After the afternoon seminars, Renzo, and company headed to Crater Lake for some relaxation. Skiing, hanging out, and boogie boarding was a blast. The highlight of the afternoon came when we viewed Renzo's controversial fight with Oyama in the last PRIDE, and we got to hear to Renzo's personal commentary. Did he SPIT on the guy? YES! Did he give Oyama the number one sign with his middle finger? YES! "Why?", you ask? The fight was very frustrating, especially to Renzo. Renzo clearly dominated the first round of the fight. The observers watching had Renzo winning at least two of the three rounds in the match. Now, readers may say I am biased, bu please watch the fight this weekend! You will probably understand why Renzo became so frustrated that he felt he had no other choice than to 'push' the fight in unorthodox ways.
Shungo Oyama constantly refused to engage Renzo, yet the Japanese fighter constantly berated him through taunts and gestures throughout the fight.By the second round, the fight is a repetitive back and forth between Renzo pushing the fight and Oyama backing away. Renzo engages and Oyama backs away. Renzo shoots and Oyama sprawls and backs away. Renzo punches and kicks, Oyama backs away. Oyama manages to take Renzo down twice with counter throws, but then does nothing to push the fight.
By the second round, Renzo thought that by spitting his opponent, Oyama would engage in the fight, thus giving the crowd what they paid for, A FIGHT. Unorthodox? - yes. Not what you would do? - Maybe. Against the rules? Renzo said, "it is not against the rules."
In regards to the decision, the Japanese press had asked Renzo the same question we did: how did Oyama win this fight? The most interesting fact about the fight according to Renzowhole is that Oyama's instructor apparently kicked him out of the academy for celebrating after his disgraceful win.
You may disagree with Renzo's actions - that is your right. What is next for the Gracie legend? Rest and relaxation, then back to teaching and training. He has another possible fight later this year. He will also be preparing Matt Serra for a BIG MATCH in the September UFC in Connecticut. As for BIG DOG Ricardo Almeida, well he is taking some time off, but is looking to return to the fight soon.
KAIN
"Give me what I want and I will go away"