2019 in Rizin Fighting Federation

Last updated
2019 in Rizin Fighting Federation
Information
First dateApril 21, 2019
Last dateDecember 31, 2019
Events
Total events6
Fights
Total fights79
Title fights6
Chronology
2018 in Rizin Fighting Federation 2019 in Rizin Fighting Federation 2020 in Rizin Fighting Federation

The year 2019 was the fifth year in the history of the Rizin Fighting Federation, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Japan. The year began with Rizin 15 in Yokohama on April 21, 2019.

Contents

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

Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced that Rizin will do 6 events in 2019: April, June, July, August, October, and the usual December 31 show.

He also announced that they will do a lightweight Grand Prix this year. Bellator MMA CEO Scott Coker has announced that he will be sending Patricky Freire to participate in the opening round.

Rizin's Lightweight grand prix will begin on October 12 at the Osaka-jo Hall, with the four opening rounds bouts of the tournament bracket. The semifinals and finals will be held on Dec. 31, at Saitama Super Arena.

List of events

#EventDateVenueLocationAttendance
1 Rizin 15 - Yokohama April 21, 2019 Yokohama Arena Flag of Japan.svg Yokohama, Japan 12,914
2 Rizin 16 - Kobe June 2, 2019 World Memorial Hall Flag of Japan.svg Kobe, Japan 8,107
3 Rizin 17 - Saitama July 28, 2019 Saitama Super Arena Flag of Japan.svg Saitama, Japan 16,930
4 Rizin 18 - Nagoya August 18, 2019 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium Flag of Japan.svg Nagoya, Japan 6,281
5 Rizin 19 - Osaka October 12, 2019 Edion Arena Flag of Japan.svg Osaka, Japan 5,098
6 Rizin 20 - Saitama December 31, 2019 Saitama Super Arena Flag of Japan.svg Saitama, Japan 29,315 [2]

Title fights

Title fights in 2019
#Weight ClassMethodRoundTimeEventNotes
1Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jiří Procházka def. Flag of the United States.svg Muhammed Lawal TKO (Punches)313:02 Rizin 15 For the inaugural Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship
2Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ayaka Hamasaki (c)def. Flag of the United States.svg Jinh Yu Frey Decision (Unanimous)315:00 Rizin 16 For the Rizin Super Atomweight Championship
3Featherweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Tenshin Nasukawa def. Flag of Argentina.svg Martin BlancoKO (Knee to the Body)25:19 Rizin 16 For the ISKA Featherweight Championship
4Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jiří Procházka (c)def. Flag of the United States.svg C. B. Dollaway KO (Punches)11:55 Rizin 20 For the Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship
5Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of South Korea.svg Seo Hee Ham def. Flag of Japan.svg Ayaka Hamasaki (c)Decision (Split)315:00 Rizin 20 For the Rizin Super Atomweight Championship
6Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Angola.svg Manel Kape def. Flag of Japan.svg Kai Asakura TKO (Punches)25:38 Rizin 20 For the vacant Rizin Bantamweight Championship

Rizin Lightweight Grand Prix

8-Man Lightweight Grand Prix Participant

Rizin Lightweight Grand Prix bracket

1st Round
Semifinals
Final
         
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev TKO
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Damien Brown 1R.
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev TKO
Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Case 1R.
Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Case TKO
Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto de Souza 1R.
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev UD
Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire 3R.
Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire TKO
Flag of Japan.svg Tatsuya Kawajiri 1R.
Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire TKO
Flag of Brazil.svg Luiz Gustavo 1R.
Flag of Brazil.svg Luiz GustavoTKO
Flag of Japan.svg Hiroto Uesako 1R.

Rizin 15 - Yokohama

Rizin 15 - Yokohama
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateApril 21, 2019
Venue Yokohama Arena
City Flag of Japan.svg Yokohama, Japan

Rizin 15 - Yokohama was a Combat sport event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on April 21, 2019 at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

Background

A light heavyweight bout between RIZIN top contender Jiří Procházka and former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Muhammed Lawal will serve as the Rizin 15 - Yokohama main event. The bout will crown the inaugural RIZIN Light Heavyweight champion. [3]

Ulka Sasaki has been forced to withdraw from his schedule fight against Kai Asakura due to a visceral infection and Justin Scoggins has stepped in as a replacement. [4] Unfortunately, Scoggins has suffered a knee injury during training and has been unable to compete, that forced his fight against Kai Asakura to be cancelled. [5]

Shinju Nozawa-Auclair was supposed to face Saray Orozco. However, Nozawa-Auclair suffered an ankle injury during training and was forced to withdraw from the fight. Kanako Murata has stepped in on short notice against Orozco. [6]

Results

Rizin 15
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jiří Procházka def. Flag of the United States.svg Muhammed Lawal TKO (Punches)313:02For the inaugural Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship
Catchweight 59 kg Flag of Japan.svg Tenshin Nasukawa def. Flag of the Philippines.svg Fritz Aldin BiagtanTKO (3 Knockdown Rule)37:24Kickboxing
Intermission
Catchweight 60 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kyoji Horiguchi def. Flag of the United States.svg Ben Nguyen TKO (Punches)12:53
Catchweight 71 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto de Souza def. Flag of Japan.svg Satoru Kitaoka TKO (Punches)28:56
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of Sweden.svg Karl Albrektsson def. Flag of Brazil.svg Christiano FrohlichDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Catchweight 51 kg Flag of Japan.svg Rena Kubota def. Flag of France.svg Samantha Jean-FrancoisDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Catchweight 68 kg Flag of Japan.svg Mikuru Asakura def. Flag of Brazil.svg Luiz GustavoDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Flyweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kana Watanabe def. Flag of Poland.svg Justyna HabaDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Lightweight 70 kg Flag of Australia (converted).svg Damien Brown def. Flag of Japan.svg Koji TakedaDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Flyweight 58 kg Flag of Angola.svg Manel Kape def. Flag of Japan.svg Seiichiro ItoTKO (Punches)28:59
Flyweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kanako Murata def. Flag of Mexico.svg Saray OrozcoSubmission (Von Flue choke)27:12
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Thalisson Gomes Ferreiradef. Flag of Japan.svg Taiga TKO (3 Knockdown Rule)25:34Kickboxing

[7]

Rizin 16 - Kobe

Rizin 16 - Kobe
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateJune 2, 2019
Venue World Memorial Hall
City Flag of Japan.svg Kobe, Japan

Rizin 16 - Kobe was a Combat sport event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on June 2, 2019 at the World Memorial Hall in Kobe, Japan.

Background

ISKA Featherweight Ahmed Ferradji was scheduled to defend his title against Tenshin Nasukawa at RIZIN 16, but Ferradji withdrew from the scheduled fight. As a result, ISKA has stripped the title from Ferradji and ISKA Bantamweight Champion Martin Blanco has stepped in on short notice to face Nasukawa for the vacant ISKA Featherweight World Title. [8]

Kizaemon Saiga was scheduled to face Kunitaka Fujiwara at RIZIN 16, but was not medically cleared for the event due to vision issues. Stepping in on a few days' notice to fight Fujiwara was the former K-1 Krush champion Ryuji Horio. [9]

Results

Rizin 16
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Featherweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Tenshin Nasukawa def. Flag of Argentina.svg Martin BlancoKO (Knee to the Body)25:19For the ISKA Featherweight Championship
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ayaka Hamasaki (c)def. Flag of the United States.svg Jinh Yu Frey Decision (Unanimous)315:00For the Rizin Super Atomweight Championship
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Miyuu Yamamoto def. Flag of Japan.svg Kanna Asakura Decision (Unanimous)315:00
Intermission
Heavyweight 120 kg Flag of the United States.svg Jake Heundef. Flag of Guam.svg Roque Martinez Decision (Split)315:00
Flyweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Yusaku Nakamuradef. Flag of Thailand.svg Topnoi ThanongsaklekDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev def. Flag of the United States.svg Daron Cruickshank Decision (Unanimous)315:00
Intermission
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Mamoru Uoidef. Flag of the United States.svg Kana HayattTKO (Punches and Soccer Kicks)314:32
Catchweight 59 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ryuji Horiodef. Flag of Japan.svg Kunitaka FujiwaraDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Erson Yamamotodef. Flag of the United States.svg Tim EschtruthKO (Elbow and Punches)12:04
Catchweight 63 kg Flag of Japan.svg Taiju Shiratori def. Flag of Japan.svg Hiroto YamaguchiDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing
Catchweight 59 kg Flag of Japan.svg Takaki Soyadef. Flag of Japan.svg Namiki Kawahara KO (Punch and Soccer Kick)14:05
Catchweight 60 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kan Nakamura def. Flag of Japan.svg IttoKO (Head Kick)23:18Kickboxing
Catchweight 56 kg Flag of Japan.svg Seiki Ueyamadef. Flag of Japan.svg KengoTKO (3 Knockdown Rule)12:42Kickboxing
Catchweight 69 kg Flag of Japan.svg Yuyadef. Flag of Japan.svg Yuki TanakaTKO (3 Knockdown Rule)12:45Kickboxing

Rizin 17 - Saitama

Rizin 17 - Saitama
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateJuly 28, 2019
Venue Saitama Super Arena
City Flag of Japan.svg Saitama, Japan

Rizin 17 - Saitama was a Combat sport event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on July 28, 2019 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Background

Daiki Watabe was due to fight Kevin Ross in a kickboxing bout, but the American fighter withdrew due to a hand injury. Watabe instead faced the Bolivian fighter Hideki, who stepped in on 3 weeks notice for this encounter. [10]

Results

Rizin 17
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Lightweight 70 kg Flag of Japan.svg Mikuru Asakura def. Flag of Japan.svg Yusuke YachiDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Shintaro Ishiwatari def. Flag of Japan.svg Ulka Sasaki Submission (North-South Choke28:57
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Hiromasa Ougikubo def. Flag of Japan.svg Yuki MotoyaDecision (Split)315:00
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of Russia.svg Ivan Shtyrkovdef. Flag of South Korea.svg Hoon KimTKO (Punches)29:05
Catchweight 62 kg Flag of Japan.svg Taiga def. Flag of Japan.svg Hikaru MachidaDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing
Intermission
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Case def. Flag of Japan.svg Satoru Kitaoka TKO (Retirement)15:00Lightweight GP Qualifying Round
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Japan.svg Tatsuya Kawajiri def. Flag of Russia.svg Ali AbdulkhalikovDecision (Unanimous)315:00Lightweight GP Qualifying Round
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto de Souza def. Flag of Japan.svg Mizuto Hirota KO (Punches)13:04Lightweight GP Qualifying Round
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of the United States.svg Jake Heundef. Flag of Russia.svg Vitaly ShemetovTKO (Cut)312:20
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of South Korea.svg Seo Hee Ham def. Flag of Japan.svg Tomo Maesawa TKO (Knees)13:12
Catchweight 63 kg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Stephanie Egger def. Flag of Japan.svg Reina Miura Decision (Unanimous)315:00
Catchweight 67 kg Flag of Bolivia.svg Hidekidef. Flag of Japan.svg Daiki WatabeDecision (Majority)39:00Kickboxing

Rizin 18 - Nagoya

Rizin 18 - Nagoya
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateAugust 18, 2019
Venue Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
City Flag of Japan.svg Nagoya, Japan

Rizin 18 - Nagoya was a Combat sport event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on August 18, 2019 at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan.

Background

Marcos de Souza, was set to fight at RIZIN 18, but his debut was pushed back because of an injury. [11]

Kazuma Sone was expected to face Erson Yamamoto, But plans have changed for undisclosed reasons. That forced the fight to be cancelled. Justin Scoggins has stepped in as a replacement.

Results

Rizin 18
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kai Asakura def. Flag of Japan.svg Kyoji Horiguchi KO (Punches)11:07
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ayaka Hamasaki def. Flag of Thailand.svg Suwanan Boonsorn Submission (Armbar)13:20
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of the United States.svg Victor Henry def. Flag of Australia (converted).svg Trent GirdhamSubmission (Inverted Triangle Choke)312:14
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Angola.svg Manel Kape def. Flag of Japan.svg Takeya Mizugaki KO (punch)26:35
Catchweight 75 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Danilo Zanolini def. Flag of Australia (converted).svg John Wayne Parr Decision (Split)39:00Kickboxing
Intermission
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kanna Asakura def. Flag of the United States.svg Alesha Zappitella Decision (Split)315:00
Strawweight 53 kg Flag of Japan.svg Haruo Ochi vs. Flag of the United States.svg Jarred Brooks No Contest (Accidental Headbutt)10:11
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Japan.svg Hiroto Uesakodef. Flag of France.svg Yves LanduTKO (Punches)28:45Lightweight GP Qualifying Round
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of the United States.svg Justin Scoggins def. Flag of Japan.svg Kazuma SoneDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Catchweight 59 kg Flag of Japan.svg Takaki Soyadef. Flag of Japan.svg Yutaro MuramotoTKO (Punches)26:27
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ai Shimizudef. Flag of the United States.svg Tabatha WatkinsDecision (Unanimous)315:00
Strawweight 53 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kazuki Osaki def. Flag of Japan.svg Shota TakiyaDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing
Flyweight 57 kg Flag of Japan.svg Ryuji Horiodef. Flag of Japan.svg Uchu SakuraiDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing

Rizin 19 - Osaka

Rizin 19 - Osaka
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateOctober 12, 2019
Venue Edion Arena
City Flag of Japan.svg Osaka, Japan

Rizin 19 - Osaka was a Combat sport event held by the Rizin Fighting Federation on October 12, 2019 at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.

Background

Rena Kubota's original opponent, Shawna Ram suffered a concussion during training. Alexandra Alvare steps in to face Kubota. [12]

Shintaro Matsukura originally supposed to face Takuma Konishi but he suffered an eye injury. His teammate, Hiroya, will be the replacement to face Konishi.

Results

Rizin 19
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Catchweight 100 kg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jiří Procházka def. Flag of Brazil.svg Fábio Maldonado TKO (Punches)11:49
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Kai Asakura def. Flag of Japan.svg Ulka Sasaki TKO (Doctor Stoppage)10:54
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of South Korea.svg Seo Hee Ham def. Flag of Japan.svg Miyuu Yamamoto TKO (Punches)29:42
Catchweight 51 kg Flag of Japan.svg Rena Kubota def. Flag of Spain.svg Alexandra AlvareTKO (Punches)10:20
Intermission
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Case def. Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto de Souza TKO (Punches)11:15 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire def. Flag of Japan.svg Tatsuya Kawajiri TKO (Knee and Punches)11:10 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Luiz Gustavodef. Flag of Japan.svg Hiroto UesakoTKO (Doctor Stoppage)13:55 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev def. Flag of Australia (converted).svg Damien Brown TKO (Punches)14:14 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Welterweight 77 kg Flag of Japan.svg Keita Nakamura def. Flag of Brazil.svg Marcos de SouzaTKO (Punches)11:18
Catchweight 62 kg Flag of Japan.svg Taiju Shiratori def. Flag of Japan.svg Taiga Decision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing
Welterweight 77 kg Flag of Japan.svg Takuma Konishidef. Flag of Japan.svg Hiroya TKO (Knee)11:20Kickboxing
Openweight Flag of Japan.svg Shoma Shibisaidef. Flag of South Korea.svg Chang Hee KimSubmission (Kimura)11:09
Catchweight 56 kg Flag of Japan.svg Seiki Ueyamadef. Flag of Japan.svg Taisei UmeiDecision (Unanimous)39:00Kickboxing

Rizin 20 - Saitama

Rizin 20 - Saitama
Promotion Rizin Fighting Federation
DateDecember 31, 2019
Venue Saitama Super Arena
City Flag of Japan.svg Saitama, Japan

Rizin 20 - Saitama was a Combat sport event by Rizin Fighting Federation that took place on December 31, 2019 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Background

Kyoji Horiguchi was scheduled to defend his RIZIN Bantamweight Championship against Kai Asakura on this card. However, Horoguchi pulled out of the fight in mid-November citing a knee injury that is expected to keep him out of action for approximately 10 – 12 months. In turn, his bantamweight title has been vacated. [13]

Results

Rizin 20
Weight ClassMethodRoundT.TimeNotes
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Angola.svg Manel Kape def. Flag of Japan.svg Kai Asakura TKO (Punches)25:38For the vacant Rizin Bantamweight Championship
Catchweight 56 kg Flag of Japan.svg Tenshin Nasukawa def. Flag of Japan.svg Rui Ebata TKO (3 Knockdown Rule)12:44Kickboxing
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of South Korea.svg Seo Hee Ham def. Flag of Japan.svg Ayaka Hamasaki (c)Decision (Split)315:00For the Rizin Super Atomweight Championship
Featherweight 66 kg Flag of Japan.svg Mikuru Asakura def. Flag of Brazil.svg John Teixeira Decision (Unanimous)315:00
Catchweight 50.8 kg Flag of Japan.svg Rena Kubota def. Flag of the United States.svg Lindsey VanZandt TKO (Corner Stoppage)314:42
Intermission
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev def. Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire Decision (Unanimous)315:00 Lightweight Grand Prix Final
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Jiří Procházka (c)def. Flag of the United States.svg C. B. Dollaway KO (Punches)11:55For the Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship
Light Heavyweight 93 kg Flag of Cameroon.svg Simon Biyongdef. Flag of Russia.svg Vitaly ShemetovTKO (Elbows and Punches)20:58
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of Japan.svg Hiromasa Ougikubo def. Flag of Japan.svg Shintaro Ishiwatari Decision (Split)315:00
Intermission
Catchweight 105 kg Flag of the United States.svg Jake Heundef. Flag of Japan.svg Satoshi Ishii TKO (Punches)11:12
Bantamweight 61 kg Flag of the United States.svg Patchy Mix def. Flag of Japan.svg Yuki MotoyaSubmission (Guillotine Choke)11:36
Catchweight 62 kg Flag of Japan.svg Taiju Shiratori def. Flag of Japan.svg Taiga TKO (Cut)26:00Kickboxing
Super Atomweight 49 kg Flag of Japan.svg Miyuu Yamamoto def. Flag of Thailand.svg Suwanan Boonsorn Decision (Unanimous)315:00
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Brazil.svg Patricky Freire def. Flag of Brazil.svg Luiz GustavoTKO (Punches and Soccer Kick)10:28 Lightweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals
Lightweight 71 kg Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Tofiq Musayev def. Flag of the United States.svg Johnny Case TKO (Punches)12:46 Lightweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals

References

  1. "Rizin FF Partners with FITE TV". sherdog.com.
  2. "Bruno Massami on Twitter 31-12-2019". gazetaesportiva.com.
  3. "Scott Coker explains 'King Mo' Lawal's move to Rizin FF for Jiri Prochazka title rematch". mmajunkie.com. 31 January 2019.
  4. "Rizin 15 fight roundup: Justin Scoggins replaces Ulka Sasaki". mmafighting.com. 3 April 2019.
  5. "Justin Scoggins Suffers Knee Injury, Rizin 15 Bout vs. Kai Asakura Canceled". sherdog.com.
  6. "RIZIN 15 bout order announced, Kanako Murata replaces Shinju on short-notice". mmasucka.com. 17 April 2019.
  7. "Rizin FF 15 results and video: Prochazka TKO's King Mo to win title, Horiguchi bombs on Nguyen". bloodyelbow.com.
  8. "Kizaemon Saiga Out of Rizin 16, Replaced by Ryuji Horio against Kunitaka". mmafighting.com. 27 May 2019.
  9. "Tenshin Nasukawa gets new opponent for Rizin 16". sherdog.com.
  10. "RIZIN debuts of Kevin Ross, Marcos de Souza postponed". thebodylockmma.com. 10 July 2019.
  11. "RIZIN debuts of Kevin Ross, Marcos de Souza postponed". thebodylockmma.com. 10 July 2019.
  12. "Rena Kubota gets new opponent for Rizin 19". mmafighting.com. 7 October 2019.
  13. Nolan King (2019-11-14). "Kyoji Horiguchi withdraws from Rizin FF 20 due to knee injury, subsequently vacates title". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-11-14.