Bellator 236: Kiichi Kunimoto wants to finish short-notice replacement Jason Jackson

HONOLULU – Kiichi Kunimoto will be competing at Bellator 236, as expected.

Unexpectedly however, Kunimoto (20-8-2 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) is facing a fight week opponent switch-up, as Neiman Gracie pulled out of their scheduled bout due to injury earlier this week.

Now, Kunimoto will take on former LFA welterweight champ Jason Jackson (10-4 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) on the main card.

“About five days ago, I found out officially Neiman Gracie got injured,” Kunimoto told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “Of course, I was focusing to fight Neiman Gracie. In order to fight (Jackson), I had to change my mindset focusing on this opponent.”

A different opponent means different mental and physical preparations. After Gracie pulled out, Kunimoto began researching Jackson.

“Of course, I watched his last few fights,” Kunimoto said. “I tried to understand what’s his good areas and how I prepare for the fight… I just want to finish the fight.”

Kunimoto has yet to pick up a win inside the Bellator cage. The UFC veteran has competed once under the promotion’s banner, losing to Ed Ruth in July.

Bellator 236 takes place Saturday at Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Check out MMA Junkie’s full pre-fight scrum with Kiichi Kunimoto in the video above.