Christa Deguchi discusses whether she'll transition to MMA following gold medal win in Judo at 2024 Paris Olympics
Christa Deguchi recently discussed whether she will transition to MMA after winning the Olympic gold medal in Judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics. There have been several former Olympic competitors and medalists in Judo and wrestling that have transitioned into MMA, especially considering they can utilize their elite-level background.
It was a significant feat for the 28-year-old, as she became the first-ever Canadian to win a gold medal in Judo at the Olympics. She had quite a unique journey as she had previously represented Japan until 2014; however, she made the decision to switch her representation to Canada in 2017.
In addition to the Olympics, Deguchi has also won medals at the Pan Am Championship, Commonwealth Games, World Masters and World Championship.
While speaking to Ariel Helwani on CBC's 'Paris Tonight', the Olympic gold medal winning judoka was asked whether she is interested in following past gold medalists like Kayla Harrison and transitioning into MMA. Deguchi appeared somewhat reluctant as she mentioned that she didn't want to get hit. She said:
"Oooh, I hate getting punched. I like punching, but I don't like getting punched, so maybe not."
Check out Christa Deguchi's comments below:
Christa Deguchi's response was similar to Kayla Harrison
Although Christa Deguchi noted that getting punched in the face appears to be the deal breaker on whether she transitions to MMA, her response was similar to Kayla Harrison.
After Ariel Helwani posted the aforementioned clip to his X account, another clip surfaced from his interview with Harrison following her Olympic gold medal win.
At the time, the judoka was contemplating a move to MMA and mentioned that she was going to see how she reacted to being punched in the face before making her decision. She said:
"I have not been punched in the face yet. So that's kind of why I'm still doing some soul searching. I know that that day is gonna come when I get punched in the face and maybe I love it and maybe I hate it."
Check out Kayla Harrison's comments below: