Toma Hiramoto Steps Up For RIZIN Landmark 9 In Tokyo

On March 26, 2025, RIZIN held a press conference announcing additional matchups for the eagerly awaited RIZIN Landmark 9 event, set to take place at the Tokyo Dome on May 4, 2025. Among the exciting developments, Toma Hiramoto, the younger brother of famed fighter Koki Hiramoto, is set to make his appearance in the octagon. Toma, who turned professional at RIZIN.45 on December 31, 2023, where he achieved a victory over YUSHI, will now face off against rising star Tatsuki Tajiri, who will also be making his MMA debut.

Toma Hiramoto's foray into professional fighting began with promising results; he boasts a win against former host, YUSHI, in his debut. However, in a subsequent bout at DEEP122 IMPACT in November 2024, he faced Rion Kimura and suffered his first loss via an arm-triangle choke in the first round. Originally, Toma’s brother Koki was slated to return to the ring for a rematch against Mikuru Asakura, but an unfortunate shoulder injury, requiring six months of recovery, has sidelined him from the action. As a result of Koki’s withdrawal, Toma will now step up to represent the Hiramoto family in this upcoming event.

The match against Tajiri will be pivotal for Toma, as Tajiri is a decorated athlete, having held titles in two different weight classes in RISE and will now be transitioning to MMA for the first time. The stakes are especially high for Toma in this bout, considering his family's legacy and expectations following his brother's absence.

The new fight card is set to include a variety of thrilling matchups under MMA rules. In addition to Toma Hiramoto versus Tatsuki Tajiri, fans can look forward to Arsen Yamamoto facing Daichi Kameda at flyweight (57kg), and a compelling rematch between popular fighters John Dodson and Takaki Sohya, who meet again in the ring after Dodson previously secured a win over Sohya in Bare Knuckle Boxing.

Adding to the excitement, RIZIN Landmark 9 will also showcase a heavyweight tournament featuring eight competitors, including notable Japanese fighters Tsuyoshi Sudario, Yugo Ueda, and Shoma Shibisai. This tournament promises to be highly competitive, with the winner set to receive a staggering 20 million yen, while the runner-up will pocket 5 million yen. The heavyweight bouts will feature first-round elimination matches on May 4, followed by semifinals and finals later in the year.

The main event of the evening will spotlight the RIZIN Featherweight title match, where champion Kleber Koike will defend his title against challenger Razhabali Shaidullajev. This bout is particularly significant for Koike as it marks his first defense of the featherweight title. Fans are eagerly anticipating this matchup, which is poised to deliver an electrifying atmosphere in the Tokyo Dome.

Ticket sales for this eagerly anticipated event are set to begin soon, with a variety of price options available. The VIP experience ranges from a staggering 880,000 yen for front row seats to more accessible pricing starting at 14,300 yen. Pre-sales start on March 17 for fans, leading into the general sales on March 30.

As fans gear up for this monumental event, excitement fills the air with promises of thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. The RIZIN Landmark 9 at the Tokyo Dome is shaping up to be a hallmark event in the MMA calendar this year, showcasing some of the brightest talents in the sport.