Yamaguchi expects technical battle with ‘Formiga’

Posted on | August 1, 2011 | No Comments

Lemoore, Calif. – Staying with the theme of monumental flyweight fights; Tachi Palace Fights is showcasing one of the biggest international 125-pound tilts to ever be fought on U.S. soil.

The World’s No. 2 ranked Mamoru Yamaguchi (26-5-3) is riding a six fight win streak and his last loss is to former World No. 1 ranked Schinichi Kojima. The Japanese mixed martial artist will put it all on the line against another former No. 1 ranked fighter, Brazilian Jussier da Silva, who was the last fighter to beat Kojima.

Da Silva (9-1) is ranked No. 4 after suffering the first loss of his career in February at the hands of No. 3 ranked Ian McCall (9-2), who was making his first appearance at 125 pounds and is now challenging No. 6 ranked Darrell Montague (9-1) for the TPF flyweight title.

“It’s definitely a division that we are proud of and I think the proof is in the pudding, especially with Dana White and the UFC now saying they’ll be adding that weight class soon,” said Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino Entertainment Coordinator Jeremy Luchau. “I think we have the best flyweights in the world hands down and I do think you will be seeing them fighting at Tachi very much longer.”

The Yamaguchi and da Silva matchup is another one of the classic striker vs. grappler matchups.

Yamaguchi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting strikers regardless of class and has 10 knockouts to his credit.

“To me it is a privilege to fight him,” da Silva said of Yamaguchi. “He’s a legend and I was dreaming about this fight for a long time. But when we get to the cage it will all be professional. The one who’s prepared best will win and I hope it’s me.

“We matchup up pretty well. He’s a kick boxer, moves well and I’m a guy that knows how to strike, but my specialty is jiu-jitsu and takedowns. I think I have the perfect game to fight him and we’ll see on August 5^th ho it turns out.”

In da Silva’s last appearance at Tachi, he was out-struck by McCall in rounds two and three en route to a decision loss.

“I have a feeling that Brazilian fighters are all hungry for an opportunity, which makes them physically and mentally strong. I can see it through his fights as well. I would like to face him with greater determination,” Yamaguchi said of da Silva. “My fighting style is to fight technical. From my understanding, Jussier is a very technical fighter as well. Please expect a technical, but yet exciting fight from us.”

The winner of the pivotal bout will certainly put themselves in the driver’s seat to get a shot at the winner of the Montague/McCall bout, but neither fighter is looking past August 5^th.

“I want to beat Mamoru. I have to think about it one step at a time. If I win, I want to fight for the title and become a Tachi champion and hopefully avenging my lone loss,” da Silva said.

“Tachi Palace’s flyweight division is definitely one of the top in the world. I am proud to be able to compete in such a division,” Yamaguchi said.

Tachi Palace Fights will stream live and free on Sherdog.com at 5:30 p.m. (PST).

The stream will be blacked out to fans within 100 mile radius of the Palace unless there is a sellout.

Tickets can be purchased at www.tachipalace.com or charge by phone at 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tachi Palace Gift Shop and start at a low price of just $30 for general admission seating.

In the co-main event, Porterville, Calif.’s Joe Soto (9-1) makes his return to Tachi after suffering his first career loss and is returning from several eye surgeries. Soto will take on San Diego, Calif.’s Eddie Yagin (13-4-1).

In a middleweight special attraction former WEC Light Heavyweight World Champion Doug Marshall (12-4) makes his return to the cage against Irvine, Calif.’s Giva Santana (15-1).

Also in action;

-Las Vegas, Nev. welterweight Jorge Lopez (9-1) vs. Sacramento, Calif.’ David Marshall (8-2).

-Las Vegas, Nev. bantamweight Ulysses Gomez (7-2) vs. Soledad, Calif.’s Drew Bittner (4-0).

-Merced, Calif. welterweight Phil Collins (10-6) vs. Exeter, Calif.’s Kenny Ento (11-6).

-Fresno, Calif. featherweight Art Arciniega (10-4) vs. Santa Rosa, Calif.’s Andy Miranda (5-1).

-Oakdale, Calif. featherweight Brad McDonald (6-1) vs. Lemoore, Calif.’s Sergio Quinones (6-7).