On March 30, 2025, the RIZIN.50 event took place at the Takamatsu Arena in Kagawa, marking a significant milestone as the first RIZIN event in the Shikoku region. The card featured a series of exciting matchups, culminating in a highly anticipated Bantamweight Title Match between champion Inoue Naoki and challenger Motoya Yuki.
The event kicked off with the opening fights at 11:30 AM, showcasing a variety of combat styles under RIZIN’s unique rules. The first match saw Uoi Fullswing face off against Akata Playboy Isamu in a closely contested bout. Uoi, a seasoned fighter from Wajutsu Keishukai HEARTS, emerged victorious by a split decision of 2-1. The match was intense, with Uoi landing significant strikes in the first round that set the tone for the fight. Despite Akata’s resilience and a strong showing in the later rounds, the judges favored Uoi’s early aggression.
Following this, the second fight featured Ochi Haruo, who demonstrated his grappling prowess against Nakadomo Shuryo. Ochi won the match with a guillotine choke in the third round, securing a victory at 1 minute and 23 seconds into the round. This impressive performance showcased Ochi’s skill and determination, earning him a well-deserved win.
In the third match, Machi faced Park Seo-young, delivering a powerful TKO victory in the second round. Machi’s relentless ground and pound left Park unable to continue, marking a decisive moment in the event. Fans were left in awe of Machi’s striking ability and control, further elevating the excitement surrounding the event.
The fourth fight was particularly notable due to the weigh-in controversy involving Spaiku Kurai, who exceeded the weight limit by 2 kg. Despite this setback, he fought against Izumi Takeharu, who won by a unanimous decision of 3-0. The match’s outcome was contingent on Kurai’s weight issue, which added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings.
As the event progressed, the audience was treated to a series of thrilling encounters. The fifth fight featured Maeda Yoshiki against Yokouchi Mitsuki, followed by Ito Yutaka versus Toni Laramie in the sixth match. Both of these bouts promised to deliver high-stakes action, drawing cheers from the crowd.
In the seventh match, Yokoyama Takeshi faced Kimura Koyo, showcasing a clash of styles as a jiu-jitsu practitioner took on a traditional Japanese martial artist. This matchup intrigued fans, highlighting the diverse skill sets present in RIZIN’s roster.
The eighth fight saw Hagiwara Kyosuke going up against Toby Misech, with Hagiwara looking to bounce back after a string of losses. The stakes were high for both fighters, each seeking redemption in the octagon.
In the ninth match, Sakai Ryota faced Ed Polkingu in a heavyweight clash that served as a precursor to the upcoming RIZIN Heavyweight GP scheduled for May. This matchup was particularly anticipated, as both fighters aimed to make a statement in the heavyweight division.
The tenth fight featured Luiz Gustavo battling Nomura Kota, while the eleventh match showcased a showdown between Suzuki Chihiro and Kalshaga Dautbek. Dautbek, riding a wave of nine consecutive MMA wins, was looking to solidify his status in the featherweight division.
Finally, the main event arrived: the Bantamweight Title Match between Inoue Naoki and Motoya Yuki. This fight was a rematch, reigniting a rivalry that had been dormant since their last encounter over four years ago. Inoue, the defending champion from Kill Cliff FC, weighed in at 60.95 kg, while challenger Motoya from American Top Team weighed in slightly lighter at 60.90 kg.
Inoue expressed his excitement about defending his title, stating, “I’m thrilled to be able to challenge the strongest champion. I want to put on an intense show.” Motoya, equally eager, promised to showcase the skills he developed during his training in North America, saying, “I’m ready to prove myself and claim the championship.”
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as fans eagerly awaited the outcome of this pivotal matchup. Both fighters entered the octagon with a palpable intensity, knowing that the stakes could not be higher. Would Inoue successfully defend his title, or would Motoya rise to the occasion and claim the championship?
The event was broadcast live on platforms such as ABEMA and U-NEXT, allowing fans worldwide to witness the action unfold in real-time. As the fighters prepared for their bouts, the excitement in the arena built to a fever pitch, setting the stage for what would undoubtedly be a memorable night in RIZIN history.
As the matches progressed, fans were treated to a showcase of talent and determination, with each fighter demonstrating their unique skills and fighting spirit. The RIZIN.50 event not only highlighted the depth of talent within the organization but also solidified its place as a premier destination for mixed martial arts in Japan.
In the end, RIZIN.50 proved to be a landmark event, filled with thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. As the night drew to a close, fans left the arena buzzing with excitement, already looking forward to the next installment of RIZIN’s electrifying series.
