Goiti Yamauchi thrilled to fight in mother country for first time at Bellator 237

Goiti Yamauchi was raised in Brazil, a country he proudly represents. But there’s nowhere he’d rather fight than his birth country, Japan.

Saturday, Yamauchi (24-4 MMA, 10-3 BMMA) has the opportunity to do just that for the first time, when he takes on Daron Cruickshank at Bellator 237.

“Without a doubt, from all countries I could fight in the world, I can’t think of a better one than Japan,” Yamauchi told MMA Junkie. “Fighting on a Brazil card would be close, but Japan is still better. I was born there, close to Nagoya. I also represent Japan with a lot of love.

“It’s an excellent opportunity. It’s my home. More than half my family lives there. It’s a wonderful opportunity, to be able to bring pride to the Japanese people.”

Taking on an experienced veteran in Cruickshank (22-12 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), Yamauchi will partake in one of the three Bellator vs. RIZIN cross-promotion fights on the card.

Despite the fight being a striker vs. grappler matchup in the eyes of many, Yamauchi doesn’t view it that way. According to the 26-year-old lightweight, he’s proven he can hang when fighting strike-happy opponents.

“I think my strength is how well I adapt to any situation,” Yamauchi said. “Michael Chandler has very good striking, and we were able to make him respect my standup. I faced good kickboxers like Daniel Weichel and Mike Richman on the feet. Adjustments always happen. If an opponent wants to avoid the ground, I’ll gladly keep it standing. My goal is to win a fight, regardless of where it takes place.

“Daron Cruickshank doesn’t have a bad ground game, although I feel he prefers to strike, as that’s his comfort zone. We’ll see how things play out. I’m looking forward to putting my new striking tools to the test.”

With a win over Cruickshank, Yamauchi believes he’ll take one step closer to his ultimate goal of being champion one day. While he’s competed under the promotion’s banner since Bellator 99 in 2013, he’s never been able to secure a title shot, let alone a title.

“Another victory is another step towards becoming champion one day,” Yamauchi said. “I have to go through guys like Ben Henderson, Michael Chandler, and Patricio Pitbull. Whoever it might be, I’ll be ready.”

Bellator 237, the promotion’s debut in Japan, takes place Saturday (Sunday locally) at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, near Tokyo. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.