Strikeforce
STRIKEFORCE QUOTABLES: Shinya Aoki discusses his loss to Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS
Apr 19, 2010 - 9:54:10 AM STRIKEFORCE QUOTABLES: Shinya Aoki discusses his loss to Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"It was a decisive defeat. I would like to state a word of appreciation for Mr. Scott Coker and DREAM staff who have worked hard to make this fight a reality. I would like to congratulate Gilbert Melendez for defending his title in our fight tonight. Though some may perceive this as a loss for Japanese MMA, my spirit is not broken and I plan on going back to Japan and putting forth prodigious effort so that I will be able to challenge for the title once again. The difference between fighting in the cage and the ring was negligible, and Melendez was just plain good. Fighting in the cage for the first time, I felt comfortable in the new setting and had a blast. I am just grateful that I got to step into the cage. Right now, I am in no position of asking for a (DREAM) rematch and I think it's best that I strive to raise the value of 'Shinya Aoki' so that Melendez can say, 'I do not mind fighting Aoki once again' on his accord. As things stand right now, I would cringe if I said, 'I want to fight him again.'"

-A humbled DREAM Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki talks about his loss to Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Nashville on CBS last Saturday. (Comments from MMAMania.com).

Penick's Analysis: It's good to hear that he knows where he stands after such a humbling loss. He is very classy here in defeat, and knows he needs to go back and figure out what he needs to do to improve his game. It's a major learning experience for Aoki, and hopefully he grows as a fighter after this.


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