The highly anticipated RIZIN.50 event unfolded on March 30, 2025, at the newly inaugurated Anabuki Arena in Kagawa, marking a significant milestone as it was the first RIZIN event held in Shikoku. The arena, which opened just a month prior, witnessed a sold-out crowd eager to experience the electrifying bouts that the promotion is known for.
The main event featured a thrilling clash for the RIZIN Bantamweight Championship, where reigning champion Naoki Inoue of Kill Cliff FC successfully defended his title against challenger Yuki Motoya from American Top Team. Inoue, weighing in at 60.95kg, edged out Motoya, who came in at 60.90kg, with a split decision victory of 2-1.
Inoue, at 27 years old, showcased his skill and determination, having previously submitted Motoya in their first encounter during the RIZIN.26 event in 2020. This time, however, the fight was fiercely contested over three rounds, with both fighters displaying their grappling and striking prowess. The judges' scorecards reflected the closely fought nature of the match, with one judge favoring Motoya while the other two sided with Inoue.
In the opening round, Inoue applied pressure early on, utilizing his reach advantage to land effective jabs and straight punches. Motoya, known for his resilience, attempted to counter with takedowns but found himself unable to dominate the exchanges. As the round progressed, he managed to secure a takedown and attempted a guillotine choke, but Inoue's experience shone through as he escaped and returned to his feet.
The second round saw Inoue continue to push forward, landing a series of jabs that opened a cut above Motoya's left eyebrow. Despite the blood trickling into his eye, Motoya fought back fiercely, landing a few significant strikes of his own. However, Inoue's strategic movement and ability to avoid damage allowed him to maintain control of the bout.
By the third round, the intensity ramped up. Motoya, sensing the urgency, came out aggressively, landing a left hook that visibly affected Inoue, causing significant swelling around his right eye. The two fighters engaged in a back-and-forth grappling exchange, with Motoya attempting to secure a takedown. Inoue, however, demonstrated his grappling acumen, countering with a back take attempt of his own.
As the final bell rang, both fighters were visibly exhausted, having left everything in the cage. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the skill and heart displayed by both competitors. When the decision was announced, Inoue expressed relief and humility, stating, "I’m sorry for the lack of excitement in the match. I couldn’t see clearly from my right eye and lost speed after taking Motoya's punches. I want to become a champion who can finish fights with a KO or submission."
Motoya, reflecting on his performance, said, "I’m really happy to be able to challenge the strongest champion. I want to deliver an exciting main event in the future." His words resonated with fans, highlighting the respect and sportsmanship that characterizes RIZIN.
This victory marks Inoue's first successful title defense, a historic moment as the RIZIN Bantamweight title had never been defended before. The fight not only showcased the talent within the promotion but also set the stage for future matchups as Inoue looks to solidify his reign.
In addition to the main event, the card featured several other exciting bouts. In the co-main event, Chihiro Suzuki faced off against Karshyga Dautbek in a featherweight showdown that ended in a split decision victory for Dautbek. The fight was a testament to both fighters' striking abilities, with Suzuki trying to leverage his experience against the younger Dautbek, who showed remarkable resilience and skill.
As the event concluded, RIZIN officials expressed their satisfaction with the turnout and the quality of the fights. The Kagawa event not only served as a platform for established fighters but also showcased emerging talents, promising an exciting future for the organization.
Looking ahead, fans can expect more thrilling action as RIZIN gears up for its next events, with fighters eager to prove themselves in one of the most competitive landscapes in mixed martial arts.
