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'My spirit is not broken': Shinya Aoki talks Strikeforce CBS debut

DREAM lightweight champion and the official delegate of Japanese mixed martial arts to Strikeforce, Shinya Aoki, struggled to unleash his usual grappling magic during his five-round "Nashville" title affair against the promotion's champion, Gilbert Melendez.

The buildup of pre-fight pressure was immense for "Tobikan Judan," as he assumed the role of representing not only DREAM but the entire Japanese MMA.

The outcome was a disaster.

Melendez repeatedly shrugged off Aoki's takedown attempts and even displayed the audacity to jump into the guard of the dangerous jiu-jitsu master en route to an unanimous decision victory -- one that may have cemented himself as one of the world's top lightweight fighters.

Aoki on the other hand must now return to Japan and atone for his loss. But don't expect him to spend much time lamenting his loss, as he is already planning to rebuild his name value by returning home.

From the Tobikan Judan:

"It was a decisive defeat. I would like to state a word of appreciation for Mr. Scott Coker and DREAM staff who have worked hard to make this fight a reality. I would like to congratulate Gilbert Melendez for defending his title in our fight tonight. Though some may perceive this as a loss for Japanese MMA, my spirit is not broken and I plan on going back to Japan and putting forth prodigious effort so that I will be able to challenge for the title once again. The difference between fighting in the cage and the ring was negligible, and Melendez was just plain good. Fighting in the cage for the first time, I felt comfortable in the new setting and had a blast. I am just grateful that I got to step into the cage. Right now, I am in no position of asking for a (DREAM) rematch and I think it's best that I strive to raise the value of 'Shinya Aoki' so that Melendez can say, 'I do not mind fighting Aoki once again' on his accord. As things stand right now, I would cringe if I said, 'I want to fight him again.'"

Whatever the cause of Aoki's defeat (i.e. fighting in the US and cage for the first time, no grappling pants) the losing streak continues for DREAM fighters in the semi-official, "Strikeforce vs. DREAM" showdown.

And DREAM's prospect certainly looks grim ahead of the Nick Diaz vs. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai at DREAM 14.

Furthermore, Aoki's defeat reinforces the hardship Japanese fighters have suffered when crossing over to North American MMA.

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