Takanori Gomi

Who is Takanori Gomi?

Takanori Gomi, is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist who gained international fame in the Japan-based organization, PRIDE Fighting Championships. Later in his career Gomi also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Gomi was the first and only PRIDE Lightweight Champion in the organization's history. He became the PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix Winner at PRIDE Shockwave 2005, thus winning every lightweight accolade put forth by PRIDE Fighting Championships. Gomi also held a record twelve-fight winning streak in Shooto, where he was a former Shooto Lightweight Champion, as well as a four-time All Japan Combat Wrestling Champion.

Nicknamed The Fireball Kid, Gomi held a record ten-fight winning streak, spanning 2004 to 2006 in Pride Fighting Championships. Gomi defeated Tatsuya Kawajiri, Luiz Azeredo, and Hayato Sakurai en route to becoming the PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix Winner, after which he was awarded the PRIDE Lightweight Championship. At Pride Bushido 13, Gomi successfully defended the title, becoming the only lightweight to do so.