The year 2018 was the fourth year in the history of the Rizin Fighting Federation, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Japan. The year began with Rizin 10 in Fukuoka on May 6, 2018.
| 2018 in Rizin Fighting Federation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information | ||||
| First date | May 6, 2018 | |||
| Last date | December 31, 2018 | |||
| Events | ||||
| Total events | 6 | |||
| Fights | ||||
| Total fights | 66 | |||
| Title fights | 2 | |||
| Chronology | ||||
| ||||
Rizin events are broadcast through a television agreement with Fuji Television. In North America and Europe, Rizin events are available via PPV on FITE TV.[1]
Background
editNobuyuki Sakakibara announced that Rizin will do 5 events in 2018: May, July, August, September and the December 31st show.[2]
List of events
edit| # | Event | Date | Venue | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rizin 10 - Fukuoka | May 6, 2018 | Marine Messe Fukuoka | 7,910 | |
| 2 | Rizin 11 - Saitama | July 29, 2018 | Saitama Super Arena | 17,912 | |
| 3 | Rizin 12 - Aichi - Ken | August 12, 2018 | Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium | 5,567 | |
| 4 | Rizin 13 - Saitama | September 30, 2018 | Saitama Super Arena | 27,208 | |
| 5 | Rizin - Heisei's Last Yarennoka! | December 31, 2018 | Saitama Super Arena | 7,498[3] | |
| 6 | Rizin 14 - Saitama | December 31, 2018 | Saitama Super Arena | 29,105[4] |
Title fights
edit| Title fights in 2018 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Event | Notes | |||
| 1 | Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Submission (Armbar) | 2 | 9:34 | Rizin 14 - Saitama | For the inaugural Rizin Women's Super Atomweight Championship | ||
| 2 | Bantamweight 61 kg | def. | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 3 | 11:13 | Rizin 14 - Saitama | For the inaugural Rizin Bantamweight Championship | ||
Rizin 10 - Fukuoka
edit| Rizin 10 - Fukuoka | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | May 6, 2018 |
| Venue | Marine Messe Fukuoka |
| City | |
Rizin 10 - Fukuoka was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on May 6, 2018 at the Marine Messe Fukuoka in Fukuoka, Japan.
Background
editBantamweight Grand Prix Champion Kyoji Horiguchi was announced to take on fellow veteran Ian McCall in a much anticipated bout that failed to materialize during the New Years Event.[5] Rounding off the marquee match-ups were the kickboxing phenomenon, Tenshin Nasukawa, taking on DEEP flyweight champion Yusaku Nakamura, and newly-crowned atomweight queen Kanna Asakura, who will face former King of the Cage atomweight champion Melissa Karagianis.
Yachi Yusuke will face off against UFC-vet Diego Nunes, and the Kunlun Fight strawweight champion Weili Zhang was supposed to face Kanako Murata. However, Zhang suffered an injury on her left shoulder during training and was forced to withdraw from the fight. She was replaced by the former TUF 23 cast member Lanchana Green.[6] This event also saw the return of the former Invicta atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki, as well as up-and-coming prospects Manel Kape and Kai Asakura.[7]
Results
edit| Rizin 10 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Bantamweight 61 kg | def. | KO (Punch) | 1 | 0:09 | |||
| Flyweight 57 kg | def. | TKO (3 Knockdowns Rules) | 2 | 4:42 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | Decision (Split) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (Head Kick) | 1 | 3:52 | |||
| Strawweight 51.5 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | Decision (Split) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Heavyweight 120 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Heavyweight 120 kg | def. | Decision (Split) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Strawweight 53 kg | def. | Submission (Anaconda Choke) | 1 | 4:54 | |||
| Bantamweight 61 kg | vs. | Draw (Split) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
Rizin 11 - Saitama
edit| Rizin 11 - Saitama | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | July 29, 2018 |
| Venue | Saitama Super Arena |
| City | |
Rizin 11 - Saitama was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on July 29, 2018 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Background
editAfter a 9-second knockout victory, Kyoji Horiguchi made a quick turnaround, in a long-awaited rematch against fellow Japanese champion Hiromasa Ogikubo.[8] Ogikubo, the current Shooto bantamweight champion, has not lost since he last faced Horiguchi in 2013. Another rematch took place with Kanna Asakura taking on RENA, who she defeated in the final of the Atomweight Grand Prix.
Originally Mirko Cro Cop was scheduled for this event, however on May 21, 2018, while training for a bout in Bellator MMA against Roy Nelson, Crocop suffered multiple injuries to his left leg including an ACL tear, a partial MCL tear, and a LCL sprain. It was revealed that the recovery for these injuries would take a minimum of 5 months, and so he was ruled out of the event.[9]
Originally a fight was set between Takanori Gomi and Andy Souwer. However, Souwer was forced to withdrawal due to signing an exclusive contract with ONE Championship. He was replaced by UFC veteran Melvin Guillard at a weight limit of 73.0kg. Guillard weighed in at 73.95kg, forcing the bout to be contested at a catchweight.
Originally a fight was set between Kai Asakura and Topnoi Tiger Muay Thai. However, Asakura was pulled from the event due to a knee injury and replaced by former Tenkaichi Champion Tadaaki Yamamoto
Originally a fight was set between Rin Nakai and Shizuka Sugiyama. However, Nakai was pulled from the event due to acute nephritis, and the bout was cancelled all together.
Results
edit| Rizin 11 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Catchweight 60 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 2 | 15:00 | |||
| Light Heavyweight 93 kg | def. | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:41 | |||
| Catchweight 74 kg | def. | KO (Punches) | 1 | 2:33 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (Punches) | 1 | 1:30 | |||
| Openweight | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (knee) | 2 | 4:22 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Decision (split) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | KO (Punch) | 1 | 1:06 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | TKO (Elbows) | 3 | 14:11 | |||
Rizin 12 - Nagoya
edit| Rizin 12 - Nagoya | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | August 12, 2018 |
| Venue | Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium |
| City | |
Rizin 12 - Nagoya was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on August 12, 2018 at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan.
Background
editFormer Jungle Fight Lightweight Champion Bruno Carvalho was expected to headline this event against Yusuke Yachi, but was forced off the card due to an injury.[10] Carvalho was replaced by the undefeated Luiz Gustavo.
King Reina takes on veteran Kaitlin Young in a women's featherweight bout. Kiichi Kunimoto will face DEEP Welterweight Champion Ryuichiro Sumimura. Mikuru Asakura (who is Kai Asakura's older brother) is expected to face all-time great, Hatsu Hioki. Former UFC competitor Angela Magana makes her promotional debut against Kanako Murata.[11]
Results
edit| Rizin 12 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (Punch) | 2 | 7:32 | |||
| Bantamweight 61 kg | def. | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 9:31 | |||
| Welterweight 77 kg | def. | Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 1 | 4:59 | |||
| Featherweight 65 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | TKO (Leg Kicks) | 2 | 4:53 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Featherweight 66 kg | def. | KO (Head Kick and Punches) | 1 | 3:45 | |||
| Heavyweight 120 kg | def. | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:37 | |||
| Featherweight 65 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Strawweight 53 kg | def. | Submission (Von Flue choke) | 2 | 8:52 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout. | ||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (Punch) | 2 | 5:30 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Catchweight 53 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
Rizin 13 - Saitama
edit| Rizin 13 - Saitama | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | September 30, 2018 |
| Venue | Saitama Super Arena |
| City | |
Rizin 13 - Saitama was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on September 30, 2018 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Background
editA champion versus champion affair kicked off the card, as current Pancrase Strawweight Champion Mitsuhisa Sunabe took on reigning DEEP Strawweight Champion Haruo Ochi. Jiří Procházka looked to continue his winning streak against WSOF/PFL veteran Jake Heun. Brothers Mikuru and Kai Asakura fought Karshyga Dautbek and Topnoi Thanongsaklek, respectively. 4-time K-1 champion Taiga Kawabe made his RIZIN debut against fellow debutant Kento Haraguchi.
Miyuu Yamamoto rematched former King of the Cage Atomweight Champion Andy Nguyen; Nguyen defeated Yamamoto at RIZIN's 2016 New Year Eve card. Manel Kape returned to the RIZIN ring for a 5th time, and faced DEEP Flyweight Champion Yusaku Nakamura. Former Invicta Atomweight Champion Ayaka Hamasaki made her second appearance for RIZIN, this time fighting the current DEEP Jewels Atomweight Champion, Mina Kurobe. UFC veterans Daron Cruickshank and Diego Brandao faced off in a lightweight bout.
Mirko Cro Cop returned after a 4-month injury lay-off against DEEP Megaton Champion, Roque Martinez. The first African professional sumo wrestler, Osunaarashi, fought fan-favorite Bob Sapp. The card was headlined by kickboxing sensation Tenshin Nasukawa and Bantamweight Grand Prix Champion Kyoji Horiguchi, in a kickboxing rules bout.[12]
Results
edit| Rizin 13 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Light Heavyweight 93 kg | def. | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 4:29 | |||
| Featherweight 66 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | KO (Flying Knee) | 2 | 5:17 | |||
| Flyweight 57 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Heavyweight 120 kg | def. | TKO (Cut) | 1 | 4:58 | |||
| Openweight | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Special Rules bout | ||
| Strawweight 53 kg | def. | KO (Soccer Kicks) | 3 | 12:51 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Submission (Kimura) | 1 | 4:45 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | Draw (Majority) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | |||
| Catchweight 58 kg | def. | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 3 | 14:27 | |||
Rizin - Heisei's Last Yarennoka!
edit| Rizin - Heisei's Last Yarennoka! | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | December 31, 2018 |
| Venue | Saitama Super Arena |
| City | |
Rizin - Heisei's Last Yarennoka! was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on December 31, 2018 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Background
editThe card was headlined by former Sengoku, Deep and Pancrase champion Satoru Kitaoka who takes on former Shooto champion Tatsuya Kawajiri in a three-round Lightweight match.
Results
edit| Rizin Heisei's Last Yarennoka! | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | Decision (Split) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Catchweight 68 kg | def. | TKO (Flying Knee and Punch) | 2 | 7:39 | |||
| Flyweight 57 kg | def. | TKO (Punch) | 1 | 0:11 | |||
| Bantamweight 61 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Catchweight 64 kg | def. | TKO (Flying Knee) | 3 | 7:43 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Catchweight 92 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 9:00 | Kickboxing bout | ||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 3:01 | |||
Rizin 14 - Saitama
edit| Rizin 14 - Saitama | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Promotion | Rizin Fighting Federation |
| Date | December 31, 2018 |
| Venue | Saitama Super Arena |
| City | |
Rizin 14 - Saitama was a mixed martial arts event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on December 31, 2018 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Background
editThe card was headlined by kickboxing sensation Tenshin Nasukawa, who took on multiple weight world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a three-round exhibition boxing match.[13] The match was controversial and drew accusations of match-fixing from both fans and pundits alike.[14][15]
Emanuel Newton was to face Jiří Procházka at this event, but had to withdraw due to an injury. He was replaced by Brandon Halsey.
Rena Kubota was to face Samantha Jean-Francois at this event, but had to withdraw due to Anemia and dehydration. The fight was canceled.
Results
edit| Rizin 14 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Class | Method | Round | T.Time | Notes | |||
| Catchweight 66.6 kg | def. | TKO (Corner Stoppage) | 1 | 2:19 | Exhibition boxing match | ||
| Bantamweight 61 kg | def. | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 3 | 11:13 | For the inaugural Rizin Bantamweight Championship | ||
| Super Atomweight 49 kg | def. | Submission (Armbar) | 2 | 9:34 | For the inaugural Rizin Super Atomweight Championship | ||
| Light Heavyweight 93 kg | def. | Submission (Punches) | 1 | 6:30 | |||
| Catchweight 102.5 kg | def. | Submission (Keylock) | 1 | 2:35 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 | 4:10 | |||
| Catchweight 51 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Featherweight 65 kg | def. | Submission (Hammerlock) | 2 | 8:23 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | TKO (Cut) | 2 | 9:47 | |||
| Catchweight 60 kg | def. | Submission (Teepee Choke) | 1 | 3:28 | |||
| Catchweight 59 kg | def. | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 15:00 | |||
| Flyweight 57 kg | def. | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 8:41 | |||
| Lightweight 70 kg | def. | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 6:19 | |||
References
edit- ^ "Rizin FF Partners with FITE TV". sherdog.com.
- ^ "Sakakibara Revealed Plan for 2018". adcombat.com. 2018-01-01. Archived from the original on 2018-01-06. Retrieved 2018-01-05.
- ^ "Rizin Heisei's Last Yarennoka! and RIZIN 14 official results and post fight backstage interviews". fightbookmma.com.
- ^ "Floyd Mayweather dominates Tenshin Nasukawa in exhibition". japantimes.co.jp.
- ^ Raimondi, Marc (2018-02-13). "Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Ian McCall set for Rizin FF 9". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Skytte, Mike (2018-05-03). "Kanako Murata gets new opponent for RIZIN 10 after Zhang injures shoulder". mmasucka.com.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2018-05-06). "RIZIN FF 10: Kyoji Horiguchi KOs Ian McCall in nine seconds". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Raimondi, Marc (2018-05-16). "Kyoji Horiguchi gets quick turnaround, faces TUF alum Hiromasa Ogikubo at Rizin 11". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (2018-05-22). "Mirko Cro Cop details extent of knee injury, targeted date for return". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (July 12, 2018). "Rizin 12 headliner Bruno Carvalho injured, out of Yusuke Yachi fight". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (June 28, 2018). "Angela Magana vs. Kanako Murata, Daron Cruickshank vs. Tom Santos official for upcoming Rizin cards". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (August 24, 2018). "Rizin 13 card complete with Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Tenshin Nasukawa in kickboxing, Mirko Cro Cop's return". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Dan Rafael (December 6, 2018). "Floyd Mayweather: Exhibition will be 'nine minutes of entertainment'". espn.com.
- ^ Nicolas Atkin (January 2, 2019). "Floyd Mayweather v Tenshin Nasukawa 'fake'? Rigged or not, farcical fight spits in face of fans".
- ^ "Twitter accuses Floyd Mayweather of fixing fight against Tenshin Nasukawa". Fox Sports Asia. January 1, 2019.