SAITAMA, Japan – It didn’t take long for Goiti Yamauchi to extend his winning streak to three Saturday night.
Taking on former UFC fighter Daron Cruickshank, Yamuchi (25-4 MMA, 11-3 BMMA) made quick work of the Michigan-based striker. Yamauchi submitted Cruickshank (22-13 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) by rear-naked choke at 3:11 of Round 1.
After a feeling-out process on the feet, Yamauchi secured a body lock of Cruickshank on the feet. From there, Yamauchi was able to drag Cruickshank to the ground and secure hold of the back. It didn’t take long before Yamauchi sunk in the rear-naked choke and got the tap.
With the win, Yamauchi’s extends his winning streak to three. The Japan-born, Brazil resident has now won six out of most recent seven outings entering Saturday. Yamauchi’s submission of Cruickshank was the 10th of his career.
Cruickshank was the lone American representing RIZIN in the Bellator 237 head-to-head matchups. With the loss, “The Detroit Superstar” has his winless streak extended to three. Since being released from the UFC in mid-2016, Cruickshank has gone 6-5.
The lightweight bout opened the Bellator 237 main card, which took place Saturday (Sunday locally) at Saitama Super Arena. The card aired on Paramount and streamed on DAZN.
Up-to-the-minute Bellator 237 results include:
- Goiti Yamauchi def. Daron Cruickshank via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:11
