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.
