Machi Fukuda has punched her ticket to the Road to UFC Season 5 strawweight semifinals, achieving a decisive victory by second-round stoppage against Anelya Toktogonova of Kyrgyzstan in Macau. Fukuda, known as “Kakutou Komachi,” displayed impressive adaptability despite a last-minute change in her opponent, quickly establishing control from the outset.
The former Deep Jewels champion showcased her renowned grappling prowess, a key factor in her ascent in Japanese mixed martial arts. While she demonstrated effectiveness in striking early on, it was her ability to dictate the fight’s location that ultimately proved to be the deciding element.
After dominating the first round, Fukuda swiftly initiated a takedown at the beginning of the second round. From the top position, she relentlessly applied ground-and-pound, leaving Toktogonova with no viable escape. The sustained offensive pressure from Fukuda prompted referee Vitor Ribeiro to halt the fight at 1:53 of the second round.
This win marks Machi Fukuda’s seventh consecutive victory, improving her professional record to 11 wins and 2 losses. Seven of her victories have now come by way of stoppage. The 22-year-old fighter has not experienced a defeat since a close split-decision loss in May 2024.
