RIZIN: Title Defenses for Naoki Inoue and Seika Izawa, Patricky Pitbull Debuts on Stacked July Card

RIZIN Fighting Federation is set to deliver an action-packed event in Japan, highlighting three title fights and the highly anticipated debut of Patricky Pitbull in July. Bantamweight champion Naoki Inoue will defend his belt against Ryuya Fukuda, while super atomweight titleholder Seika Izawa faces Yu Jin Shin. Razhabali Shaydullaev, fresh off his featherweight championship win, is also scheduled on the card, with his next opponent to be announced.

Fans of mixed martial arts will see a rematch between Kleber Koike and Mikuru Asakura. Their last fight ended with Koike submitting Asakura, and now Asakura comes in on a high note after a TKO victory over Chihiro Suzuki. Other matchups include Masanori Kanehara vs. Ya-Man, Karshyga Dautbek vs. Kyoma Akimoto, and Moeri Suda vs. Noel.

Adding to the excitement, former Bellator lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull has officially joined RIZIN and will face Shunta Nomura on July 27 in Saitama. Pitbull is known for his knockout power and past successes in Japan, making his return highly anticipated for MMA fans. For more details on the lineup and title fights, visit the RIZIN.4 event announcement.

Main Event Line-Up and Featured Title Fights

RIZIN offers several key championship bouts and featured matchups at the Saitama Super Arena. The card will see three titleholders defending their belts and fan-favorite fighters making important appearances for RIZIN.

Bantamweight Title Defense: Naoki Inoue vs. Ryuya Fukuda

The bantamweight championship will be on the line with Naoki Inoue looking to defend his title against Ryuya Fukuda. Inoue has shown strong finishing skills with a record that includes both knockouts and submissions. He most recently headlined at RIZIN 50, fighting Yuki Motoya for the championship.

Ryuya Fukuda steps in as the challenger after climbing through the bantamweight ranks with a fast-paced fighting style. Inoue’s ability to control fights and threat on the ground could prove to be a deciding factor. This title match will help shape the future of the bantamweight division in Japan's top MMA promotion.

Fans can expect a high-level fight, with the possibility of a finish by KO, TKO, or submission.

Fighter Stats Table

Fighter	Record	Strengths	Last 3 Fights
Naoki Inoue	18-4	Submissions / Striking	3 wins
Ryuya Fukuda	12-3	Speed / Aggression	3 wins

Super Atomweight Championship Bout: Seika Izawa vs. Yu Jin Shin

Seika Izawa returns to defend her super atomweight championship against Yu Jin Shin. Izawa’s dominance in the atomweight and catchweight classes has earned her a reputation as the top female fighter in RIZIN. She brings sharp grappling and a versatile ground game to the cage.

Her challenger, Yu Jin Shin, mixes striking with a solid defensive style. Shin’s rise through the ranks has been steady, making this a classic striker versus grappler showdown. Izawa has experience in high-pressure situations and has shown she can control fights with her wrestling.

With the super atomweight title at stake, both fighters are expected to push the pace from the opening bell and look for an early edge in the clinch and on the mat.

Notable Stats

• Izawa: 9 straight wins, 4 wins by submission

• Shin: Known for endurance, rarely finished in her career

Featherweight Action: Razhabali Shaydullaev's Title Defense

Razhabali Shaydullaev is set to defend his featherweight championship after capturing the title with a striking knockout of Kleber Koike. He brings heavy hands and a patient, tactical approach. Shaydullaev’s performance in the ring has made him a key name to watch in RIZIN’s featherweight scene.

His next opponent is yet to be announced, but expectations are high. Shaydullaev’s first title defense will be closely watched due to his impressive rise in the division and his powerful finish in his title-winning bout. The featherweight class remains unpredictable and competitive.

The Saitama Super Arena will provide a grand stage for Shaydullaev’s return as champion, with fans watching to see if he can keep his momentum or if a new challenger will break through.

Patricky Pitbull’s Debut and Lightweight Division Spotlight

Patricky Pitbull returns to the Saitama Super Arena with a new contract and renewed focus in the lightweight division. His matchup with Shunta Nomura, Bellator experience, and history in major international tournaments all shape this pivotal fight card.

Patricky Pitbull vs. Shunta Nomura: Lightweight Showdown

Patricky Pitbull is set for his first fight as an official RIZIN fighter on July 27 at Saitama Super Arena, where he takes on Shunta Nomura. Pitbull, a longtime Bellator lightweight contender and former champion, has faced some of the world’s toughest opponents. His wins by knockout over Tatsuya Kawajiri and Luiz Gustavo in 2019 left a strong mark on RIZIN fans.

Shunta Nomura has quickly built a reputation in the lightweight division. He comes into this fight after a technical decision win against Gustavo in his debut, bringing his record to 9-2 with four knockouts. This matchup is expected to push both fighters, with the winner likely to move closer to title contention.Below is a quick look at their records:

Fighter	Record	Notable Wins	Last Fight
Patricky Pitbull	25-13	Kawajiri, Satoshi	Lost to Miranda
Shunta Nomura	9-2	Luiz Gustavo	Beat Gustavo

History of Bellator Fighters in RIZIN

RIZIN has brought in several Bellator fighters over the years, aiming to add star power and international interest to its events. Fighters like Patricky Pitbull have transitioned from being Bellator champions to headlining major Japanese cards. This approach has made the lightweight division one of the most exciting weight classes in RIZIN.

Having a former Bellator lightweight champion step into the RIZIN ring raises the level of competition. Past crossover events showcased not just Pitbull but also other Bellator talents. These athletes have introduced new fighting styles and experience, making matchups more unpredictable and closely watched by fans and fighters alike.

Previous Tournament Highlights and Rivalries

Pitbull’s journey in Japan started with the 2019 RIZIN Lightweight Grand Prix. He delivered knockout victories over Tatsuya Kawajiri and Luiz Gustavo, showing his aggressive style. In the tournament final, Pitbull lost to Tofiq Musayev, a fight remembered for its intensity. This match later led to a rematch atmosphere that fans still talk about today.

After the grand prix, Pitbull returned to Japan in 2023. He achieved a big win by knocking out Roberto Satoshi, who later became the lightweight champion. These bouts established Pitbull as a consistent threat in the division and set the stage for future rivalries and possible championship runs. For a full recap of RIZIN’s lightweight history and Pitbull’s participation, visit the official event coverage.

Other Key Bouts in the RIZIN Card

The RIZIN event in Japan brings several interesting matchups beyond the main title fights. Each bout features well-known fighters with a history of finishes such as knockouts and submissions.

Kleber Koike vs. Mikuru Asakura Rematch

Kleber Koike and Mikuru Asakura are set for a high-stakes rematch. Their first encounter in June 2021 ended when Koike submitted Asakura with a triangle choke, showing his strong grappling skills. This time, Asakura returns with renewed confidence after winning by TKO over former champion Chihiro Suzuki.

Koike, known for his submissions, will likely look for another finish if the fight goes to the mat. Asakura, a crowd favorite in Japan, has improved his striking and knockout power since their first meeting. Both fighters have delivered wins by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), and submission.

Their rematch could again be decided by one fighter’s ability to impose their style early. Fans are watching to see if Asakura can deny Koike’s ground game, or if Koike can repeat his submission win.

Masanori Kanehara vs. Ya-Man

Masanori Kanehara brings experience and a background in both knockouts and submissions to his fight against Ya-Man. Kanehara has fought some of the top names in his weight class and knows how to handle high-pressure situations.

Ya-Man, known for his power, has made a name by finishing fights with knockouts and technical knockouts. He is aggressive and looks for openings to land big punches. This matchup is interesting because it’s a classic battle of experience versus rising talent.

Fans can expect a strategic fight, with Kanehara likely pushing for safe positions and possibly looking for a submission if the fight hits the ground. Ya-Man’s best chance lies in his striking, aiming for a clean KO.

Karshyga Dautbek vs. Kyoma Akimoto

Karshyga Dautbek enters the cage with a recent string of victories, showing his skills with both knockouts and tactical decisions. He’s well-rounded and known to adapt his game plan as needed, trying to find any weakness in his opponent.

Kyoma Akimoto is a persistent competitor who fights hard in every round. He has gone the distance in several bouts, earning wins by decision and impressing fans with his toughness. Dautbek’s power and Akimoto’s grit make this a potential fight-of-the-night candidate.

This bout will test whether Dautbek’s ability to finish can overcome Akimoto’s durability. Look for momentum shifts, as both fighters may change tactics if the fight stretches into later rounds.

Moeri Suda vs. Noel

Moeri Suda has quickly gained attention in the division by mixing submission skills with relentless pace. She pushes forward from the start and looks for openings on the ground to lock in submissions.

Noel, on the other hand, relies on striking and movement. She uses her footwork to stay away from danger and picks her shots carefully, aiming to win rounds and possibly set up a late TKO.

Both fighters have something to prove in this matchup. Suda’s strategy will be to get the fight to the mat, while Noel aims to keep it standing and score points with strikes. This style contrast adds intrigue for fans watching for both technique and excitement.

Notable Fighters and Anticipated Returns

Several of RIZIN's most prominent athletes have high-profile matches and rivalries set for the upcoming event. The card also includes recent comeback stories and the return of some of the sport's most experienced names.

Chihiro Suzuki, Kleber Koike, and Mikuru Asakura Rivalries

Chihiro Suzuki, Mikuru Asakura, and Kleber Koike remain keen rivals in the featherweight division. Suzuki recently suffered a setback with a TKO loss to Asakura, who is looking to rebuild momentum after a string of tough fights.

Koike and Asakura have fought before. Their first contest saw Koike lock in a triangle choke to defeat Asakura in June 2021. This match-up is returning for a rematch, drawing interest because of their history and Asakura’s recent win.

Koike is also coming off his own intense battles and will be a focus as he tries to maintain his spot in a contested division. These fighter matchups are expected to create intense storylines on the card.

Impact of Former Champions and Recent Victories

Several former champions will compete and hope to make a statement. Patricky Pitbull, a former Bellator lightweight champion, recently signed with RIZIN and knocked out Roberto Satoshi in Japan during 2023. Hiromasa Ougikubo and Kyoji Horiguchi—both past RIZIN and Bellator champions—remain important names, but are not currently scheduled for this event.

Suzuki’s recent loss to Asakura puts him on the rebound path. Juan Archuleta and Yuki Motoya, past title challengers, are also present but do not have top-billing matchups this time. This blend of champions and veterans ensures high-level competition on the fight card.

Upcoming Appearances by Renowned MMA Athletes

The upcoming event features rising and well-established fighters. Ren Hiramoto has recently gained momentum and could be on a future card. Yuki Motoya is still in the mix at bantamweight, and Yutaka Saito, the former featherweight champion, remains active though his match-up is not yet finalized.

Makoto Takahashi, another fighter to watch, has shown promise in past performances. Super atomweight champion Seika Izawa will defend her title, adding more star power. These appearances shape a strong line-up, drawing interest from both longtime and new fans.

RIZIN’s Legacy, Venues, and Global MMA Impact

RIZIN Fighting Federation has cemented itself as a powerhouse in Japanese mixed martial arts. Its events have featured world-class athletes, international collaborations, and historic arenas central to the sport's culture.

Historic Arenas and Event Locations

RIZIN has held key events at major venues in Japan, such as the iconic Saitama Super Arena, known for its high attendance and energetic atmosphere. From RIZIN 45 to RIZIN 49, this arena remains the heart of the promotion’s biggest cards.

Other important locations include the Nagoya International Exhibition Hall, World Memorial Hall in Kobe, Saga Arena, and Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo. The Ariake Arena also hosted landmark events, supporting the continued expansion of RIZIN into new cities like Sapporo and Nagoya.

The promotion often sells out these venues, showcasing its strong fan base and the sport’s growth in Japan. Major annual events, like Super RIZIN 3, contribute to record attendance numbers and regional buzz.

Major RIZIN Milestones and Championships

Since its founding in 2015 by Nobuyuki Sakakibara—the former president of Pride—RIZIN has delivered many memorable milestones. The organization is recognized for its thrilling tournaments, such as the lightweight grand prix featuring fighters like Patricky Pitbull and

Roberto Satoshi.

Title fights have defined the promotion, with stars like Naoki Inoue and Seika Izawa defending belts in front of thousands. Historical cards, including RIZIN Landmark 8 and RIZIN Landmark 11, brought new champions and global talent together.

Notably, cross-promotional super fights have taken place. For example, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather headlined an exhibition at Saitama Super Arena, drawing worldwide attention. Collaborations with promotions like Bellator and organizations such as KSW indicate RIZIN’s willingness to innovate and raise the profile of Asian MMA.

Influence of Promoters and Collaborations

Nobuyuki Sakakibara’s leadership and vision continue to guide RIZIN, building on the legacy of Pride FC. He has secured deals with international stars, including Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, and helped produce exhibition matches that brought in viewers from around the world.

RIZIN also stands out for its cooperation with organizations like Bellator and European powerhouse KSW. These collaborations have included joint cards and fighter exchanges. The result is a diverse roster featuring global talents alongside Japanese stars.

Through creative event formats and partnerships, RIZIN has made itself a key player in the international MMA landscape, attracting attention beyond Japan and setting attendance records at venues like Saitama Super Arena and Saga Arena. The blend of established names, crosspromotional efforts, and iconic locations continues to shape RIZIN’s influence in combat sports. For a deeper look at the federation’s venue history and event updates, visit the official RIZIN Fighting Federation page.