It was a quick start in the featherweight division, as Rani Yahya immediately threw some feints and leg kicks against Mizuto Hirota.
Yahya showed in the first round that he was extremely comfortable no matter what position he was in on the ground. Hirota had him on his back for a portion of the round and Yahya showed his patience and control. Once Yahya reversed and gained the dominant position, he searched for numerous submissions, but was unlucky.
The second round looked the same and took Yahya under a minute to get Hirota to the mat. With three minutes left in the round, Yahya secured the arm-triangle choke but Hirota fought through it. Yahya spent the entire round in top position.
Hirota shifted gears and almost secured a triangle-armbar on Yahya but proved unable to finish. Yahya was able to hold on until the end of the round, but appeared to be tired as the round ended
Rani Yahya def. Mizuto Hirota by Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28)
