I got sick and fell down after my consecutive fights in April and May. I've been well this past week, though.
Pride:
Were you worried when he had your back?
Kawajiri:
I'm good from that position so I wasn't worried.
Pride:
Did you think you were in trouble when the 1st round ended?
Kawajiri:
I thought so but I cleared my mind and just went after the guy in front of me. It was a new experience for me.
Pride:
How did you feel in similar situations up till now?
Kawajiri:
I've never been in a situation as strange as this. I think it was just true skill and as a professional, I don't want to make excuses.
Pride:
How did your ground and pound feel?
Kawajiri:
I think I have a lot of strength but I'm shocked that I wasn't able to use it.
Pride:
You took a big hit in the beginning.
Kawajiri:
I was too worried about the tackle and I didn't see his attack coming.
Pride:
How long have you been in bad health?
Kawajiri:
I was in a condition similar to sunstroke since about 3 weeks ago. It was a strange feeling, like I didn't have any energy in my body.
Pride:
Anything you want to say in advance of the September 25th Grand Prix?
Kawajiri:
I gave an inexcusable fight to the fans and I will work to regain their trust. If I'm given the chance in September, I want to fight. I want to concentrate on regaining my health right now.
Pride:
Are you still thinking about Gomi?
Kawajiri:
After the fight I just fought, I'm in no position to fight Gomi. I want to improve so I can fight him.
Pride Fighting Championships:
What do you think about the fight?
Luis Buscape :
I think it was a good fight. I took the lead and was winning in the 1st round but I became tired in the 2nd round. I think the reason I lost is that Kawajiri wasn't tired.
Pride:
Did you think you could win when you hit him with a right hook early in the fight?
Buscape:
No, I didn't think so. I was confident though, so if possible, I wanted to knock him out. I just couldn't do it this time.
Pride:
Were you hurt from the 2nd round pounding?
Buscape:
I thought he hit me but I was still aware, so I think I lost because of conditioning. I want to have a good fight next time.
