Post by jenny on Feb 8, 2014 22:22:21 GMT -5
It's been stewing for a while, and it seems at last that the frustration has become too much for Toshinari Matsumoto to ignore. The 22 year-old, popularly known as 'Mister Matsumoto', was amongst the field in the Fantasy Fight League's Featherweight title tournament on their first ever card, FFL1. Having lost in the opening bracket of the tournament in a unanimous decision, Matsumoto was immediately vocal about what he felt to be an injustice on the part of the judges, particularly as his opponent Alex Bryant went on to the finals. However, an upset post-fight interview wasn't the all of it, and today Matsumoto has released a statement outlining, in no uncertain terms, that he wants a rematch.
"I am young, but I have understanding of how this sport works. I accept when I am beaten, I know when I am forced to submit, or am knocked unconscious. Mostly, I can see even when the points are not in my favour, and the decision is awarded elsewhere.
I do not accept that I was of losing on FFL1. Judges are not seeing that I am landing the only effective strikes and preventing takedown, they are only paying attention to Bryant going forward and saying 'he must be winning, look at those punches!', even though they are all being blocked or dodged. Fine. FFL1 is finished and over with, I know that the tournament will not happen again.
But I want the fight with Bryant. If he is better this time, then I will know he is better, I will shake hands and be admitting he beat me. Until then, I refuse him respect, and demand he earns it.
I will fight whoever I am set to fight - again, again. This is my demand; give me Bryant."
Very strong words from the young fighter, but it remains to be seen whether FFL management will grant him the fight or stand firm - Bryant is after all much further up the rankings based off record alone. Regardless, the desire to avenge the loss is certainly going to be a motivating factor for Matsumoto... and you know what they say: grudge matches are money matches.
Source: Dave Naess (MMALoaded.net)
