Kazuyuki Fujita seaks future

**The Maniac** · 24-01-2006, 13:33

Kazuyuki Fujita was able to get out of his deal with the Inoki Office. Fujita will now represent himself in bookings. He will be active in 2006.

http://www.puroresupower.com/

The founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling Antonio Inoki suggested a new challenge for Kazuyuki Fujita.
According to Japanese newspapers, Inoki, at the screening of the movie "Ski Jump Pair – Road to Torino," talked to the reporters about his disciple.
"Fujita came to pay respect. A variety of fighters have left for a newjourney."

In Japanese culture, when you visit to pay respect to the master, more than likely, that means you are reporting the decision you've made and you are there, basically, to ask for permission. And Inoki revealing this to the media could well be, he has given Fujita a go ahead.
"His face looked good. Fujita is rising now. He should fight at the place where his targets are high."

Inoki's comment can be taken as Fujita is fighting in this year's PRIDE GP.
Just like last year's PRIDE Bushido GP's, more than enough Japanese fighters in the tournament seems necessary partly because of DSE's strategy to increase its TV ratings in Japan. However, in the heavyweight or open-weight categories, besides Tsuyoshi "TK" Kosaka, there aren't many Japanese fighters who can compete against the world's best.
In that sense, everyone remembers, in PRIDE 26, Fujita did very well against Fedor Emelianenko, actually wobbled him with a powerful right hook and almost scored an upset.
This means that without Fujita's presence, the GP, especially to the Japanese audience, won't be convincing as the tournament to decide the best in the world. Also, from a TV ratings and ticket selling point of view, Fujita's entry to the GP definitely is a big plus.