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Chihiro Suzuki is the name on every MMA fan's lips as he delivered a jaw-dropping performance at RIZIN Landmark 7, joining the conversation for "Knockout of the Year" in 2023 with a sensational upkick knockout that secured him the RIZIN featherweight title in Azerbaijan.
In the main event of RIZIN Landmark 7, Suzuki squared off against Vugar Karamov in a battle that will be etched in the annals of MMA history. The bout took a thrilling turn in the opening round when Karamov managed to get Suzuki on his back, appearing to seize the upper hand. But Suzuki's defensive acumen came to the forefront, and he demonstrated remarkable resilience and awareness.
In a moment that will be replayed for years to come, Suzuki transformed his defensive posture into a ferocious offense, delivering an up kick that landed with devastating precision, leaving Karamov in dire straits. From his back, Suzuki then unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, securing the title in one of the most unforgettable knockout sequences ever witnessed.
The 24-year-old Suzuki's remarkable victory marks his seventh consecutive win, a streak that was launched with his sensational knockout of Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull in July. His impressive performance in the RIZIN cage has led to a record of 7-1 with 1 no-contest over nine appearances, and he now boasts 12 professional MMA victories.
Karamov, who captured the title in July with a first-round submission victory at Super RIZIN 2, entered the contest as the reigning champion. However, his reign was short-lived as Suzuki's remarkable upkick knockout signaled a changing of the guard in the RIZIN featherweight division.
Chihiro Suzuki's historic performance at RIZIN Landmark 7 has not only etched his name in MMA folklore but has also sparked conversations about a potential "Knockout of the Year" award, proving once again that in the world of mixed martial arts, anything can happen, and the future of the sport is bright with talent like Suzuki on the rise.