By RAFAEL BANDAYREL Published May 29, 2026 11:14pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Eros Baluyot’s campaign in the Road to UFC Season 5 came to an abrupt end on Friday after falling to Japan’s Takeru Uchida via first-round submission in their flyweight quarterfinal bout at the Galaxy Arena in Macau.Facing a fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, the 33-year-old Filipino found himself outmuscled by his larger, younger opponent.The 23-year-old Japanese prospect wasted no time dragging the action to the canvas. While Baluyot initially threatened with a guillotine choke, Uchida powered his way out of the danger zone to secure side control.From there, Uchida expertly transitioned to take Baluyot’s back, sinking in a deep rear-naked choke. The former Philippine national wrestling team member was forced to tap out at the 1:18 mark of the opening round.With the victory, Uchida advanced to the flyweight semifinals, improving his record to 9-2. Meanwhile, Baluyot absorbed the first defeat of his professional career, dropping to 7-1.Baluyot’s exit mirrors the fate of compatriot Kimbert Alintozon, who was bounced from the bantamweight tournament yesterday by Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant.—JKC, GMA News