Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi is a former Shooto welterweight champion and the final holder of the lightweight title from defunct organization PrideFC. He is also known for being the four-time All-Japan Combat Wrestling champion and was considered the pound-for-pound lightweight fighter in the world at one point in his career. Now, his current girlfriend and future wife will be giving birth. Gomi admits that mixed martial arts is a very important part of his life, but he plans to temporarily stop competing for the rest of 2009 in order to take care of his future child.
From Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi:
“I’m going to be a father and I must not fight in 2009 unless there is a change of plans. However, my intention is spending more time attending to the pregnancy of Chiaki (future wife) as soon we get back from the vacation…I won’t stop training because I need to keep in shape but I haven’t thought about competition. I’m glad my fans have understood my choice. Being a father is more important than winning any tournament and I want to live it intensively. Thanks to everyone who has sent messages of care.”
