Despite quick win and history, Goiti Yamauchi mum on callouts after Bellator 183

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Goiti Yamauchi is one of those fighters who truly prefers to let his fighting do the talking. Fortunately for him, his performance at Bellator 183 spoke volumes.

In his third appearance since moving up to the Bellator lightweight division in October, Yamauchi (22-3 MMA, 8-2 BMMA) scored a second-round submission of previously unbeaten Adam Piccolotti (9-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) in Saturday’s Bellator 183 main-card opener, which took place at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., and aired on Spike following prelims streamed on MMAjunkie.

Yamauchi improved to 3-0 at 155 pounds with the performance. Not only that, he tied the record for the most submission victories in Bellator history with his sixth tapout. He said he was pleased with his effort and simply credited his work ethic and the support of his team for the win.

“I’m feeling good; I’m feeling very happy,” Yamauchi told MMAjunkie after the win. “It’s just how it worked. I’ve been working since my last fight. It’s just the hard work that I’ve been training, and that’s the result of all my teamwork. I’m very happy for this win.”

After a successful, but not spectacular, run in the featherweight division, Yamauchi decided moving up in weight was best for his growing body. At just 24, he is still an evolving athlete who is making gains to his physique, skillset and mental approach.

Piccolotti entered Bellator 183 with an unbeaten record and five consecutive wins with the promotion. Yamauchi took that all away in swift fashion, setting him up for some meaningful opportunities in the future.

Although he could have used the platform of his shining moment to call for a big fight or a specific name, Yamauchi opted to keep humble and revealed he would prefer to allow the Bellator brass to direct his future.

“My next fight is not up to me,” Yamauchi said. “I’m just waiting for the next contract to sign. I will sign it, and that’s how it works for me.”

For complete coverage of Bellator 183, check out the MMA Events section of the site.