Andrey Koreshkov vs Goiti Yamauchi Prediction: Spartan Will Win But Not Very Early

The sixth PFL regular season 2024 tournament is happening this weekend in the United States. One of the bouts is between Russian fighter Andrey Koreshkov and Goiti Yamauchi. It's in the welterweight category. As you may recall, in the first fight of the regular season, Koreshkov lost to Magomed Umalatov, while Yamauchi won against Neiman Gracie.

It's a big responsibility. There is no option but to win in the first or second round. I don't know what else has to happen to move on. Does everybody have to get injured? We have to win and do it early.

Andrey Koreshkov

Andrey Koreshkov is one of the strongest Russian welterweights and a former Bellator champion. He's known for his hard-hitting fighting style and has not lost a fight between 2021 and 2023.

After the PFL and Bellator merger, Andrey entered the PFL Grand Prix but could have done better. He's not looking for excuses, though, and seems to understand why it happened. Umalatov simply dragged him into the parterre. Now, the opponent is also severe, and there is nowhere to retreat.

Goiti Yamauchi is a 31-year-old Brazilian fighter of Japanese descent who has been in Bellator almost his entire career. He's faced formidable opponents like Michael Page and Michael Chandler, and he's set a record for the number of wins by submissions. Now, he's moved to the PFL, showing his adaptability and strategic thinking. His journey to make a million dollars by taking on Neiman Gracie is a testament to his determination and adaptability. 

Yamauchi is an experienced, technical, and uncomfortable opponent for any fighter. He uses every opportunity and every position to realize his strengths. Even from disadvantageous positions, he tries to make a takedown, and more than once, he succeeds. I wouldn't say he has phenomenal standing wrestling and techniques at a high level. But even with his bad passes, he draws his opponent in and tries to work from there. It's hard to knock him out of that position. His range of techniques is very large. And he transitions well from one technique to another.

Andrey Koreshkov

The last time, it was a freestyle fighter, and now it will be a jiu-jitsu expert. That's probably why the bookies don't believe in Andrey Koreshkov. But we think the Russian will win because he'll defend against the wrestler and outbox his opponent on the feet.

Yamauchi isn't the toughest opponent Koreshkov has faced, but Spartan will be ready for any mistakes, and the impossibility of retreating will only add motivation and strength in critical moments.