On March 30, 2025, the RIZIN.50 event took place at the Takamatsu Arena in Kagawa, marking a historic moment as it was the first time RIZIN held an event in the Shikoku region. The venue was packed, drawing an impressive 9,020 spectators, showcasing the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Japan. RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara expressed his gratitude, stating, "The level of excitement created by the people of Shikoku is something we haven't seen even in Tokyo. I hope we can return here in the near future."
The highlight of the event was the semi-final bout featuring former RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki against Kazakhstan's Karsyga Dautbek. The match was a fierce contest, with both fighters engaging in an intense striking battle that left them bloodied. After three rounds of action, Dautbek emerged victorious by a narrow 2-1 decision, marking a significant comeback for him after previously losing to Mikuru Asakura in his RIZIN debut in 2018.
Suzuki, who was looking to rebound after losing his title to Kleber Koike on New Year's Eve last year, faced a tough challenge in Dautbek. This fight was crucial for Suzuki as he was considered a strong candidate to face Asakura at the upcoming RIZIN Men's Festival on May 4. However, following this loss, his participation in that event is now in serious doubt. Asakura, who provided guest commentary during the fight, expressed his respect for both fighters, saying, "It was a really good match. The spirit and guts were conveyed, and it was a high-level striking battle. I was stimulated."
Asakura's anticipation for a fight has been complicated by the recent outcomes of potential opponents. He commented on the situation saying, "I can't fight against a fighter who has been damaged this far. I don't want to push myself too hard." This statement reflected his concern for Suzuki's well-being after such a grueling match.
Adding to the intrigue, YA-MAN, another potential opponent for Asakura, suffered a TKO loss to Miguel Trindle at the RISE ELDORADO 2025 event just a day prior to RIZIN.50. This series of setbacks has left Asakura feeling uncertain about his next fight. He lamented, "There really aren't any opponents left... I'm really in trouble... I'm continuing to train even though my opponent hasn't been decided, and today (opponent candidates) are gone, so I don't know what will happen... I want to know soon."
Originally, Asakura was set to rematch Yutaka Saito at the Tokyo Dome event, but that fight was canceled due to Saito's shoulder injury, which will require six months of recovery. As a result, the event name changed from "THE MATCH2" to "RIZIN Men's Festival," and the focus has shifted to finding a suitable opponent for Asakura.
During a press conference on March 3, Asakura asserted his readiness to fight anyone, stating, "I'm going to fight. I'm a professional fighter, so anyone is fine." His eagerness to step into the ring highlights his commitment to the sport, despite the challenges he currently faces in securing an opponent.
The atmosphere at RIZIN.50 was electric, with fans expressing their excitement and support for the fighters. Comments from the audience included, "I want to see a flawless victory over Kyohei Yaguchi," and "What are you going to do with Magic!?" indicating the high expectations and enthusiasm surrounding Asakura's potential matchups.
Despite the uncertainty, Asakura remains in top physical condition, stating, "I'm in perfect condition. I'm preparing so that anyone can come." This confidence is crucial as he navigates the complexities of opponent selection and prepares for what could be a pivotal point in his career.
As the dust settles from the events of RIZIN.50, the implications of the matches will undoubtedly resonate throughout the MMA community. The results have not only altered the immediate landscape for Asakura but have also raised questions about the future of the fighters involved. Sakakibara expressed concern over the outcomes of Suzuki and YA-MAN, stating, "I had considered them as potential opponents for Asakura, but now the possibility of either fighting him has effectively disappeared."
This sentiment captures the unpredictable nature of MMA, where one fight can drastically change the trajectory of a fighter's career. As fans eagerly await news on Asakura's next opponent, the excitement surrounding RIZIN continues to build, proving that the organization remains a vital force in the world of mixed martial arts.
In conclusion, the RIZIN.50 event not only showcased thrilling fights but also set the stage for future matchups that could redefine the careers of its participants. As the MMA landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Mikuru Asakura and his next move, as he seeks to solidify his legacy in the sport.
