Facing Cyborg, Determined Yamanaka Feels Respected

The once-beaten Hiroko Yamanaka will carry an eight-fight winning streak into her promotional debut at Strikeforce “Melendez vs. Masvidal” on Saturday at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. There, the 33-year-old Japanese standout, who has avenged the only defeat of her career, will challenge Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos for the Strikeforce women’s featherweight championship. During a pre-fight teleconference, Yamanaka indicated she felt she was receiving the respect that was due a fighter of her caliber:

“I don’t feel like I’m overlooked or anything. I mean, the only thing I have in my mind is to win this fight. That’s all. I do feel my experience will benefit me. I have a lot of good experience, and it’s going to benefit me in this fight. I just want American fans to know I’m so determined to win this fight. I’m going to walk out of the cage with my championship belt.”