Despite recent struggles, Bellator's Goiti Yamauchi committed to featherweight – for now

At just 21 years old, Goiti Yamauchi has established himself as one of Bellator MMA’s brightest prospects. And while recent struggles have left some wondering if a move to lightweight is in order, Yamauchi insists that’s not currently in the works.

“I’m still a featherweight,” Yamauchi told MMAjunkie in his native Portuguese. “Last time around, my uncle and trainer Ossamu (Yamauchi) was worried about my health since I had to lose so much weight in such a short period of time. But that was an unusual occurrence, so we’re staying at featherweight.”

Yamauchi made his Bellator debut in September, scoring an impressive 61-second submission win. When he returned in November, he failed to make weight, only making it to 153 pounds for what resulted in a catchweight win. Then in February, he was able to hit the mark despite a frustrating airport delay, but Yamauchi fell short in his fight against Will Martinez.

Yamauchi admitted it was a tough cut for his most recent fight, especially with the added hassle of travel complications, but he refused to blame those issues for his defeat.

“I had many problems in preparing for that fight, but I would taking nothing away from my opponent,” Yamauchi said. “The travel delays did complicate matters, but I do credit my opponent.”

On Saturday, Yamauchi (16-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) returns to action against Mike Richman (16-4 MMA, 5-3 BMMA) at Bellator 120 at Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. The bout takes place on the Spike TV-broadcast prelims, which follow additional fights that stream on Spike.com and precede the evening’s pay-per-view main card.

Yamauchi believes it’s a bout likely to deliver fireworks.

“He’s very tough,” Yamauchi said of his opponent. “I’m sure he’s the favorite, but he’s not a puzzle that can’t be solved.

“He’s a great grappler with great takedown defense and boxing, but so am I. Whoever wants it more will win.”

With a victory, Yamauchi hopes to secure a place in a future featherweight tournament and make an earnest run at the Bellator title. And though as he ages, Yamauchi may consider a move up to lightweight to make his preparation easier, he insists his focus remains on 145 pounds, at least for now.

“We’re staying at featherweight, though I might move up to lightweight in the future,” Yamauchi said. “At my age, I’m far from reaching my optimum physical condition.”

For the latest on Bellator 120, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.