After UFC release, Yushin Okami plans to show 'new style' at WSOF 9

Yushin Okami was shocked when he was released by the UFC this past fall after just one loss, which came after a three-fight winning streak.

But “Thunder” regrouped, signed with WSOF and now he’s got some lightning-strike plans.

Okami (29-8) makes his promotion debut tonight at WSOF 9 against Svetlozar Savov (12-4). Their fight is part of the main card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which airs on NBC Sports Network.

While he might not agree with the UFC’s decision to let him go, he plans on letting his fight against Savov do the talking.

“It was the UFC’s decision, so I respect their decision,” Okami told MMAjunkie Radio through his translator. “For me, what’s important is the next fight. After I finish my next fight, everyone will know if (the UFC) was right or not.”

Okami has often been the target of criticism from fans for his fighting style. He went 13-5 in the UFC and had a four-fight winning streak and three three-fight streaks. He even fight for the middleweight title against Anderson Silva. But eight of his 13 wins went the distance.

He’s heard the talk, and he believes now, with a new promotion, might be the time to break out and change things up. And if that happens, he believes it won’t be long before he’s fighting for a title with WSOF.

“I’d like to show everyone the new style of Yushin Okami,” he said. “After this fight, I hope to fight for the championship.”

For more on WSOF 9, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.