A professional combatant since 2011, Mansour Barnaoui has never been knocked out or submitted in his career, and he scored finishes in 19 of his 20 professional MMA wins. A grappling specialist, Barnaoui has won lightweight gold on the regional scene. Barnaoui’s last three fights have come in Bellator, and he sports a 1-2 record in the promotion, scoring a submission of Adam Piccolotti before dropping decisions to former Bellator Champion Brent Primus and Jay-Jay Wilson.

 

Yusuke Yachi is also a longtime veteran of the sport, competing in his 40th professional MMA fight tonight in Paris. A boxing specialist, Yachi has challenged for lightweight gold previously in Japan. The experienced fighter enters his Bellator debut on a three-fight win streak, most recently fighting in February, scoring a second-round submission of Rikuto Shirakawa.

 

Which of these two will impress in this battle of experienced combatants?

 

 

Round 1

 

The two men come out striking. Yachi with a one-two, followed by a round kick. Barnaoui works a jab. The two battle in close, and Barnaoui lands an elbow that rocks Yachi! Barnaoui gets Yachi down, and he gets on top. Barnaoui works around Yachi’s guard. Barnaoui tries to work his way into mount. Yachi tries to scramble up, but Barnaoui has his legs around Yachi’s right knee. Yachi works his way back to his feet. Knee from Yachi. Another knee from Yachi. And another from Yachi. The two separate.

 

Yachi throws a high kick but cannot connect. Yachi comes in, but Barnaoui grabs a hold of him and presses him on the fence. Barnaoui elevates Yachi and scores the takedown. Barnaoui gets into side control, and he lands a couple of strong elbows. Barnaoui lands a couple of more elbows. Yachi tries to escape, but Barnaoui has one of his arms trapped. Barnaoui gets a hold of Yachi’s neck, and he has a D’Arce! There’s the submission!

 

Mansour Barnaoui gets the job done in his native France!

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Mansour Barnaoui defeats Yusuke Yachi by 1st round submission (D’arce choke) in a lightweight bout