On December 31, 2024, the exciting RIZIN DECADE year-end mixed martial arts events will commence at the prestigious Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City, Japan. This celebration of combat sports features three major fights, showcasing top talent and promising exhilarating matchups. Fans are eagerly anticipating each bout, set to deliver the thrill of kickboxing and MMA as we usher out the year.
The first matchup to take place at this much-anticipated event is between Aoi Noda and Tatsuki Shinozuka. Representing Team Asakura, Noda is noted for his tenacity and skill, training under the guidance of the renowned Michishin Kai Team Samurai. Shinozuka, on the other hand, stands for Team Hiramoto, also known as Black Rose, and brings his powerful fighting style from the masterfully honed techniques acquired at Master Bridge and Goki Kai. This bout will adhere to RIZIN's open-finger glove kickboxing rules, comprising three rounds of three minutes each, within the 58.0 kg weight class.
The match is set to feature as the fifth contest of the evening and will commence at approximately 14:00 JST. The arena can host up to 37,000 fans, offering ample opportunity for public engagement. A variety of streaming options are available for this exciting matchup. According to organizers, SkyPerfect TV will begin broadcasting at 13:00 JST, with both ABEMA and U-NEXT also beginning coverage at the same time. U-NEXT will allow fans to view the matches live from 12:30 JST, with catch-up broadcasts available until January 5, 2025.
The excitement continues with the second fight featuring YURA taking on Taito.asahisan. This battle, held under RIZIN's kickboxing rules, will see YURA from Team Ashakura face off against Taito from the team at Ashahisa Dojo, maintaining the standard three rounds of three minutes at the 66.0kg weight class.
Scheduled as the third fight on the card, this exciting duel promises to attract significant attention and may also turn one fighter’s night from hopeful to heart-wrenching. Like the previous fight, it will also feature extensive coverage on various broadcasting platforms starting at 13:00 JST. Both SkyPerfect TV and ABEMA will cover this matchup, with U-NEXT providing additional options for immediate replays.
The culminating fight of the evening features the much-anticipated clash between Ryoma Fukuda and Ryusei Ashizawa, under the RIZIN MMA ruleset, encompassing three five-minute rounds within the 61.0 kg weight class. Although the exact placement of this fight within the event card has yet to be confirmed, the stakes are high as both fighters vie for glory and recognition.
The event will commence around the afternoon, with expectations for start times stretching from 16:30 to 17:00 JST. Fans watching from home can catch all the action starting from 13:00 JST, as the excitement of RIZIN DECADE unfurls on their screens. All broadcasting estimates are subject to changes made by the organizers, and throughout this event, they remain committed to delivering high-energy martial arts action to viewers.
All three fights promise to highlight some of the best athletes within the sport, providing not only entertainment but also the chance to showcase the future champions of MMA and kickboxing. Top fight professionals, trainers, and fan communities are expected to rally behind their selected fighters throughout this celebration.
RIZIN DECADE is dedicated to offering its audience compelling, live entertainment, bringing fans closer to the action through various streaming services. With options like SkyPerfect TV, ABEMA, and U-NEXT, each fan will have the chance to enjoy the fights without missing any of the electrifying moments.
Counting down the days to this extraordinary event, anticipation builds, marking this year-end celebration as not only significant for competitors but also for fans, who will witness spectacular displays of athleticism, skill, and sportsmanship. The stage is set at Saitama Super Arena for what promises to be one of the most memorable nights of the year.