Rei Tsuruya is preparing to face Luis Gurule in Macau. Tsuruya’s opponent was originally scheduled to be Jesus Aguilar. However, Aguilar withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.
Tsuruya Aims to Climb Flyweight Rankings
Tsuruya, who last fought more than a year ago at UFC 313, is eager to make an impact. He earned his place on the UFC roster by winning the flyweight tournament on Season 2 of Road to UFC, then secured a unanimous decision win over Carlos Hernandez in his promotional debut. He is hoping to add his name to the list of promising young talents in the 125-pound weight class.
“I feel like I don’t want to be left (behind) — I want to catch up with all those top-flight contenders,” said Tsuruya. He is the youngest fighter in the division, having turned 23 in March.
Tsuruya also noted the rapid changes in the flyweight rankings. “There are a lot of new guys coming in too, so I want to get on that ride,” added Tsuruya. “A lot of ranking changes every week as well. I hope I can be one of those rankers and contenders.”
Gurule Steps Up After Win Over Barez
Luis Gurule will now face Tsuruya. He stepped up when Jesus Aguilar was forced out with an undisclosed injury. This comes in the days following Gurule’s unanimous decision victory over Daniel Barez on the previous UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas.
Tsuruya’s Last Fight and Changes
A lot has changed since Tsuruya last stepped into the Octagon. He traded his shoulder-length black hair for shorter, spikier, bleached blonde locks. “I just got tired of the long hair,” said Tsuruya. “It’s in the way when I’m training, so I cut it short.”
Tsuruya faced Joshua Van in his last fight. Van out-struck him and avoided grappling entanglements, resulting in Tsuruya’s first loss. Van would go on to win the flyweight championship.
Tsuruya aims to spoil what could be a cool moment for Gurule this weekend in Macau.