Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage
Surging lightweight contender Goiti Yamauchi captured his third-straight win last night (Sat., Dec. 28, 2019) at Bellator 237 live on Paramount Network and DAZN from inside Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, as the Japanese fighter submitted Daron Cruickshank in the first round with an impressive rear-naked choke.
Yamauchi was landing some good kicks on the feet to begin the fight but ultimately decided to tie Cruickshank up along the cage and work for back control. The talented lightweight made quick work of Cruickshank’s defense and took his back on the ground. A battle for hand control ensued and Yamauchi came out on top, able to sink his arm under Cruickshank’s chin and squeeze for the finish.
Check out the finish above courtesy of ESPN MMA.
With this performance, Yamauchi wins his third in a row at 155 pounds after losing a decision to former Bellator champion Michael Chandler nearly two years ago. The 26-year-old contender may have found another level after that loss and seems to be dominating the competition more than ever as 2020 approaches.
After all, this was his record-setting eighth submission finish inside of the Bellator cage.
For complete Bellator 237 results and coverage click here.