By MATT BOONE
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

Shinya Aoki Makes Quick Work Of Tatsuya Kawajiri

Shinya Aoki scored an impressive first round submission victory over Tatsuya Kawajiri in the main event of the DREAM 15 show that was held earlier today in Saitama, Japan. Aoki picked up the win via achillies lock at 1:53 of the first round, successfully defending his DREAM lightweight title. The victory is a great one to put on Aoki's record, as it will help him work his way back up the worldwide MMA lightweight rankings after he dropped a few spots from the Gilbert Melendez loss in his last fight back in April.

Kawajiri on the other hand suffered more than just hurt pride in his loss to Aoki earlier today. While he kind of got lost in the shuffle in the excitement of how impressive Aoki was in victory, and the spotlight didn't get any closer to him as Aoki announced his engagement to his girlfriend during his post-fight interview, Kawajiri was busy himself. He had to be carried out of the ring to the back, as he didn't have enough strength in his leg to support his body weight. The extent of Kawajiri's injuries are currently unknown, but he certainly seemed to be suffering from the decision not to tap at a number of different points where his leg was only taking more and more punishment. The loss to Aoki breaks a four fight winning streak for Kawajiri, as well as a five-year run without being submitted.