On May 4, 2025, the RIZIN OTOKOMATSURI took place at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking a significant event in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The opening fight featured Ueda Takao, who is set to turn 42 in June, making his return to the ring after a six-year hiatus, facing off against Vinicius, a 24-year-old fighter known for his Jiu-Jitsu background.
This bout was particularly notable as it represented Ueda's comeback to RIZIN in Tokyo Dome, where he last fought in May 2019. Ueda, who coaches fighters such as Watanabe Kana, expressed his surprise at receiving the fight offer just three weeks before the event. He humorously recalled thinking it was a prank when he first saw the message about the fight. "When I saw the message about the 68kg contract, I thought it was a joke," Ueda said, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the opportunity.
Despite the criticism surrounding his return, Ueda was motivated by the support from his teammates, including Yuzuki and Watanabe Kana, who encouraged him to seize the chance. Ueda stated, "I thought everyone would oppose me, but my teammates were excited and said, 'Let's do it!' This support affirmed my decision to return to the ring for those who matter most to me." This camaraderie has been a central theme in Ueda's journey back to competition.
As the fight approached, Ueda acknowledged the challenges posed by his age and the physical toll of training. He candidly admitted, "If I push myself too hard in training, I will lose. My arm muscles are just for show, and I know that after a minute and a half, I won’t be able to keep going." This self-awareness is part of Ueda's strategy as he prepares for the bout.
Vinicius, on the other hand, entered the fight with a solid reputation, blending his Jiu-Jitsu prowess with striking skills honed through experience in the sport. The matchup was set under MMA special rules for two rounds of five minutes each, with the fighters competing at a weight of 66.0 kg.
The first round saw Vinicius take control early, delivering heavy punches that put Ueda on the defensive. Despite being on the back foot, Ueda demonstrated his resilience and experience as he attempted to transition to grappling techniques. However, Vinicius's striking ability proved too strong, allowing him to maintain his advantage.
In the second round, Ueda, now bleeding from his nose, continued to fight back, trying to implement joint techniques. Despite his efforts, Vinicius skillfully defended against Ueda's attempts and maintained a relentless offensive, ultimately securing a decisive victory with a 3-0 decision.
Reflecting on the fight, Ueda expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his team and the opportunity to compete again, even if the outcome was not in his favor. "Winning or losing, I want to support my teammates like Tamaru Tatsumi and Kashiwazawa Daichi after this fight. That’s what matters most to me," he said.
The event showcased a variety of matchups, including a featherweight championship bout between Kleber Koike and Jajabali Shaydullaev, and other exciting fights featuring rising stars in the MMA scene. Notably, Asakura Mikuru's apprentice, Nishiya Daisei, faced a shocking TKO loss to Kubota Hironori, who called out Asakura for a future matchup following his victory.
Additionally, Kashiwazawa Daichi succumbed to a rear-naked choke against Yamamoto Arsen, while Hiroya, another fighter under Asakura's wing, delivered a stunning knockout victory, asserting his dominance in the ring.
Throughout the event, a peculiar moment unfolded when a current Fuji TV employee made an unauthorized appearance, only to be knocked out by a former K-1 champion. This unexpected incident drew attention and raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere at Tokyo Dome was electric, with fans eager to witness the unfolding drama of the RIZIN OTOKOMATSURI. The event was broadcast live on platforms such as ABEMA, U-NEXT, and RIZIN LIVE, allowing fans worldwide to engage with the action.
Overall, the RIZIN OTOKOMATSURI not only marked Ueda's return to the sport but also highlighted the evolving landscape of MMA in Japan. With exciting matchups and unexpected twists, the event reaffirmed the sport's appeal and the dedication of its athletes.
As Ueda looks ahead, he remains focused on supporting his teammates and continuing to contribute to the MMA community, embodying the spirit of resilience and camaraderie that defines the sport.
