SAN JOSE, Calif. – It’s not that Goiti Yamauchi was taking it slow, but he’s coming up on 10 years in Bellator and a title shot has eluded him so far.
But Yamauchi (28-5 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) has been on a serious roll lately with wins in six of his past seven fights. The lone loss in that stretch was a split call against Dan Moret and is one most MMA analysts scored for Yamauchi. And a win over his next opponent, Michael Page (20-2 MMA, 16-2 BMMA), would be his biggest victory yet – and likely would get Yamauchi a welterweight titleshot.
“Yes, 100 percent … 100 percent (the winner gets a title shot),” Yamauchi said at Wednesday’s media day for Bellator 292. “Michael Page was actually the No. 1 contender now. Come back to the rankings. He just fought for the title, and I think that this win will guarantee the title for my next (fight).”
Yamuchi has fought at featherweight and lightweight with Bellator and was in breathing distance of title shots in the past, and almost always in the conversation no matter his division.
But he’s settling in now at welterweight as a 30-year-old and said being close to title shots in the past has helped him slow his roll now.
“The fight game is all about timing and you should be very patient. Compete at the high level and take no damage: That’s what I’m trying to do – no damage. Patience – I know my time is coming. My time is coming. Friday will be the time.”
Bellator 292 takes place Friday at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Check out Yamauchi’s full media day interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 292.
