Kate Lotus is set to compete at RIZIN 53 on May 10th against Katie Perez. Expressing her preference for quick turnarounds between fights, Lotus noted that the catchweight agreement for this bout will alleviate any concerns about weight cutting.
Following this catchweight contest, Lotus hopes to move towards a shot at the RIZIN Super Atomweight gold. She emphasized that winning the title should hold significant meaning for her career progression.
Reflecting on her recent loss to Saori Oshima, a former RIZIN title contender, Lotus acknowledged a newfound understanding of her fighting style. She realized that her focus on defending submissions during the Oshima fight hindered her aggression. Lotus learned the importance of dictating her own style and forcing it upon her opponents, regardless of their strengths. This lesson is particularly relevant as she faces Katie Perez, known for her submission prowess.
Lotus is emerging as a notable figure in the promotion, with increasing attention from the Japanese combat sports scene. She believes that her growing presence is a natural consequence of her performances, rather than a conscious effort to seek superstardom. Lotus stated that her focus remains on winning fights, and the responsibilities of potentially being a prominent figure in Japanese women’s MMA will follow if she achieves championship status.
Maintaining authenticity is crucial for Lotus. She aims to be genuine in her presentation and fighting style, believing that true connections are built with those who appreciate her real self. This approach was evident after her Rizin Landmark 12 victory, where she offered a candid self-assessment rather than dwelling solely on the win.
Lotus described an internal struggle between her ideal fighting performance, such as a spectacular knockout, and the current reality of her skill set. She acknowledges that she may not possess the raw talent for immediate spectacular finishes but is committed to working harder to bridge that gap.
The news of Seika Izawa vacating the RIZIN Super Atomweight title due to pregnancy was a significant motivator for Lotus. She sees this as a prime opportunity, a sign that her hard work is nearing a payoff and that “this is the time” to push for her goals.
Looking ahead, Lotus expressed a strong desire for a rematch with Rena Kubota, whom she respects greatly as a pioneer of women’s MMA in Japan. She believes overcoming a fighter of Rena’s caliber would be a significant accomplishment.
For her upcoming fight against Katie Perez, Lotus is focused not only on securing a win but also on the manner of her victory, aiming for a highly convincing performance.
In her closing remarks, Lotus highlighted that this will be her first fight against an American opponent, distinguishing it from her previous encounters with South Korean fighters. She aims to showcase an exciting fighting style from Japan to both American supporters and her dedicated fanbase, promising an entertaining performance and a victory on May 10th.
English Translation:
Kate Lotus is preparing to compete at RIZIN 53 on May 10th against Katie Perez. She expressed her preference for fighting with quick turnarounds, noting that the agreed-upon catchweight for this bout will mitigate any weight-cutting challenges.
Lotus conveyed her hope that after this catchweight fight, she can pursue a path toward the RIZIN Super Atomweight championship. She believes that winning the title should carry significant weight and purpose for her career.
Reflecting on her recent bout against Saori Oshima, Lotus shared that she learned the importance of imposing her own style. She realized that focusing too much on defending submissions against a grappler like Oshima limited her offensive capabilities. Lotus now understands the necessity of being more aggressive and dictating the terms of the fight, a lesson that will be crucial against the submission-oriented Katie Perez.
Lotus is becoming a recognized presence in the promotion, drawing increased attention from the Japanese combat sports community. She attributes this growing exposure to her performances rather than a deliberate pursuit of fame. Lotus emphasizes that her primary focus is on winning fights, and any leadership role in Japanese women’s MMA will naturally follow if she achieves championship success.
She values authenticity and aims to be true to herself, believing that genuine connections are made with those who appreciate her real identity. This ethos was evident in her post-fight analysis after Rizin Landmark 12, where she offered a candid self-assessment.
Lotus described a dichotomy between her ideal fight performance, such as a spectacular knockout, and her current reality as a fighter. She acknowledges that she may not possess the innate talent for immediate, show-stopping finishes but is committed to working diligently to achieve that goal.
The news of Seika Izawa vacating the RIZIN Super Atomweight title due to pregnancy served as a significant source of motivation for Lotus. She views this as a timely opportunity and a clear indication that her hard work is poised to pay off, declaring, “This is the time.”
Looking forward, Lotus expressed a strong desire for a rematch with Rena Kubota, whom she respects immensely as a trailblazer in Japanese women’s MMA. She sees competing against and potentially overcoming a fighter of Rena’s stature as a significant aspiration.
Regarding her upcoming fight with Katie Perez, Lotus is focused on not only securing a victory but also on the manner of her win, striving for a highly convincing performance.
In her concluding remarks, Lotus noted that this fight marks her first encounter with an American opponent, differentiating it from her previous matches against South Korean fighters. She aims to showcase an exciting style from Japan to both Perez’s supporters and her own fans, promising an engaging fight and a victory on May 10th.