Electrical Engineer Mizugaki Looks To Short-Circuit Curran

By Frank Curreri

He is trained as an electrical engineer, holds a master’s degree, is highly proficient at swordfighting and also happens to be an MMA pro. And to really rub it in on the rest of us slackers, Takeya Mizugaki is a mere 25 years old. He has the distinction of being the only man to last five rounds with Miguel Torres and their classic slugfest is an early favorite for 2009 Fight of The Year. Coming oh-so-close to upending the world’s top bantamweight, while impressive, will be of little consolation to the Japanese sensation should he lose his next fight against Jeff Curran. The matchup has potential title implications for both men. Mizugaki, speaking through Japanese translator Shu Hirata, talked with the WEC recently about his training, whom he believes really won his fight with Torres, and what he expects to do to Curran in the cage this Sunday.

Q: At what age did you begin training in the martial arts and what inspired you to do so? Did others in your family also practice in the martial arts?
Mizugaki: I started taking kendo (a form of swordfighting) when I was in first grade and continued until the end of high school. I competed in numerous competitions and our team made it to the nationals. I also played baseball in high school.

I began training martial arts after I graduated from high school. I was always a fan of MMA so I just wanted to try and see what it was like. I chose Shooting Gym Hakkei because it was close to my house and also star fighters like Noboru Asahi, Rumina Sato, and Hayato ‘Mach’ Sakurai were teaching classes there, so as a fan I just wanted see what that experience was like. I had no intention of being a pro at the beginning. No one in my family practiced martial arts. Someone once told me my grandfather once took judo but I am not too sure about that.

Q: In what ways has training with a sword helped you when you fight in the cage?
Mizugaki: I think my kendo skill helps me have good timing on landing counter shots. In kendo it’s also important to maintain your range so I use the same kind of feeling in keeping my distance in the fight.

Q: Today, what is your biggest reason for fighting?
Mizugaki: I want to test my skill at the best competition in the world and of course I want to be a champion. My other motivation is money. If I become WEC champion then I think I can earn a comfortable living.

Q: Your fight against Miguel Torres is considered by many MMA fans in America to be a classic, perhaps the Fight of The Year. Is that fight well-known among fans in Japan as well? Has that fight made you a bigger star in Japan? If it has not made you a bigger star in Japan, why do you think that is?
Mizugaki: Unfortunately WEC doesn't get broadcasted in Japan so only hardcore fans were aware of my fight against Torres. So my life hasn't changed much in Japan. But my mind has changed because I am now in the WEC where the world's best competitions are being held and I am proud to be a part of it so that awareness factor made me a much better fighter. So, I actually think I am more known in the states than in Japan.

Q: During the fight, in between rounds as you walked back to your corner, what sorts of things were your coaches saying to you for strategy, motivation? What sorts of things were you telling yourself between rounds?
Mizugaki: I don't remember so much about that but I kept my chin down so I took all of Miguel's punches on my forehead so it didn't hurt me. But that is just one of the many techniques my cornermen told me on that night. But one thing I remember the most is them telling me "If you win you’re gonna make so many people happy.’ And I couldn't do that.....”

Q: Did you think the decision in the Torres fight was fair? How did you score the fight? Do you believe you actually won the bout?
Mizugaki: I think Miguel won that fight. He was busier than me so that had to leave a good impression on judges. Also he had more stamina so from fourth round he looked better.

Q: Going back to your fight with Miguel Torres, were you surprised that you hit him so hard and yet he did not fall to the canvas? What did that fight teach you about yourself as a fighter and a person?
Mizugaki: I knew this before but I realized again that in order for me to become world champion I need to truly be an all-around fighter.

Q: You are obviously an intelligent young man, having earned a college degree in electrical engineering. What do your parents think about you choosing to fight professionally rather than say, work as an engineer or at an office? Are they at all disappointed?
Mizugaki: My father is somehow disappointed because I just got the master’s degree, too. Everybody else in my family is disappointed that I chose a fight career, except my mother, who is fully supportive of my fight career.

Q: What are your impressions of Jeff Curran as a fighter? What do you think of his style?
Mizugaki: I know him very well because he has been one of the top fighters in the world for a long time. I know his BJJ is lethal and I know he is physically tough. It’s going to be a tough fight.

Q: Your ground game is something of a mystery. Tell us about it.
Mizugaki: Many people don't realize this but I train in wrestling also. It’s just I am better at striking and that is why I tend to finish the opponent with punches, but if I have to fight on the ground I can. Remember, I am an MMA fighter.

Q: In the 135-pound division where would you rank yourself? Are you one of the top 5 135-pounders in the world? Top 3?
Mizugaki: That is a hard question. After all I only fought once in the WEC. But a win over Curran, I believe, would put me amongst the top fighters in the bantamweight division.

Q: Give us a prediction for your fight against Curran.
Mizugaki: A win by KO and I am hoping to get another bonus. (laugh)