I won, so it looks like I will have a good New Year.
Pride:
How did you expect the fight to unfold?
Aoki:
I didn't expect it to end so quickly. When I got the takedown, I had no intentions of letting him back up, though.
Pride:
What do you call that submission?
Aoki:
It's a foot-choke. [Note: Aoki's submission is also known as a "gogoplata"] We call it the "whoa" among my friends, so my corner told me to do the "whoa". (laughing)
Pride:
How did your tights feel?
Aoki:
The same as always but the cheers from the fans felt good.
Pride:
Why were you crying when you left the ring?
Aoki:
My dad never compliments me but he complimented me this time when I left the ring. I was so happy that I started crying.
Pride:
Your father was ringside?
Aoki:
He was beside the entrance ramp. He has always bought his own tickets before but this time, I was able to invite him for the first time.
Pride:
What are your parents' names?
Aoki:
My father is Tadashi and my mother is Misuzu.
Pride:
How did you think the fight would turn out in terms of striking?
Aoki:
Hansen pressured me a lot but I pressured him with grappling, and my pressure won.
Pride:
The deadline for your SHOOTO title defense is February. Do you have a title defense lined up?
Aoki:
I don't know yet. I can't say anything until next year.
I wanted to strike. I knew he would want to grapple but he got a good hold on my kicking leg when I threw the low kick, and he was able to take me down.
Pride:
Have you ever been submitted by a foot-choke before?
