Yachi Silences Doubters With Rear-Naked Choke at RIZIN
Yusuke Yachi submitted Bilal Kai Haga with a rear-naked choke at 2:09 of round two at RIZIN.51 on September 28, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan. The lightweight bout shifted from a competitive clinch battle into a decisive back-control finish.
Both men find takedowns
Yachi initiated grappling exchanges from his southpaw stance, but Haga countered one clinch with a throw and reached side control. Yachi worked toward the corner and stood rather than allowing Haga to settle on top.
Yachi later completed a takedown of his own, although Haga also returned quickly to his feet. The first round ended without either fighter securing a lasting advantage on the ground.
A second-round scramble ends it
Haga rushed into another clinch in round two. Yachi redirected him, moved onto his back and brought the action down to the mat. From there, he completed the choke and forced a tap. Afterward, Yachi pushed back against retirement talk and insisted he still had more to offer.
The finish came after both fighters had opportunities to dictate the grappling. Haga briefly reached side control in the first round, but Yachi returned to his feet and later found a takedown of his own. In round two, Yachi turned a clinch exchange into back control and completed the choke, ending the contest at 2:09.
