Yushin Okami
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Yushin Okami | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 181 lb (82 kg) |
| Nationality |  Japanese |
| Born | July 21, 1981 |
| Town of birth | Kanagawa, Japan |
| Fighting style | Wajyutsu |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Wins | 19 |
| By knockout | 7 |
| By submission | 4 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
Yushin Okami (岡見勇信 (?), born July 21, 1981) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He currently fights at middleweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
[edit] Career
A relative newcomer to the sport, Okami has only been competing on the professional level since 2002. Okami started his career fighting in several different organizations, such as Pancrase and PRIDE, amassing a record of 6-0 before being defeated by Amar Suloev. He would continue fighting in multiple promotions before arriving at Rumble on the Rock, one of Hawaii's most well-known organizations, where he competed in their 175 lb tournament. This particular tournament was held in high regard by the mixed martial arts community, as well-known fighters such as Anderson Silva, Frank Trigg, Renato Verissimo, and Jake Shields were to be involved.
In the opening round of the tournament, Okami fought Anderson Silva; the bout resulted in a disqualification victory for Okami, as Silva executed an illegal kick that knocked Okami to the mat. The referee intervened immediately, calling a stop to the fight. In the next round of the tournament, Okami faced Jake Shields, a tournament favorite. However, Okami used his takedown defense and striking range to hold Shields to a majority decision; however, the decision did not lean in Okami's favor. Shields would go on to win the tournament and become Rumble of the Rock's first 175 lb Grand Prix champion. Afterwards, Okami amassed two victories in Japan – including one over Pancrase veteran Izuru Takeuchi – before signing a contract with the UFC.
Okami made his UFC debut at UFC 62, defeating Alan Belcher by unanimous decision. He defeated Kalib Starnes via TKO (strikes) at UFC 64, and made his third UFC appearance at UFC 66, defeating Rory Singer by submission from strikes. Singer was a replacement for Okami's original opponent David Terrell, who had withdrawn from the card due to an elbow injury. [1] Terrell had also pulled out of a fight with Okami scheduled for UFC 62, citing a sinus infection. Despite two failed attempts to schedule a fight between Okami and Terrell, Okami believes that he might have to fight Terrell to reach the UFC Middleweight Championship. [2]
Okami is scheduled to fight Mike Swick at UFC 69 in Houston, Texas. [3]
