Takanori Gomi not Competing in 2009 with Newborn on the way

Following a second KO of Takashi Nakakura at Shooto “The Final Tradition” this past May, former PRIDE Lightweight champion Takanori Gomi felt a new resurgence after the win where he wanted to really test himself in the US by signing with Affliction to face Rafaello Oliveira at the promotion’s third event titled “Trilogy”. However, the promotion met it’s demise due to a number of last minute issues and ‘The Fireball Kid’ was unable to compete and has since been in talks to either compete for the UFC or StrikeForce and now those negotiations will have to wait until at least 2010 as Gomi is expecting a new member to his family.

In a posting from his personal blog via translation from Fighters Only Gomi says that he is about to get married and is expecting a baby in the process, therefore he will be shutting it down for the rest of 2009.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Although Gomi has not looked so great going 2-2 prior to the win at Shooto there is never anything wrong with taking time off to tend to family matters, but now we will have to wait for next year to see if Gomi still plans on testing himself in North America whether it will be in the cage for StrikeForce or the UFC.

Or will Gomi have a change of heart and remain in Japan for competition in either WVR Sengoku once again or for DREAM?