RIZIN returns to the iconic Saitama Super Arena on December 31, 2024, for RIZIN.49: Decade, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a stacked card that promises fireworks. A lot of new fans may be new to RIZIN, so we're going to preview the main card and tell you all you need to know about the upcoming matchups.
Chihiro Suzuki (c) vs. Kleber Koike Erbst
This is a rematch that sees reigning RIZIN Featherweight Champion Chihiro Suzuki defend his title against the jiu-jitsu specialist Kleber Koike Erbst. Their first meeting at RIZIN 43 ended in controversy when Koike missed weight, nullifying his submission victory. In RIZIN, if you miss weight, you are ineligible for a win over your opponent, so even though he defeated Suzuki via armbar, it was overruled to a no contest. Suzuki is a striker with elite precision riding a big win streak in his career, including a first-round knockout over former Bellator Featherweight and Lightweight Champion, Patricio Pitbull. Suzuki will look to keep the fight standing, while Koike aims to reclaim his throne by dragging the fight to the ground. Koike holds a 93% finish rate, and Suzuki's last five fights haven't left the first round, so we're in for a crazy fight while it lasts.
Kyoji Horiguchi (c) vs. Nkazimulo Zulu
Kyoji Horiguchi, is one of RIZIN's and Japan’s most accomplished fighters, with the most wins in the orginization at 14. He puts his title on the line against South Africa’s Nkazimulo Zulu, who's coming off a first round TKO over RIZIN veteran Joe Arai. Horiguchi’s versatility, blending elite striking and grappling, has made him a dominant fighter in RIZIN, with an impressive 13-1 record there, but Zulu’s explosive striking and unpredictability could pose a threat to the much shorter Horiguchi. A win for Horiguchi would further cement his legacy, while Zulu looks to make history as RIZIN’s first African champion.
Roberto “Satoshi” de Souza vs. Vugar Karamov
Roberto de Souza defends his RIZIN Lightweight Championship against former RIZIN Featherweight Champion Vugar Karamov. De Souza, renowned for his world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, claimed the title in 2021, and has since defended it two times. He's also participated in multiple Bellator vs. RIZIN matchups, remaining active outside of title fights. Karamov is fighting back at Lightweight for the first time since 2016, and looks to claim his second title in the RIZIN promotion. This bout is a classic grappler-vs-striker contest with a world title on the line.
Yuki Motoya squares off against rising star Kyoma Akimoto in a classic bout of experience versus youth. Motoya the veteran, and a well-rounded fighter with 22 career finishes (14 via sub, 8 via KO/TKO) and has faced some of the division’s toughest names. Akimoto enters undefeated with a 7-0 record with four KO/TKOs. Akimoto is only eighteen years of age, and now he's got his biggest career moment and challenge. A victory for Motoya could reassert his relevance in the bantamweight rankings, while Akimoto has a chance to cement his status as a top contender.
Unbeaten Seika Izawa is on a tear in RIZIN. She's undefeated with a 14-0 record with some insane submission skills. To name a few, she has won fights and grappling matches with a ninja choke, front chokes and a heel hook . Izawa’s relentless pressure and well-rounded game have made her a standout in the super atomweight division. Apdelgarim will be looking to earn a big upset and hand Izawa her first loss, but as a +1600 underdog, that task is going to be a massive one.