UFC Fight Night 34’s Tatsuya Kawajiri believes 3-0 start can get him crack at featherweight title

SINGAPORE – Forty fights into his MMA career, Japanese superstar Tatsuya Kawajiri is no stranger to the spotlight. But ahead of his UFC debut, “Crusher” believes he’s finally on the biggest stage of all, and he’s already gunning for the top of the division.

“I always thought someday I would fight in the UFC,” Kawajiri told MMAjunkie through a translator. “Finally, I get to step on the world’s best stage.

“This is going to be my last challenge. I want to make sure I do everything I can.”

Kawajiri has been fighting professionally for 14 years, competing almost exclusively in his native Japan. Along the way, he’s fought for championship belts under the DREAM and Shooto banners, and stepped in the cage (and ring) with MMA notables such as Eddie Alvarez, Shinya Aoki, Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, Yves Edwards, Drew Fickett, Takanori Gomi, Michihiro Omigawa, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro, Josh Thomson and Caol Uno, among others.

He made a brief appearance in the U.S., suffering a disappointing first-round loss in a Strikeforce bout against then-lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez. But that April 2011 setback was the last time the 35-year-old Kawajiri has tasted defeat.

He’s since made the move to featherweight, admittedly giving up his beloved mayonnaise in order to make the 145-pound limit, and he’s gone 4-0 in his new division.

On Saturday, Kawajiri makes his octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 34, where he competes in the evening’s co-main event against fellow promotional newcomer Sean Soriano (8-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC). Kawajiri (32-7-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is a far-more experienced competitor than the undefeated prospect he faces, but the Japanese veteran said he’s not taking the challenge lightly.

“I actually don’t care about who I fight,” Kawajiri said. “I only concentrate on making myself better.

“I’m going to approach this fight as if I’m fighting Jose Aldo. Of course I’m always imagining my fight, but the ultimate goal in my mind is facing a champion.”

Kawajiri may be new to the promotion, but with his experience and pedigree, it’s not inconceivable to think a few wins would earn him quick title consideration. That fact isn’t lost on him ahead of his UFC debut.

“I think three wins will get me there,” Kawajiri said. “My goal is to win three in 2014.”

With 12 knockouts and nine submissions among his 32 career wins, Kawajiri could prove a tough matchup for the UFC’s top featherweights. And with his wealth of experience, the bright lights of the world’s biggest MMA promotion aren’t likely to prove problematic.

It all starts Saturday, and Kawajiri has plans on making it a memorable night.

“I want to break my opponent’s heart, and I want him to say, ‘I don’t ever want to fight this guy again,’” Kawajiri said. “I want to beat him up.

“Keep on attacking. Keep on offense. That’s the focus.”

UFC Fight Night 34 takes place at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The night’s 10-bout lineup, featuring Tarec Saffiedine vs. Hyun Gyu Lim, streams on UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s new digital network.

For more on UFC Fight Night 34, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.