Super RIZIN 4 Sets the Stage for Explosive Flyweight and Heavyweight Grand Prix Battles in July

RIZIN Fighting Federation has officially lifted the curtain on a stacked lineup for Super RIZIN 4, unveiling the highly anticipated opening round of its flyweight grand prix and the continuation of its heavyweight tournament. The July 27 event, set to unfold inside the iconic Saitama Super Arena, is poised to deliver a captivating mix of tournament action, title bouts, and marquee rematches.

The spotlight of the announcement fell squarely on the 125-pound flyweight grand prix, which features five exciting opening round matchups. UFC veteran Jose “Shorty” Torres (13-4-1), who made a successful promotional debut last year by defeating Makoto Shinryu, will take on Hiromasa Ougikubo (27-8-2). Ougikubo, a decorated RIZIN competitor, is best remembered for his victorious run through the 2021 bantamweight grand prix, including wins over top contenders Naoki Inoue and Kai Asakura. This bout promises to be a compelling clash of skill, experience, and tournament pedigree.

Another fighter to watch is the undefeated Alibek Gadzhammatov (5-0), who made a thunderous RIZIN debut with a knockout of Daichi Kitakata. Gadzhammatov will look to continue his rise against Takaki Soya (13-6-1), who is riding high after a decision win over former UFC title challenger John Dodson.

Also featured in the tournament is Nkazimulo Zulu (16-7-1), a recent title challenger to Kyoji Horiguchi. He’s slated to face Yuki Ito (18-6) in a key flyweight matchup. Makoto Shinryu (19-4-1, 1 NC) returns to the RIZIN ring as well, taking on Erson Yamamoto (5-7), while Yuki Motoya (37-13), one of RIZIN’s most seasoned fighters, squares off against Hiroya (11-13-1), who enters the bout with back-to-back victories.

While flyweights dominate the narrative, RIZIN has not forgotten the big men. The second round of the heavyweight grand prix was also announced, with former Bellator fighter Jose Augusto set to face Marek Samociuk, and Mikio Ueda battling Alexander Soldatkin, a veteran of Dana White’s Contender Series. These bouts will further define RIZIN’s push to elevate its heavyweight roster in 2024.

In addition to tournament bouts, Super RIZIN 4 boasts a main event rematch between Kleber Koike and Mikuru Asakura. Koike, a former featherweight champion, will look to avenge his loss and reassert his position atop the division. Unfortunately, current featherweight champ Razhabali Shaidulloev will not defend his title on the card, as RIZIN was “unable to secure an opponent in time for a title bout.”

The event also includes two more title fights: Naoki Inoue vs. Ryuya Fukuda for the bantamweight title, and Seika Izawa vs. Yu Jin Shin for the atomweight championship. Other featured bouts include Masanori Kanehara vs. YA-MAN, Patricky Pitbull vs. Shunta Nomura, and Moeri Suda vs. Noel, among others.

With thrilling tournament matchups, high-stakes title fights, and major rematches, Super RIZIN 4 promises to be a summer spectacle that cements Japan’s place on the global MMA map.