Akira Shoji

Pride Fighting Championships: Your calves have gotten a lot bigger. What kind of training are you doing? Akira Shoji: Running and jumping.

Pride:	What's your weight for this fight?
Shoji:	205 lbs.
Pride:	What is your overall MMA record?
Shoji:	I think it was about 50/50 with my last fight.
Pride:	How do you feel about getting a chance to fight Filho again?
Shoji:	I'm grateful for getting a chance to get revenge.
Pride:	You've fought in PRIDE more than anyone else. You're older now but you still fight well. Is this as exciting as it was back in the beginning or is it just a job for you now?
Shoji:	I'm confident in continuing to fight. I don't know until when but I think fighting in PRIDE has improved me as a person. I've met lots of people because of PRIDE, gained experience and I really appreciate it.
Pride:	You've fought some of the toughest fighters that PRIDE has. How do you want to be remembered when the time comes?
Shoji:	I watched pro-wrestling when I was a child and that inspired me. I want to be the kind of fighter that inspires children in the same way. I want them to believe that although I'm weak now, I can be strong like that some day.
Pride:	You changed your entrance music?
Shoji:	Yes. It's a Seattle Mariner's song. I went to watch them while I was training there.
Pride:	What do you think about your last fight with Filho?
Shoji:	I knew he was strong when we clinched. I don't want to make excuses but I was caught in the ropes. Ultimately, Filho was better.
Pride:	You were in good shape then. Are you in good shape now, too?
Shoji:	Yes, good shape.
Pride:	How do you feel about your shape now, looking back over your career?
Shoji:	I don't know. We'll have to see how this fight turns out. I feel good on the inside, though.
Pride:	What did you improve the most in Seattle?
Shoji:	My guard is low so I worked on that and my footwork, moving around.