Ryo “The Piranha” Chonan MMAMemories.com Exclusive Biofile Published by Scoop Malinowski Last Updated on November 18th, 2008

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Status: UFC Welterweight/Middleweight fighter. His last win was over Roan Carneiro at UFC 88 in Atlanta. Holds career win over Anderson Silva (by flying scissor heel hook) at PRIDE Shockwave in 2004.

Record: 16-7

Ht: 5-8 Wt: 170

DOB: October 8, 1976 In: Yamagata, Japan

Childhood Hero: “The Road Warrior (pro wrestler).”

Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “Motorcycle driving, PlayStation, drinking and partying [smiles].”

Nicknames: “Piranha. And in Japan – Massacre Piranha.” (Also has been called The Shark and Chonan The Barbarian.)

Favorite Movies: “Lord of the Rings and City of God.”

Favorite TV Show: “Down Town (Japanese comedy).”

Musical Tastes: “Hip-hop and hardcore.”

Early Fighting Memory: “High school karate tournament – I got third place.”

First Job: “Carpenter.”

First Car: “Nissan Caravan.”

Pre-Fight Feeling: “Relaxed, focused on the fight.”

Favorite Meal: Thai food and Mexican food.”

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”

Greatest Career Moment: “Beating Hayato Sakurai (at 2003’s Deep: 12th Impact).”

Most Painful Moment: “The Phil Baroni fight and Nino Schembri fight. (Baroni KOed Chonan at PRIDE Bushido 8; Schembri decisioned Chonan at PRIDE Bushido 7 – both losses were in 2004).”

Worst Injury: “Torn ankle ligament – out for six months.”

Favorite Fighters To Watch: “Dan Henderson, Tsuyoshi ‘TK’ Kosaka and Hidehiko Yoshida.”

Favorite Fight: “Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Cro Cop at PRIDE Final Conflict 2005.”

Embarrassing Fighting Memory: “The Phil Baroni fight and Nini Schembri fight.”

Funny Fighting Memory: “Before the Anderson Silva fight at PRIDE Shock Wave 2004, there was a traffic jam and I had to get out and run in the snow to the train station. And take a train with many fight fans to get to the fight on time [smiles].”

Favorite Vacation Spot: “My hometown – Yamagata, Japan. I like to go to the spa.”

Childhood Dream: “To be a strong man.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “People that understand mixed martial arts’ techniques.”

Translation By Dan Henderson.

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