On May 4, 2025, the highly anticipated RIZIN Otokomatsuri will take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, promising a thrilling day of mixed martial arts action. This event will feature a series of exciting bouts, culminating in a featherweight title match that has fans buzzing with excitement.
The main event of the night will showcase champion Kleber Koike defending his title against the formidable challenger Rjab Ali-Shaidulaev. Koike, known for his grappling prowess and tactical fighting style, has a perfect professional record of 13 wins, and he aims to maintain that streak against the undefeated Ali-Shaidulaev, who is considered one of the strongest contenders in the division.
But before the title fight, the semi-final match between fan-favorite Mikuru Asakura and Chihiro Suzuki is set to steal the spotlight. This clash is particularly intriguing as it comes after Suzuki's tough battle against Doutbek on March 30, where he lost by a narrow 1-2 decision. Despite the setback, Suzuki expressed a strong desire to face Asakura, citing a sense of destiny in this matchup. "I feel like this is my moment to shine," Suzuki stated, reflecting on his determination to prove himself against a top-tier opponent.
The event will kick off at 11:00 AM local time, with doors opening for fans eager to witness the action. The first fight is scheduled for 11:45 AM, with the opening ceremony preceding the matches. Notably, the entire event will be streamed live on platforms such as ABEMA and U-NEXT, allowing fans from around the world to join in on the excitement.
As the schedule unfolds, the fights will include a variety of matchups, all adhering to RIZIN MMA rules. Among the notable bouts are Koji Takeda versus Akio Hatakeyama in the 14th match and Kyohei Hagiwara against Hiroto Nishitani in the 13th match, both of which are expected to deliver high-energy performances.
One of the unique aspects of this event is the special rules bout featuring Koji Takeda and Sina Karamiian, which will see both fighters don different glove sizes, adding an interesting dynamic to their matchup.
In addition to the thrilling fights, RIZIN will also celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special booth at the event, offering fans a chance to participate in a lottery, stamp rally, and photo opportunities. This celebration marks a significant milestone for the organization, which has been a cornerstone of the Japanese MMA scene since its inception.
However, not all planned matchups will take place as scheduled. The fight between Islam Bektibek Uulu and Alexandr Soldatkin has been canceled due to Bektibek suffering a knee injury during training. The injury, which has been diagnosed as a meniscus tear, will sideline him for approximately two months. RIZIN officials are currently working to find a suitable replacement for Bektibek, with plans to reschedule this heavyweight tournament bout for RIZIN LANDMARK 11 in SAPPORO on June 14, 2025.
As the day approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the RIZIN Otokomatsuri. With a lineup that promises excitement and drama, this event is set to be one of the highlights of the MMA calendar. Tickets for the event are available at various price points, with advance online purchases priced at 6,500 yen and 6,900 yen on the day of the event. For those unable to attend in person, the PPV options provide an excellent opportunity to catch all the action live.
With everything in place for a spectacular day of fights, the RIZIN Otokomatsuri is shaping up to be an unforgettable event in the world of mixed martial arts. Fans can expect to witness thrilling matchups, fierce competition, and perhaps even history in the making as champions defend their titles and challengers look to make their mark.
As fight day draws nearer, the excitement continues to build, and all eyes will be on the Tokyo Dome as fighters prepare to step into the cage and give it their all. Will Kleber Koike retain his title against Rjab Ali-Shaidulaev, or will the challenger rise to the occasion? Can Mikuru Asakura assert his dominance against Chihiro Suzuki? Only time will tell as the RIZIN Otokomatsuri unfolds.
