0

Bellator 261 Fighter Pre-Fight Interview: Kana Watanabe Unfazed by Added Pressure of Being Undefeated

PC: Bellator MMA

FighterPath had the pleasure of speaking with Kana Watanabe (via translator) who collides with former UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche in the co-main event of Bellator 261. She will look to extend her undefeated run to 11 consecutive fights with a win on Friday.

KV: Welcome guys, we are at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. I am joined by Kana Watanabe. Is this your first time in the US?

KW: This is my second time in the US.

KV: Second time, when were you here last?

KW: I was here in April for my Bellator bout.

KV: You’re here about to have one of the biggest fights of your career against Liz Carmouche. She is a top contender and has fought some of the best in the sport. How do you feel about this fight?

KW: I have a ton of respect for Liz.

KV: To me this fight almost determines who could be in title discussions. How do you see this fight going?

KW: I think I am going to try and take the fight to the ground.

KV: Will you be looking for a finish or are you more focused sticking to your gameplan?

KW: I will be looking to be putting on pressure with my striking, and using that to take it to the ground. Hopefully I will be able to go for the submission once it gets there.

KV: One question I like to ask fighters who are undefeated is whether they feel added pressure to maintain that zero on their record? Does that factor into how you fight?

KW: It doesn’t phase me at all.

KV: COVID has impacted people worldwide. How have you been dealing with the pandemic personally as well as your personal life?

KW: I have just been taking extra care like sanitizing and being safe. As for my training, it hasn’t really affected me at all.

KV: Thank you so much for the time. Best of luck with the weight cut and will see you Friday night.

KW: Thank you.

Kevin Varghese

Leave a Reply