NEW YORK – Lindsey VanZandt defeated Rena Kubota on Friday in the preliminary card of Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden.
Result: Lindsey VanZandt def. Rena Kubota via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:04
Updated records: Kubota (8-3 MMA, 0-1 BMMA), VanZandt (6-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA)
Key stat: Bellator took bragging rights in the first cross-promotional fight with Rizin on the evening as LVZ won the 112-pound catchweight bout.
On the aura of fighting at MSG
“I’m still taking it all in. Everybody was coming up to me before the fight and saying ‘oh my God, you’re fighting at MSG,’ and I’m like ‘nope, it’s just another fight.’ It’s nothing, it’s like any other fight, and once the fight’s over I’ll take it all in. And it’s like, I still can’t believe this is happening.”
On whether this win is her big break
“I think so. I’m hoping so. I worked really hard, and this is a big moment for me, big win, like I said, her record is amazing, and going back, going into into this fight, everybody told me what a big underdog I was, so, I’m glad I could prove everybody wrong.”
On what’s next
“I’m ready for whatever. Invicta, Bellator, anybody who wants me, I got it but, Bellator I love you since I’m here right now.”
For more from VanZandt, click on the video above.
For more on Bellator 222, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
