Japanese Contender Series winner Yusaku Kinoshita made his UFC debut on Saturday night, taking on octagon sophomore Adam Fugitt in a main card welterweight match-up.
With the event originally scheduled for South Korea, there was a wealth of Asian talent on Saturday’s show at the UFC Apex — including the four final round match-ups in the Road to UFC tournament. Kinoshita, however, was the lone newcomer to be afforded a main card billing.
There was plenty of attention on the Japanese newcomer, but Figitt was more than happy to play spoiler.
Both fighters came out in round one with a lot of kicks. Kinoshita got the attention of Fugitt with a nice right hand. That gave Kinoshita more confidence as he pressed forward. Kinoshita timed a head kick but it allowed Fugitt to take the fight down. Kinoshita got back to his feet and went right back down twice but eventually escaped fully.
Yusaku Kinoshita was still coming forward but paid for it, getting sat down by Fugitt with a left hook. Fugitt got the fight down and had the back briefly. Kinoshita was scrambling but Fugitt was all over him. Fugitt mounted Kinoshita and some elbows sent the ref in.
A MAN ON A MISSION! @Justfugitt locks up his first UFC victory with a punishing performance at #UFCVegas68 😤
[ Live now on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/KMeKrnb9fU
— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023
The victory gives Adam Fugitt his first UFC win, and an upset at that. That brings his record to 9-3 as a professional.
Official Result: Adam Fugitt def. Yusaku Kinoshita by TKO (ground and pound), Round 1, 4:36
