During a press conference to promote UFC Undisputed 2010, Former PRIDE superstar Takanori Gomi shared his thoughts about a future title run in the lightweight division.

Known for his heavy hands and fun standup style, Gomi was welcomed into the UFC by contender Kenny Florian.  Florian eventually secured a rear-naked choke submission in the third round, after spending most of the fight outclassing Gomi while striking.  

I’m not surprised Gomi lost to Florian, but his next fight resulted in a brutal knockout victory against Tyson Griffin — helping prove the Japanese superstar still has something to offer to newer generation fighters.

“BJ, Florian have a jiu-jitsu base so I had a hard time dealing with them but the champion has a wrestling base so I can fight him calmly,” Gomi recently said.  “I’m aiming for the belt?  Yes, I am.  I think I can take the belt. I wonder if I’m stronger than the champ?” Gomi wonders with a grin on his face.

After first entering the UFC in early 2010, a possible Penn-Gomi rematch seemed unlikely — and undesired — but another Gomi victory could make matchmaking very interesting.  If Gomi can prove the Griffin victory wasn’t a fluke by winning one more, a possible match with Penn could be arranged.

If Nate Diaz wants a chance to follow in big brother Nick’s footsteps, a lightweight clash between the younger Diaz brother and Gomi is possible. I don’t think Nate Diaz vs. Gobi is going to happen, but there’s been a lot of speculation about the matchup this week.