At LFA 202, Japanese sensation Shuya Kamikubo stunned audiences with a rare modified twister submission victory over Mateus Santos in the co-main event.
The highly anticipated match showcased Kamikubo’s exceptional ground game, as he executed a submission that has become increasingly associated with Japanese mixed martial arts. The technique, which some are now dubbing the “Japanese twister,” demonstrated why Kamikubo has become one of the most feared submission specialists in the sport.
From the opening moments, Kamikubo showed clear intent, having previously declared his plans to attempt the twister. The execution came in the first round when he masterfully trapped Santos with his left leg, preventing his opponent from achieving a superior position. The subsequent neck crank, a variation of the traditional twister, proved too much for Santos to endure.
This victory marks Kamikubo’s eighth finish in his last fifteen professional outings, further cementing his reputation as a submission ace. The win is particularly impressive considering Santos’s well-known resilience against submission attempts.
The technique has gained prominence in recent times, with Joji Goto successfully implementing it in consecutive matches throughout 2023. However, the submission’s roots in professional competition can be traced back to Askar Askarov’s performance in ACB.
Making his United States debut in the LFA, Kamikubo’s performance immediately positions him as a serious contender and adds another highlight to his growing collection of impressive victories. This submission will likely be remembered as one of the most innovative and technically sound finishes of the year.
