Flyweight great Demetrious Johnson lived up to his lofty billing in his promotional debut with a slick second-round submission win against Yuya Wakamatsu in their Grand Prix quarter-final at ONE: A New Era in Tokyo.
After the record-breaking champion's shock acquisition by Asian organisation ONE Championship in a 'trade' late last year, Johnson signaled his arrival with the statement win that he was widely expected to claim.
The former UFC champion withstood an early salvo from the game Wakamatsu, before catching the Japanese fighter during a scramble from the ground and sinking in a deep standing guillotine choke to illicit the tap.
Perhaps heeding the warning after fellow high-profile debutant Eddie Alvarez's KO loss a fight earlier, the heavily favoured 'Mighty Mouse' looked comfortable in his new surroundings.
As he's promised earlier in the week, Johnson took advantage of the new rule set on offer. He landed a handful of big knees to Wakamatsu's head as he controlled him from top position in first round, as he looked to stifle his opponent's aggression on the feet.
Visibly elated, Johnson celebrated in his trademark fashion, before quickly making his way to the opposition corner to pay his respects.
Johnson will now advance to take on the winner between Tatsumitsu Wada and Ivanildo Delfino for a spot in the tournament's final. The winner of that bout will take on Adriano Moraes for the Flyweight title.
In other results, Japanese icon Shinya Aoki submitted Eduard Folayangto cpature the lightweight belt, and Xiong Jing Nan prevailed over Angela Lee to defend her strawweight title.
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