There is no doubt that Teruto Ishihari is an exciting fighter. Both in the cage and on the mic, the Japanese star has the propensity for plenty of enjoyable, and potentially viral moments.

But the outspoken Japanese bantamweight is in urgent need of a win after suffering his fifth consecutive loss on Sunday (local time) in Houston. The Team Alpha male star was in action at Fury FC 48, getting submitted by top local prospect Levi Mowles.

In hindsight, Mowles was not a great match-up for a striker looking to snap an extended run of losses. The BJJ blackbelt was a home-town favourite riding a four-fight winning streak.

Teruto Ishihara faces Levi Mowles

Impressive record

His record was also impressive and included wins over the likes of Adrian Yanez, who also made headlines with a big win in the UFC this weekend. Ishihara started the bout brightly and tied Mowles up in a body lock.

The Texan responded with a knee in the clinch but, ever the entertainer, Ishihara planted a lovely question mark kick to the face of Mowles and followed with a slick left hand. The southpaw then used his left leg to attack the lead leg of his opponent.

Mowles came back strongly and cracked Ishihara with a right hand. Ishihari sought to use his range and went looking for body shots, but the American overpowered him to gradually take him down against the cage.

Teruto Ishihara kicks Levi Mowles

Grappling skills

Having never won a pro fight via submission, Ishihara’s strength is certainly not on the canvas. Mowles on the other hand, prides himself on his grappling skills and trapped the UFC veteran into a body triangle.

From there, the 26-year-old locked in the rear naked choke. Ishihari tried to resist but was clearly in a bad spot. The American continued to squeeze as the Japanese fighter turned purple.

‘Yahsabo’ resisted the urge to tap, but as he began to lose consciousness the referee waved it off. It was an impressive performance form Mowles, who wheeled off in celebration screaming, ‘that’s what I do!’

Levi Mowles

Losing streak

Indeed, six of his last eight wins have come via rear-naked choke. With a fifth win on the bounce he extends his record to 15-4 and he could well be getting a call from a bigger promotion very soon.

In contrast, Ishihara’s string of losses means his record now stands 10-9-2. In the lead-up to the fight, the 30-year-old spoke about wanting to be the first Japanese champion in the UFC. At this point, it would take a drastic upturn in form to make that dream a reality.

Fury FC 48, Houston, 24th July
Kolton Englund def. Alec Williams via TKO (Punches) at 4:34 of round 3
Levi Mowles def. Teruto Ishihara via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 2:44 of Round 1
Arut Pogosjan def. Josh Altum via TKO (Punches) at 4:50 of Round 1
Randy Villarreal def. Jacob Silva via Decision (Unanimous)
Joey Elzea def. Ramiro Ruiz Castillo via KO (Head Kick) at 4:55 of Round 3
Josh Walker def. Jonathan Eiland via Decision (Unanimous)
Juan Adams def. Eric Lunsford via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 3:27 of Round 1
Yadier Del Valle def. Aric Mercado via Decision (Unanimous)
Matt Mooney def. Alex Black via Submission (Ankle Lock) at 3:06 of Round 1
Christian Strong def. Cameron Smotherman via Decision (Unanimous)
Jonathan Davis def. Mason Iacobellis via Submission (Guillotine) at :20 of Round 1
Santiago Guzman def. David Armas via Decision (Unanimous)
Justice Torres def. Christian Lopez via TKO (Punches) at 2:26 of Round 2