Japan`s premier mixed martial arts promotion, RIZIN, has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated Super RIZIN 4 event, set to ignite the Saitama Super Arena on July 27. The latest announcements confirm a blockbuster fight card, headlined by a pivotal rematch and the opening rounds of two ambitious Grand Prix tournaments.
The Flyweight Grand Prix: A Quest for Supremacy at 125 Pounds
The 125-pound division is often celebrated for its breathtaking speed and technical prowess, and RIZIN’s inaugural Flyweight Grand Prix promises to deliver on all fronts. The official draw, streamed live from Japan, revealed five compelling matchups that will kick off this high-stakes tournament, setting a clear path to a new champion.
Opening Round Matchups:
- Jose Torres vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo: A clash of titans, this bout pits UFC veteran Jose Torres, fresh off a dominant RIZIN debut, against Hiromasa Ougikubo, a former RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix champion from 2021. Ougikubo`s tournament experience and championship pedigree make him a formidable opponent for Torres`s calculated aggression.
- Alibek Gadzhammatov vs. Takaki Soya: Undefeated sensation Alibek Gadzhammatov, who made a thunderous entrance with a knockout in his promotional debut, faces the ever-dangerous Takaki Soya. Soya recently secured a decisive victory over former UFC title contender John Dodson, proving his mettle against elite competition. This matchup is a testament to RIZIN`s commitment to pitting rising stars against established threats.
- Nkazimulo Zulu vs. Yuki Ito: Nkazimulo Zulu, a fighter who has previously challenged Kyoji Horiguchi for the RIZIN belt, steps into the Grand Prix fray against Yuki Ito. Both fighters possess the experience and skill to make a deep run, making this a pivotal encounter for their tournament aspirations.
- Makoto Shinryu vs. Erson Yamamoto: Former title contender Makoto Shinryu, looking to rebound from his recent loss to Torres, will take on Erson Yamamoto. Shinryu’s technical striking and grappling will be tested against Yamamoto`s unpredictable style.
- Yuki Motoya vs. Hiroya: The deeply experienced Yuki Motoya, boasting over 20 appearances in RIZIN, enters the tournament against Hiroya, who is currently riding a two-fight win streak. Motoya’s veteran savvy against Hiroya’s surging momentum promises an intriguing contest.
Heavyweight Grand Prix: Advancing Through the Giants
While the flyweights kick off their journey, the heavyweight division prepares for its second-round clashes. These giants of the ring will continue their quest for the ultimate prize, promising thunderous exchanges and earth-shattering power.
- Jose Augusto vs. Marek Samociuk: Former Bellator contender Jose Augusto will square off against Marek Samociuk in a contest poised to test both fighters’ resilience and striking prowess.
- Mikio Ueda vs. Alexander Soldatkin: The powerful Mikio Ueda faces Alexander Soldatkin, a veteran of Dana White’s Contender Series. This matchup pits two heavy hitters against each other, ensuring a high-octane affair with the potential for a swift finish.
The Main Event: Koike vs. Asakura – A Rematch For the Ages
Beyond the Grand Prix action, Super RIZIN 4 features a highly anticipated rematch in the main event: former champion Kleber Koike against the charismatic Mikuru Asakura. Their previous encounter was a masterclass in strategy and technique, leaving fans yearning for a decisive conclusion. This rematch carries significant weight, potentially setting the stage for future title contention.
An Unforeseen Absence: The Featherweight Title
In a slight curveball to the card`s championship narrative, the featherweight title defense by Razhabali Shaidulloev has been postponed. The promotion stated it was “unable to secure an opponent in time for a title bout.” One might infer that finding someone willing, or perhaps brave enough, to step into the cage against a reigning champion on short notice can indeed be a logistical puzzle, sometimes with a dash of self-preservation on the part of potential challengers. Such is the unpredictable nature of elite combat sports.
Conclusion: A Summer Spectacle Awaits
Super RIZIN 4 is shaping up to be a pivotal event in the RIZIN calendar, offering a compelling blend of tournament drama, high-stakes rematches, and the debut of promising talent. As July 27 approaches, fight fans worldwide will undoubtedly turn their attention to Saitama, Japan, ready to witness the next chapter unfold in one of MMA`s most exciting promotions.
