Rei Tsuruya hopes he's finally done enough to earn a crack at an opponent with a number next to their name.
At UFC Fight Night 286 in Shanghai, Tsuruya (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) showed why he was heavily favored as he quickly drowned and tapped opponent Kevin Borjas (11-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC), winning the bout in 4:14 by rear-naked choke.
"I am simply happy, with my performance and the outcome," Tsuruya recently told MMA Junkie through a translator. "Two straight finishes in the first round, it really gives me confidence moving forward in my career with the UFC. For now, I am happy, and back to work. ... I was confident that I could dominate on the ground. My body reacted on its own and was making that takedown."
Tsuruya, 24, is viewed by many experts as one of the flyweight division's most promising prospects, particularly given his age and ability to finish fights. His stock has risen even further, as the only man to defeat him, Joshua Van, now hold UFC flyweight gold.
"I believe I am capable of being at the top of the division," Tsuruya said. "It's also a lot about luck, timing and the matchups you get, but I'm doing everything I can to develop my skills and be ready for whatever is next."
#opponent #next
At UFC Fight Night 286 in Shanghai, Tsuruya (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) showed why he was heavily favored as he quickly drowned and tapped opponent Kevin Borjas (11-6 MMA, 2-5 UFC), winning the bout in 4:14 by rear-naked choke.
"I am simply happy, with my performance and the outcome," Tsuruya recently told MMA Junkie through a translator. "Two straight finishes in the first round, it really gives me confidence moving forward in my career with the UFC. For now, I am happy, and back to work. ... I was confident that I could dominate on the ground. My body reacted on its own and was making that takedown."
Tsuruya, 24, is viewed by many experts as one of the flyweight division's most promising prospects, particularly given his age and ability to finish fights. His stock has risen even further, as the only man to defeat him, Joshua Van, now hold UFC flyweight gold.
"I believe I am capable of being at the top of the division," Tsuruya said. "It's also a lot about luck, timing and the matchups you get, but I'm doing everything I can to develop my skills and be ready for whatever is next."
#opponent #next
2 months ago
