Former Smackgirl and Valkyrie champion Yuka “Vale Tudo Queen” Tsuji made short work of South Korean challenger Hyo Kyung Song on Saturday night at DEEP: “Osaka Impact 2012” in Osaka, Japan. Tsuji needed just 87 seconds to dispatch of Song with an impressive armbar from back control.

Tsuji may be nearing the end of her storied career, but the Osaka native has posted wins in 16 of her past 18 fights and remains one of the most talented female grapplers in Japan. Saturday’s bout was Tsuji’s first fight under the DEEP banner since she suffered her first professional loss in July 2003.

Tsuji (24-3-0) avoided Song’s (0-1-0) striking game by taking her less experienced foe down to the mat very early in the fight. Once there, Tsuji showcased her formidable ground skills by effortlessly taking Song’s back. Tsuji worked for a reverse triangle choke, but Song was able to fight off the submission attempt. She left an arm out, however, and Tsuji latched on to it from back control. Tsuji then made a swift transition to an armbar on Song’s left arm.

Song refused to tap out, but her corner threw in the towel to rescue her when her arm was bent back at an awkward angle. The referee intervened to stop the fight just 87 seconds into the opening round.

The quick win got Tsuji back on track after a lopsided loss to Jewels Lightweight Queen Champion Ayaka Hamasaki in May. Of Tsuji’s 24 career wins, 16 have come by way of submission.

Winner: Yuka Tsuji by Technical Submission (Armbar) at 1:27 of round one. She improves to 24-3-0.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)