Yushin Okami saved the main event of UFC Saitama, replacing Shogun Rua on six days’ notice. Okami had a 13-5 run in the UFC from 2006 to 2013 before the promotion elected to let him walk. Outside of the Octagon, “Thunder” went 5-2, including a WSOF title shot against David Branch. Okami has never fought at light heavyweight in his career.
Ovince Saint Preux, meanwhile, is a former Division 1 college football player whose athletic prowess has translated well to the Octagon. Saint Preux owns an 8-4 record in the UFC, including an interim title shot at Jon Jones. OSP recently put an end to a three fight losing streak with a submission over Marcos Rogerio de Lima.
Could Okami do the unthinkable and return on almost no notice for an upset win? Immediately, Okami shot in for a takedown, then wound up underneath Ovince Saint Preux, who instantly began looking for a choke. With his arm coiled around Okami’s neck, OSP looked to step over his opponent’s leg, but Okami managed to survive. However, shortly after, Saint Preux began setting up a Von Flue choke — and within seconds, Okami was out cold! With Okami unconscious on the mat, OSP became the first man to have three Von Flue chokes inside the octagon, after being the only fighter with two.
While it wasn’t surprising to see Ovince Saint Preux secure the win at UFC Saitama, a third von flue choke is nothing short of impressive!
Ovince Saint Preux def. Yushin Okami by submission (Von Flue choke), Round 1, 1:50
