http://www.headkicklegend.com/2009/11/4/1114297/sato-challenges-masato-for-nye

from Sato's blog --

Quote:

I heard that Petrosyan broke his hand. I lost to Drago on April and lost the right to be champion. This also meant that I lost the right to fight Masato, who wished to the fight this years champion, on his last fight. Masato's comment that he wanted to fight this years champion irritated me. I thought that it would reduce this entire world tournament into a qualifier for Masato's challenger. But by losing to Drago on April, I lost the right to be irritated as well. In the fight sport, results are everything. With my neck hanging by a skin, I won two reserve fights against strong opponents. If you're looking at just numbers, my record this year is better than last year. But I still have a long way to go, having lost when I needed to win most. Last Year 5 fights, 2 wins (1KO) 3 losses This year 4 fights, 3 wins (2KO), 1 loss In the fight sport, results are everything. And recent results are more important than anything. Souwer must be hurt, and his fatigue must be great. I think he must have taken a lot of damage from the Final against Petrosyan. I had no right to ask for a fight. But now with the champion Petrosyan with a broken hand and his participation in doubt. Please let me be slightly selfish... no, I will be selfish. As a fan of the sport, I want to see Sato Yoshihiro vs Masato on New Years Eve. If Petrosyan can't fight, then the only man whose match-up against Masato will be anticipated will be Sato Yoshihiro. If a fight isn't decided within a week, I'll participate in an event scheduled in Nagoya on December 23rd. But I'm asking the producers to give me a week. "Masato-san, I'm keeping my schedules open for New Years Eve. I want to meet you in the ring again, and put up a fight that will set our blood on fire." yoshi-HERO

I guess he would be one of the favorites for the fight.

If Petro and Souwer cant fight, then this is going to happen imo, pretty much.

Obviously some people are saying there is some politics with Petro not fighting Masato, but his hand is definitely pretty fucked anyway.
Souwer took a beating in his two fights so Sato may be right about him not fighting as well.

I'd rather see Masato/Andy for a trilogy and even though I love Andy I kind of hope Masato beats him to have an amazing retirment.

BUT if they can't get Petro or Andy I really, really hope it's Sato.

Just NO MMA fighters for Masato's last fight please.

Tricky fight there. I bet FEG is some kinda pissed that Masato decided to retire and it would be good for their further business to have him lose on NYE. And if you want your biggest japanese star to lose then you would want another japanese star to be born at the same time. That's when Sato comes in play. Kind like the situation in JMMA where Aoki is doing everything (and he is really good playing the heel role) to gather more fans than Gomi but he can't (for more than one reason) also Sato would want more people to cheer for him but you just can't beat Masato at it. Doesn't help also that those dicks from TBS don't like him and his style. That's too bad cause Yoshihiro is a beast in K-1 MAX and a bigger beast when fighting in the rules that fits him the most. I would actually bet my money on him if he fought Masato under full MT rules but unfortunately he'll probably lose again if the fight comes to fruition for NYE.

The problem with Sato is that he isn't as charismatic and good looking as Masato and his style isn't as spectacular they would want their star to have. You can judge yourself if this reasons are enough for not pushing him adequatly. Though the options are now limited for FEG.

On the other note, cause probably not everyone has noticed, Masato has a huge head LoL

I wanted this fight to happen because sato got robbed in there first fight

who knows, its been a while since masato has hard a real fight

i hope he beats souwer

pretty sure they are confirmed now