aww... poor kobayashi

But Kobayashi, 29, may not be able to defend his title. Earlier this week, he said on his Web site that his "jaw has abandoned the frontline" during his training.

"Already I can't open my jaws more than just a little bit," he wrote. "There's no pain only if I open my mouth about enough for one finger. More than that is painful and I can't open it."

A specialist diagnosed him with arthritis of the jaw, he wrote.

"To tell the truth, I'm desperate about healing completely before the July 4 contest," he said, adding that he had begun receiving treatment at a hospital and from a chiropractor.

On Tuesday, his United Food Fighters Organization said on his Web site that Kobayashi has found a doctor he can trust and was "creating an environment in which he can dedicate himself to healing."

"The contest is coming up soon, and we'd happy if everyone kept him in their thoughts," the group wrote.

i guess competitive eating has had a special place for me since i did that presentation. poor guy. hes not even 30!