Kate Lotus is set to compete at Rizin 53 on May 10th, facing Katie Perez. Expressing her preference for rapid fight turnarounds, Lotus highlighted that weight cut challenges have been mitigated by an agreement for a catchweight bout.
Following this catchweight fight, Lotus is keen on pursuing the Rizin super atomweight championship. While acknowledging that the catchweight bout isn’t in her preferred division, she emphasized the importance of the fight having significance for her career progression towards the super atomweight division.
Reflecting on her recent loss to Saori Oshima, a former Rizin title challenger, Lotus shared valuable lessons learned. She admitted a dislike for facing grapplers, noting that her previous focus on defending submissions led her to adopt a more defensive stance. The key takeaway, she stated, is the necessity to assert her own fighting style rather than reacting to her opponent’s. Lotus believes her current training regime supports this mindset, preparing her to impose her style against submission artists like Katie Perez.
Despite her growing prominence in the Japanese combat sports scene, Lotus maintains a grounded perspective on stardom. She feels her recent fights haven’t significantly altered her public perception, recalling a greater shift in attention after her bout with Rena Kubota. Lotus downplays the idea of being a star or feeling obligated to be the face of women’s MMA in Japan, believing that such recognition will naturally follow sustained success and championship victories.
Lotus values authenticity, stating she doesn’t want to present a persona that isn’t genuine. She aims to connect with fans who appreciate her true self and deliver performances that resonate with them. This commitment to authenticity was evident after her Rizin Landmark 12 win, where she focused on self-critique rather than outward celebration.
Discussing the ideal performance versus reality, Lotus acknowledged that while a spectacular knockout is the ultimate goal, she currently lacks the innate talent to consistently achieve it. She recognizes the gap between this ideal and her present capabilities, emphasizing the need to work harder to reach that aspiration.
The news of Seika Izawa vacating her super atomweight title due to pregnancy has significantly motivated Lotus. She views this as a prime opportunity, believing her hard work will now pay off if she seizes the moment.
Lotus also expressed a strong desire for a rematch with RENA Kubota, respecting her as a pioneer of women’s MMA in Japan. She sees overcoming a fighter of RENA’s caliber as a significant achievement she looks forward to.
Looking ahead to her fight against Katie Perez, Lotus stressed the importance of not just winning, but winning convincingly. She stated her intention to put on an exciting fight for her fans and show American supporters the entertaining fighter she is from Japan. Lotus promised an engaging performance on May 10th and is determined to secure the victory.