Ryuta Sakurai

Pride Fighting Championships: How old are you? R yuta Sakurai 33.

Pride:	How tall are you?
Sakurai:	178cm.
Pride:	How much will you weigh for the fight?
Sakurai:	83kg.
Pride:	Which gym are you with?
Sakurai:	R-Gym.
Pride:	The last time we saw you, you were fighting Okami in BUSHIDO. What did you learn from that fight?
Sakurai:	The judges decided that Okami was the winner but I don't feel like I lost.
Pride:	What have you been doing to prepare for this fight? You've got a bodybuilder's physique but you're still quick.
Sakurai:	Sparring as always, and weight-training.
Pride:	Some people say that too much weight training slows you down. Do you think weight training helps you in MMA?
Sakurai:	I do more circuit training that weight training.
Pride:	Ok, so it's more just about staying in shape, rather than bulking up.
Sakurai:	Yes, that's right.
Pride:	Are you still the DEEP Middleweight Champion?
Sakurai:	Yes.
Pride:	And you beat Ryuki Ueyama for that, right?
Sakurai:	Yes.
Pride:	What do you know about your opponent this time?
Sakurai:	He used to be UFC Champion.
Pride:	Bustamante is known for submissions. Do you feel more comfortable standing or on the ground?
Sakurai:	I prefer standing.
Pride:	That will be your strategy tomorrow, avoiding the ground?
Sakurai:	That way is easier for me.
Pride:	When did you find out about this fight?
Sakurai:	About a month ago.
Pride:	You said that you spar a lot. Do you work on your ground game a lot? How do you feel about your submission skills?
Sakurai:	I don't have any feelings about it.
Pride:	Bustamante said that you have a good kimura. Do you think you will be comfortable with someone like Bustamante on the ground?
Sakurai:	I'll go with the flow of the fight. I'm not scared of being on the ground with him.
Pride:	What are your hobbies?
Sakurai:	Watching movies.
Pride:	What kind of movies?
Sakurai:	Romantic ones.
Pride:	Have you ever been to the United States?
Sakurai:	Yes, to Florida.
Pride:	For training or a vacation?
Sakurai:	Training.
Pride:	With who?
Sakurai:	Malenko.
Pride:	Have you talked to him lately?
Sakurai:	No, that was about 10 years ago.
Pride:	You said that you don't feel you lost the last fight, despite the judges' decision. Does that give you more motivation to keep this from going to the decision?
Sakurai:	Yes, I don't want to go the distance.