Thundering performance for Mei Yamaguchi. Photo from ONE Championship
TOKYO, Japan–Mei Yamaguchi reintroduced herself to her Japanese fanbase crowd with a triumphant homecoming on Sunday in ONE: A New Era at Ryogoku Kokugikan here.
Yamaguchi was impressive in her first fight in Japan since 2015 as she submitted Kseniya Lachkova of Russia with an armbar late in the third round.
The 36-year-old Yamaguchi used her experience to overpower Lashkova, who couldn’t protect herself the moment she hit the ground.
Hometown hero Mei Yamaguchi overcomes a tough start and submits Kseniya Lachkova with a slick armbar at 3:18 of Round 3! 🇯🇵 @v_vmei #WeAreONE #ANewEra #Tokyo #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/Ljakokg4Se
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 31, 2019
Earlier, undefeated American Garry Tonon continued his torrid start as he picked up his fourth straight stoppage at the expense of Anthony Engelen.
Tonon wasted no time in taking down Engelen and went on to gain control from the back where he kept pounding until the referee stopped the fight at the 4:12 mark of the opening round.
BJJ World Champion Garry Tonon secures a dominant ground-and-pound TKO win over Anthony Engelen at 4:12 of Round 1! @Garry_Tonon #WeAreONE #ANewEra #Tokyo #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/ASXXOa7CDU
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 31, 2019
“I gave you guys a little taste of what I’m capable of,” Tonon said.
In other fights, Joseph Lasiri beat Hiroki Akimoto by majority decision in a kickboxing Super Series while Rodtang Jitmuangnon edged Hakim Hamech via split decision in a Muay Thai Super Series.
Also in a Muay Thai Super Series, Panicos Yusuf beat Mohammed Bin Mahmoud via unanimous decision.