AKIHIRO GONO

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

TWO STEP RIGHT/LEFT FLYING KNEE

Level 2 - Both Standing, Striking Range

“The Japanese Sensation” can deliver these devastating flying knees practically anytime while the fight is kept standing. Launch forward and catch his rivals off guard!

FLYING RIGHT/LEFT KNEE

Level 2 - Muay Thai Clinch Cage, Offense

Batter opponents with big knees in the Muay Thai Clinch as well. Gono has good control in clinch positions, so press the opponent into the fence and let loose with these lethal knees.

DIRECT CATCH TO GUILLOTINE CHOKE

Level 2 - Sprawl, Top

Gono has good submissions and takedown defense—combine the two by dropping down for a dangerous guillotine each time he manages to sprawl and stuff his opponents’ takedowns.

STRENGTHS

• Well rounded

• Experience

• Heart

Akihiro Gono, “The Japanese Sensation,” was an extremely fast and dangerous fighter back in the days of PRIDE. His great speed and well-rounded striking game allowed him to frustrate his opponents with a varied and dangerous stand-up attack on the feet.

Use Gono’s tremendous speed and agility to move into and out of range, scoring with his powerful punches and kicks. He has a deep gas tank, so press the action and work the opponent over with an aggressive pace.

He can be vulnerable to strikes on the feet, however, so beware of allowing the opponent to land too often. A well-rounded fighter, Akihiro can also be effective in the clinch, with solid clinch control and effective striking, including punishing knees.

“The Japanese Sensation” is also able to work an effective ground game, using his limited ground-and-pound as a means of setting up his dangerous submissions from the top.

Try attacking with Gono’s kimura from Side Control—he can switch to an armbar from there if the initial kimura doesn’t get the job done.

WEAKNESSES

• Strength

• Strike defense

• Ground striking
  

Gono’s speed, footwork, and power in both his hands and kicks make him a dangerous opponent to stand and trade blows with on the feet.

In truth, “The Japanese Sensation” is a threat everywhere, but it’s best to try to gain some advantage by locking up in a clinch or scoring a well-timed short takedown.

Put him out of his element by working your way into a positional advantage in the clinch or on the ground, then either attack with powerful technique strikes in the Muay Thai Clinch or land some pulverizing ground-and-pound after you’ve gained dominant top position against him on the ground.

He is no stranger to fighting off of his back, so don’t get too comfortable while on top—fight your way back to dominant position each time Akihiro manages to improve his bottom posture, and only attack in force when you’re in the ideal spot to do damage.