Bantamweight action on Saturday’s UFC Macau preliminary card found Japan’s Rei Tsuruya taking on Amercian Luis Gurule.
While Tsuruya was 1-1 inside the octagon ahead of the fight and returning after a lengthy layoff, Gurule was just 1-3. However, the 2024 Contender Series winner was entering off the first victory of his UFC career, opposite Daniel Barez earlier this month.
Jesus Aguilar was originally booked against Barez in a flyweight fight, but his withdrawal opened the door for Gurule, with the fight moving up a weight class as a result.
Tsuruya offered a touch of gloves to open the fight, but American bantamweight Luis Gurule rejected, setting the tone for the highly anticipated prelim. Tsuruya quickly made Gurule regret his disrespect, catching him with an overhand shot early.
With Gurule left vulnerable, the high-level grappler changed levels and snapped him to the ground, where he landed meaningful ground-and-pound. Gurule managed to work out of the position, but was forced to give up his back while posting against the cage.
With back control secured, Tsuruya slammed Gurule back to the canvas and cinched up the neck in one smooth motion. He cranked on the submission, forcing Gurule to tap and ending the fight quickly in the first round.
Sporting a new haircut and another win under his belt, Rei Tsuruya continues his rise as one of Japan’s most exciting prospects. Tsuruya improves to 11-1 as a professional and 2-1 in the UFC, with his lone loss coming against UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van.
Official Result: Rei Tsuruya def. Luis Gurule by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:19
