Japanese fighters 平本蓮 and 朝倉未来 have reignited their rivalry with playful jabs and banter leading up to their much-anticipated rematch at Tokyo Dome on May 4, 2025, under the event title 'THE MATCH 2'.
It all kicked off on February 25 when 朝倉 posted about his recovery after suffering from food poisoning, humorously referencing oysters. He tweeted, "牡蠣は侮れない。ようやく回復した" which translates to "Oysters should not be underestimated. I’ve finally recovered." This prompted 平本, known for his biting commentary, to respond, "安モン食ってるからだよ雑魚" meaning "That's because you're eating cheap stuff, you loser!" Their exchange quickly captured the attention of fans, setting the stage for their upcoming showdown.
The playful rivalry took another turn when 朝倉 jokingly offered to upgrade his oyster purchases, stating he would only opt for those costing over 141,450 yen after their spat. But their banter didn't stop there; it led to increasing anticipation among fans who began speculating on the fight's outcome.
Further heightening the intrigue was 平本's announcement hinting at important news to come: “明日、今後が楽しみになる発表があります,” which translates to “Tomorrow, there will be announcements to look forward to.” Fans deciphered this to connect the tease with their upcoming match.
Despite the excitement surrounding their social media exchanges, the reality of the fight took an unexpected turn. The press conference scheduled for February 27, where they were to face the media, was abruptly canceled. It was officially stated: “諸般の事情により中止となりました,” meaning “Due to various circumstances, it has been canceled.”平本 took to his social media to comment on this abrupt change, simply stating, "すいません," which translates to “I’m sorry.”
Adding to the shock, 平本 revealed his injury via Instagram. He was seen wearing a black sling on his right arm and appeared visibly distressed, indicating the possibility of him being unable to compete. It raised questions among fans about the extent of his injury and whether the rematch could be pushed back or even canceled.
Reactions from fans varied widely on social media. While some expressed disappointment over the cancellation, others jokingly suggested the two should just enjoy oysters together instead of fighting. One user noted, “これか…。全治どれくらいなんだろう。。,” or “What is this? I wonder how long the recovery will take..” Another fan chimed, “正直、vs朝倉未来2そこまで見たいと思わない！,” expressing skepticism about the rematch occurring so soon.
The atmosphere surrounding the upcoming fight has turned electric, fueled by the public banter and now the uncertainty following the press conference collapse. Fans are eagerly awaiting any developments, ranging from injury updates to potential announcements about their highly anticipated rematch. The interactions between these two personalities, known for their competitive spirit, have only intensified public interest.
Both fighters represent rising stars within the mixed martial arts community; 平本, 26, is seen as a wave of fresh energy, whereas 32-year-old朝倉 is renowned not only for his fighting skills but also as the CEO of BreakingDown, showcasing his business acumen alongside his athleticism.
The stage is set for what fans hope will be one of the defining matchups of the year. With social media teases, unexpected twists, and injuries looming, the question remains: will 平本 be fit to fight, and how will this rivalry shape up as they get closer to their rematch? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—both fighters have managed to keep public excitement alive throughout this elaborate buildup.