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Goiti Yamauchi has proven himself a finisher during his 28-fight career. Yet despite his record-breaking resume in Bellator MMA, Daron Cruickshank recently called the Japanese-born pugilist “boring.” At Bellator 237, in Tokyo’s Saitama Super Arena, the record holder for most submissions in promotion history will go face-to-face with “The Detroit Superstar” in a fight that was not booked to go the distance.
In a recent interview with The Body Lock MMA, Cruickshank -- a man with 15 knockout victories in his career -- told the site, “I actually think he’s a pretty boring fighter. I’m going to have to create the show.”
It’s a surprising observation, considering Yamaguchi has secured a finish in 20 of his 24 victories. When asked about the comments, the 26-year-old was also a bit confused.
“You call me boring fighter, but the rate of finish in my career is probably more than 90 percent,” Yamauchi told Sherdog. “Not in just professional, but in [my] amateur [and] jiu-jitsu career. So, this [doesn’t] make sense. I like my style. I like my personality. I think it’s just a matter of time to be recognized because of it. “
Along with answering other comments from his opponent on Dec. 29, Yamauchi talked about his roots in Japan, and why his family immigrated to Brazil when he was a child. Also, he spoke on why fighting in his native land is special for him. Afterwards, he gave his thoughts on the lightweight title being held up while champion Patricio Friere competes in the featherweight grand prix and if an interim title should be instituted, and which lightweights he has in his sights next.
