“Give me a title shot” – Hiroyuki Tezuka criticizes Christian Lee after submission win at ONE Fight Night 21

Japanese MMA star Hiroyuki Tezuka Another important win last weekend saw him continue his quest for the top spot in the division. Last Friday, April 5th, “The Japanese Beast” defeated the Brazilian knockout artist via second round submission. Valmir da Silva A welterweight showdown at “ONE Fight Night 21'' was held at Lumphini Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The win was Tezuka's fifth straight in ONE Championship, all of which came by submission or knockout. In the early stages of the fight, Da Silva tried to stay on his feet and stay within his comfort zone. However, the contest soon went downhill and it was the beginning of the end for him.

Hiroyuki Tezuka and his strategy

Tezuka appeared to be going for his signature armbar, but was unable to lock on, so he switched to a north-south position and secured a choke, eventually forcing a tap. The Yamada Dojo/TGFC representative explained why he decided to pursue a different approach in an in-ring interview with Mitch Chilson after the match.

“He's got a strong arm. Did you see his biceps? So strong! Getting the armbar wasn't easy.” Tetsuka said. “So I change to a north-south choke. I know everything, not just armbars.”

With his recent wins, Tezuka has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in this division and is aiming for gold. In the post-match interview, the 34-year-old was clear about where he wants to go next. “Where's that Christian Lee? He's the welterweight champion, but he hasn't fought in 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 your title shot.” Two-division world champion Christian Lee stopped former titleholder Kiamryan Abbasov in four rounds to win the vacated welterweight strap at ONE on Prime Video 4.

When will Lee come back?

Shortly after Lee added the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title to his roster, he decided to take a step back from the sport due to a tragic accident that killed his sister Victoria. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sitoyotton previously stated that “The Warrior” has plans to return to action, but there are no concrete announcements yet.

With both the lightweight and welterweight divisions seeing movement lately, Evolve MMA and United MMA products will have no shortage of top-level challengers should he declare his return to the circle.