JUNNA Tsukii started her new career on a high note, emerging victorious in her mixed martiap arts debut on Saturday with a first-round submission win over Ruka Sakamoto at the DEEP Summer Festival 2024 in Odaiba, Tokyo.
The Fil-Japanese karateka was in full control of the match, scoring a takedown before going for a ground and pound. With her opponent on the defensive, she shot for a rear naked choke and forced the tap in just two minutes and 11 seconds.
Tsukii, 32, transitioned to MMA earlier this year after a decorated career in karate that saw her win a gold medal in kumite 50 kg in the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, on top of her bronze in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and a gold medal in the 2018 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
The 32-year-old shared her elation on Facebook, saying, "I was competing in the world's top karate tournament until January, so there was only so much I could do in the six months of preparation, but I'm very happy to be able to make my debut on such a big stage."
“I'm truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity. As a professional, I will continue to work hard on mixed martial arts so that I can have even more exciting matches with strong fighters, so please continue to support me."
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