Japanese MMA star Hiroyuki Tetsuka picked up another important win last weekend, and he proceeded to shoot his shot at the division’s top prize afterward. Last Friday, April 5, “Japanese Beast” claimed a second-round submission over Brazilian knockout artist Valmir Da Silva in their welterweight clash at ONE Fight Night 21 inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The win was Tetsuka’s fifth in a row in the ONE Championship, with each coming either by submission or knockout. Early in the fight, Da Silva tried to keep the contest in his realm of expertise by staying on his feet. However, the contest soon found its way to the ground, which spelled the beginning of the end for him.

Hiroyuki Tetsuka and his strategy

Tetsuka looked like he was seeking his signature armbar but couldn’t lock it up, so he switched to a north-south position and secured the choke that ultimately forced the tap. The Yamada Dojo-TGFC representative shared why he decided to pursue a different approach during the in-ring interview with Mitch Chilson following the match. 

“He has strong arms. Did you see his biceps? Very strong! Getting the armbar was not easy,” Tetsuka said. “So, I change to north-south choke. I know everything, not only the armbar.”

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With his latest win, Tetsuka has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the division, and he has his sights set on gold. In the post-fight interview, the 34-year-old clearly laid out where he wants to go next. “Where is that Christian Lee? He is the welterweight division champion, but he’s not fighting for two years,” he said.  

“I want Kadestam, and I want a title shot for the belt! Thank you, Chatri, I love you, Chatri. So come get me a title shot.” Two-division World Champion Christian Lee won the vacant welterweight strap at ONE on Prime Video 4 after stopping former titleholder Kiamrian Abbasov in the fourth round. 

When will Lee return?

Shortly after Lee added the crown to his ONE Lightweight MMA World Title, he decided to take a step back from competition due to the tragic loss of his sister, Victoria. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has previously said that “The Warrior” has plans to return to action, but nothing concrete has been announced yet.

“I’m Going to Feel Good After Beating Him” – Kade Ruotolo Expects Francisco Lo to Keep Him on His Toes at ONE Fight Night 21

With both the lightweight and welterweight divisions seeing movement lately, the Evolve MMA and United MMA product will have no shortage of top-level challengers when he makes the call to step back into the Circle.

Kade Ruotolo Is Super Excited to Face Francisco Lo at ONE Fight Night 21