On May 4, 2025, the highly anticipated RIZIN 男祭り event took place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, featuring a thrilling lineup of 19 matches that showcased some of the best talents in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. Fans were treated to an action-packed day filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments.
The event kicked off with an exciting opening fight in the RIZIN kickboxing rules, where 19-year-old newcomer Hashimoto Kaya from POWER OF DREAM faced off against Akahira Daichi from VERTEX. In a dominant performance, Hashimoto secured a victory with a score of 3-0, taking down his opponent three times during the match. This impressive display set the tone for the rest of the evening.
In the second opening fight, Ueda Takaya, the president of FIGHTER’S FLOW, made a one-night return to MMA after a six-year hiatus. However, he faced tough competition against Vinicius, who emerged victorious with a unanimous decision of 3-0. Ueda's unique tactics drew attention, as he attempted to entice Vinicius into grappling exchanges by turning his back, but ultimately, Vinicius countered with powerful striking, securing the win.
Ueda reflected on his unusual strategy after the match, stating, "I tried to set a trap, but it didn’t work out as planned." His performance ignited a flurry of reactions online, with fans expressing confusion and intrigue about his approach. Comments ranged from admiration for his creativity to bewilderment over his tactics, with one fan humorously asking, "What was that fighting style?"
As the night progressed, the excitement continued with a series of MMA special rules matches. In another notable bout, Nakatani Yuya faced Sasa Daiki in a 75.0kg match, where Nakatani also secured a unanimous decision victory with a score of 3-0. This match highlighted Nakatani's grappling skills as he outmaneuvered Sasa on the ground.
The semi-main event saw the return of Asakura Mikuru from JAPAN TOP TEAM, who faced off against former RIZIN featherweight champion Suzuki Chihiro from Cross Point Kichijoji. The stakes were high as Asakura aimed to reclaim his status in the featherweight division. With both fighters known for their striking prowess, the match promised to be a thrilling encounter.
In the main event, Kleber Koike defended his featherweight title against Ali Sheidoev. This clash was anticipated by fans, as both fighters brought impressive records and skills to the octagon. Koike, a seasoned fighter from Brazil, was determined to showcase his championship caliber against the challenger from Kyrgyzstan.
Additionally, the event featured the RIZIN WORLD GP 2025 Heavyweight Tournament Round 1, which included exciting matchups such as Mikio Samochuk versus Daniel James, Sudario Tsuyoshi against Zeca, and Ueda Gan against Sibusiso Siyaya. These matches added an extra layer of excitement to the event as fighters vied for a chance at the heavyweight title.
Throughout the night, fans witnessed a mix of styles and strategies, with fighters employing various techniques to gain the upper hand. The atmosphere in the Tokyo Dome was electric, with cheers and gasps echoing as each fight unfolded. Social media buzzed with highlights and commentary, as fans reacted in real-time to the unfolding drama.
As the night drew to a close, the RIZIN 男祭り event proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the depth of talent in the world of MMA and kickboxing. With thrilling finishes, unexpected outcomes, and memorable performances, the fighters left it all in the ring, creating a spectacle that will be talked about for weeks to come.
Asakura Mikuru's comeback and the title defense by Kleber Koike were the highlights of the night, but every match contributed to the overall excitement and drama of the event. With the RIZIN organization continuing to push the boundaries of combat sports, fans can look forward to more exhilarating events in the future.
