Published 45 days ago
Rei Tsuruya dominates Kevin Borjas by submission in Shanghai, confirming his status as the top contender in the flyweight division.
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Rei Tsuruya made a statement by submitting Kevin Borjas with a rear-naked choke in the first round at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai. With two consecutive wins, the Japanese fighter establishes himself as a serious contender for the flyweight title.
To remember:
- Tsuruya (12-1) confirms his contender status in the flyweight division after his submission win.
- His rear-naked choke, a precise and deadly technique, echoes his performances in DEEP and Pancrase.
- At 29, he now combines experience and explosiveness, becoming a serious threat to the top of the division.
- His next fight could very well earn him a flyweight title shot.
- Kevin Borjas, despite an 11-win record, suffers another loss against Tsuruya’s superior technique.
A new step toward the top for Tsuruya
Incredible performance by Rei Tsuruya at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai! The Japanese fighter once again demonstrated his dominance by submitting Kevin Borjas with a rear-naked choke in the first round. With this second consecutive UFC win, Tsuruya (12-1) establishes himself as a serious contender in the flyweight division. His ground game, already formidable, seems to be maturing, and his international experience in DEEP and Pancrase adds an extra dimension to his profile.
At just 29 years old, Tsuruya now combines experience and explosiveness, a dangerous mix for his future opponents. His next challenge could very well be decisive: a flyweight title fight is no longer a pipe dream.
Borjas, the latest victim of the Tsuruya machine
Kevin Borjas, despite a respectable 11-win record, couldn’t withstand Tsuruya’s methodical pressure. The Peruvian, who has struggled in several UFC bouts, suffered his fifth loss in seven fights with the organization. Tsuruya’s performance, marked by surgical precision, could reignite debates about Borjas’ place in the division.
For Tsuruya, this victory is confirmation: he’s no longer an outsider but a credible title contender. Whoever his next opponent is, they’ll need to be wary of this rising Japanese star.
With two consecutive UFC wins and a constantly improving ground game, Rei Tsuruya has established himself as one of the top contenders in the flyweight division. His next fight could very well be the one that changes his career: a title fight. Stay tuned!

