be proof that an Asian can stand on top of the heavyweight contact sports world," Okami told MMA Fighting in an interview conducted via email. "I believe that can also give strength to everyone in Japan and Asia. "I hope the people of Japan will feel joy by seeing me fight and seeing me become the champion," he continued. In a parallel storyline, Silva will also likely be a rallying point in his home country of Brazil, when he becomes the first native-born son ever to defend a UFC championship in the nation that helped give rise to MMA. Even with greater meaning behind it, the fight has deep personal significance to both combatants because of their previous, shared history. Back in January 2006, the two fought, and Okami was declared the winner via disqualification after an illegal upkick left him unable to continue. Okami said he does not think the kick was intentional, saying Silva "simply reacted" to the moment. Still, the controversial loss remains the last time Silva has been defeated; he's since won 14 in a row and is considered by many the greatest pound-for-pound fighter alive. According to many, Silva still holds anger about the way the fight finished. He's publicly stated that Okami could have continued and chose not to. Okami, though, is not wasting any time or energy on Silva's theories. "It doesn't matter what he thinks," he said. "All I think about is defeating Anderson." Still, Okami (26-5) admits that the history between