belt, but they didn’t put Yokota to fight with Kitaoka, so I'm waiting to see what happens", said the black belt in the expectation for the definition of his future in Sengoku. "I have more fights in the contract, but we have to wait. I have a contract of one year with them. We didn’t ask for a rematch, we only said that we don’t agree with the result. We’ll let on their hands to see what will be done", concluded the fighter.