Juan Archuleta glad to leave Japan with win over hard-headed fellow animal Soo Chul Kim
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Juan Archuleta beat Soo Chul Kim with a split decision Saturday at Rizin FF 40: Rizin vs. Bellator in Japan.
Take a look inside the fight with Archuleta, a former Bellator title challenger who now has back-to-back wins after the first skid of his career.
Juan Archuleta vs. Soo Chul Kim
Juan Archuleta vs. Soo Chul Kim
Result: Juan Archuleta def. Soo Chul Kim via split decision
Updated records: Archuleta (27-4), Kim (18-7-1)
Archuleta on the fight's key moment
Juan Archuleta vs. Soo Chul Kim
“I hit him with some very hard shots and I kind of ruined my hand a little bit, both of them, when I hit because he has such a hard head and could take damage. He kept pressing forward. I was surprised.”
Archuleta on winning a split decision
Juan Archuleta vs. Soo Chul Kim
“I’m feeling happy – very lucky and fortunate. I just got done with a complete battle with Soo Chul Kim, and I’m happy to get the victory. I knew it was going to be a close fight. Soo Chul Kim is an animal, and so am I. We pushed the pace. It was a fun fight.”
Archuleta on what he wants next
“I just want to stay active. I want to get back into the (cage) as soon as possible. I love fighting – even after, I was already hitting mits with my cornerman because I was like, ‘What should I have done better?’ We’re always critiquing ourselves. … Now, come next year, if Rizin and Bellator put on another (co-promotion), I hope I made enough of an impression on the fans big enough and shown my love and respect for you guys’ culture to have me babck.”
To hear more from Archuleta, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Rizin FF 40: Rizin vs. Bellator.
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