Goiti Yamauchi’s return to the cage holds plenty of significance.
Despite having over 30 fights logged as a professional and being one of the most experienced fighters on the Bellator roster, Yamauchi (27-5 MMA, 13-4 BMMA) sees Friday’s Bellator 284 bout as a unique and special moment in his career.
Bellator 284 will be Yamauchi’s first main event bout in his nine years with the promotion and he’ll also be fighting Neiman Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family.
“First of all, I’m fighting in my first main event, my first five rounds – that’s really meaningful,” Yamauchi said during Wednesday’s pre-fight media day. “Everybody that gets a main event in a big promotion, that’s a special moment.
“But what really makes it important and meaningful, is fighting against a guy who comes from the family that made this work here. Gracie family, they’re so important to me. Not just for me, but for all the fight community. There’s something meaningful in this fight.”
The Gracie family is responsible for the creation of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And it’s no secret Gracie (11-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) follows the tradition, given he’s one of the most talented grapples in Bellator.
Twenty-one of the 27 victories Yamauchi has as a professional have come by submission. He, too, is a standout grappler in the promotion. The 29-year-old would like to measure his grappling skills against a Gracie, but it’s definitely not something he’s going to force.
“I would love to,” Yamauchi explained. “… I never see the fight game as, ‘I want to test myself.’ That would be too stupid if I just do it for my ego. Like I said before, I’m going to win the fight.
“If I have to fight five rounds on the ground, I’m good. If I have to go five rounds in the striking, I’m also pretty good and comfortable. It’s all about taking the right opportunities and not making many mistakes.”
