J. Formiga (photo) won at UFC Japan (Photo: Reproduction Instagram ufc_brasil)
The first Brazilians to take action at UFC Japan this Friday (22) had different lucks. Promoted at the last minute to the main portion of the event, Jussier formiga submitted Yuta “Ulka” Sasaki in the first round. Then, it was light heavyweight Henrique Frankenstein’s turn to take action. Despite showing race and a tough chin, he was no match for the heavy and technical hand of kickboxer Gokhan Saki and ended up being knocked out, also in the first round.
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Interestingly, the fights involving Brazilians were the only ones that have been interrupted so far in UFC Japan. The four fights on the preliminary card ended in a decision, as did the featherweight duel between Teruto Ishihara and Rolando Dy, in the main portion of the show.
Formiga submits and asks for title chance
In action against a dangerous but unranked opponent, Formiga did exactly what was expected: submission in the first round. Sasaki, however, sold the defeat dearly. The Japanese seemed to be able to use the difference in height and wingspan and landed hard kicks to the Brazilian's body.
Formiga managed to resist and also threatened with left overhands and kicks on the counterattack. Jussier showed patience and didn't want to force the takedown. When Sasaki felt comfortable, he tried a more complicated move and ended up down. He soon managed to regain his guard, but Formiga showed the difference between the two, getting the mount, taking the Japanese's back and locking in a rear naked choke.
After the fight, Formiga avoided directly asking for a shot at the flyweight title, but assured that he is ready to seek the belt.
Frankenstein switches and falls
Henrique Frankenstein has one submission in the UFC and a clear advantage over Gokhan Saki on the ground. However, the Brazilian decided to swap with the kickboxing world champion and got the worst of it. First, the Turkish-Dutch tested Henrique, unleashing blows all at once. Then he started putting combinations together and complicated Frankenstein.
After the first knockdown, the Brazilian finally attempted the takedown, but was rejected. But Saki started to get tired. Used to three-minute rounds, the kickboxer felt the pressure and gave Frankenstein an opening, who landed hard elbows on his opponent's face. However, “The Rebel” pulled a cross out of his hat and erased the Brazilian, who suffered his fourth consecutive defeat.
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