Shaun Etchell’s international debut didn’t go the way he would have hoped, as he was submitted by Japanese youngster Takeru Uchida on Thursday night in Singapore.
Uchida wasted no time in immediately shooting in for a takedown which was defended well by Etchell early who used his superior strength to reverse the takedown attempt and land on top in side-control.
Uchida wriggled out and looked to take the back but Etchell defended again. Etchell tried to capitalise to take the back of his opponent but Uchida remained slick on the ground and secured the top position. The Chiba, Japan native then took Etchell’s back and secured the rear-naked choke. Etchell attempted to slam his way out but the choke was tight and he was forced to tap
An impressive outing from the 19-year-old Japanese who didn’t take any damage with the victory, flushing out the striking game that Etchell likes to bring to bouts.
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The end came 3:26 into the contest as Uchida moves his record to 6-1. Gracious in defeat, Etchell drops to 7-3.
“It was my first bout outside of Japan. I was very nervous but a lot of things to think about and go back to. I’m just happy I got the win,” Uchida said in post-fight speech.
The bout was contested as a non-tournament bout on episode two of the ‘Road to UFC’ events taking place in Singapore ahead of UFC 275 this weekend.
