Goiti Yamauchi did his thing at Bellator 229, submitting veteran Saad Awad in the first round with an armbar. It was his second consecutive victory, and gives him the Bellator record for most submission wins.
Despite both fighters being in Bellator since 2013, Bellator 229 marked the first time veterans Saad Awad and Goiti Yamauchi fought. Awad has competed at both lightweight and welterweight, tallying a 23-11 record as a pro. The 36-year-old lost his previous two fights, against Benson Henderson and Brandon Girtz, both by decision, ahead of his matchup with Yamauchi.
Yamauchi has lost twice in his last nine matches. The 26-year-old submission-specialist has been incredibly active throughout his nearly decade-long career, earning a 23-4 record as a pro. Yamauchi was 4-1 in his most recent five bouts, with the lone loss coming to Michael Chandler by unanimous decision in January of 2018.
Both veterans began the fight patient, figuring out the range in the opening minute. Awad landed the first major strike of the night, sending Yamauchi stumbling backward with a big right hand. Stunned, Yamauchi quickly shot for a takedown, eating another few right hands for his troubles. Despite those strikes, Yamauchi was able to get the fight to the ground, with Awad in his guard. Yamauchi then latched on to Awad’s right hand after some ground strikes, and snapped on an armbar. Seconds later, Awad was tapping, and the fight was over. Yamauchi now owns the record for most submissions in Bellator history.
Result: Goiti Yamauchi def. Saad Awad by submission (armbar) in Round 1 (1:40)
