Kyohei Hagiwara, the rising star of mixed martial arts, recently shared his ambitious future goals during his appearance on the popular YouTube channel, Kakutou Cast. Known for his engaging persona and dedication, Hagiwara emphasized his commitment to training even amid his vibrant social life. "Even if I have a hangover, I can still spar," he confidently stated, illustrating his unique ability to balance fun with rigorous training sessions.
During the episode aired on June 6, Hagiwara expressed his desire to become the champion of RIZIN, Japan’s premier MMA organization, with eyes set firmly on the ultimate goal of competing and attaining glory within the UFC. "I want to become the UFC champion. I want to go from RIZIN to UFC," he declared, radiantly excited about the prospects following his career path.
Hagiwara's aspirations are fueled by the recent success stories of fellow fighters, particularly highlighting the rapid rise of Kai Asaura, who managed to secure a title match directly from RIZIN. Hagiwara asserted, "The fact Kai Asaura could suddenly have a title match proves RIZIN can be a shortcut to UFC," indicating his belief in the potential pathways provided by his current organization.
The 26-year-old fighter is inspired by the achievements of several current UFC fighters from Japan, noting: "Why UFC? Because it's cool," highlighting his admiration for the sport and its competitive pinnacle. He mentioned fighters like Rei Tsuruga, current UFC contenders, and the undeniable draw of competing on the global stage.
To make his dreams of UFC competition come true, Hagiwara is taking proactive steps. He mentioned his discussions with RIZIN's CEO, Nobuyuki Sakakibara, expressing, "I’ve talked with Sakakibara, and I told him I want to be introduced to Dana when I become RIZIN champion." This statement shows his strategic planning and networking within the industry, as he envisions his future career building on his current achievements.
It's not just about talent for Hagiwara; it's also about the significant groundwork laid through demonstrated dedication and maintaining relationships within the fighting community. He understands the importance of both improving his fighting skills and getting recognized to achieve his lofty ambitions.
Hagiwara’s motivation isn’t merely personal glory; it’s also about representing Japanese MMA on the world stage. He aspires to bring honor to his origins and cement the reputation of aspiring fighters who come after him. His statement, "I want to become the UFC champion. I want to go from RIZIN to UFC" does not just echo his dreams but also reflects the dreams of many young athletes working hard to make their mark.
Within the vibrant and competitive world of mixed martial arts, Hagiwara stands out as someone who recognizes the challenges but remains driven by passion. His blend of humility and ambition makes him relatable to fans and encourages other fighters to pursue their own paths. Whether it's dominating the RIZIN ring or making waves with the UFC, Hagiwara’s story is one of determination, skill, and vision.
With his recent declarations on Kakutou Cast, Hagiwara certainly left fans eager to see how these aspirations will materialize. His energy and attitude seem built to attract opportunities, and his reflections resonate with those following his career closely. The future does look bright for Hagiwara, who is firmly set on taking his skills to the highest levels of mixed martial arts globally.