In an electrifying matchup at RIZIN 50 held on March 30, 2025, at the Takamatsu Arena in Kagawa, Yuta Nomura showcased his striking prowess and grappling skills to defeat Luiz Gustavo by technical decision, securing a 3-0 victory. The bout, which was part of the lightweight division, saw Nomura, the current DEEP Lightweight Champion, make a remarkable debut in RIZIN, while Gustavo sought redemption after a previous title match loss.
From the opening bell, Nomura established dominance, utilizing his striking to keep Gustavo at bay. In the first round, Nomura landed a clean right straight that visibly impacted Gustavo, signaling his intent to control the pace of the fight. Despite Gustavo's attempts to respond with his own hooks, he struggled to inflict significant damage on Nomura.
The second round saw Nomura shift gears, employing his grappling skills effectively. He executed a double-leg takedown and proceeded to unleash powerful ground and pound strikes, thrilling the audience with his aggressive approach. Nomura's ability to maintain top position allowed him to land several strong punches, further solidifying his control over the match.
However, the fight took a turn in the third round when an accidental clash of heads resulted in a significant cut above Gustavo's right eye. The ring doctor intervened to assess the injury, but despite attempts to stop the bleeding, the fight was halted with just 2 minutes and 33 seconds remaining in the round. The judges' scorecards ultimately favored Nomura, awarding him a unanimous decision victory.
After the match, an emotional Nomura addressed the crowd, saying, "I wanted to score a flashy KO and grab the mic, but I’m sorry for the accidental butting that led to this situation. I will lead the lightweight division from now on, so please support me!" His words resonated with the local fans, who had come out to cheer for their hometown hero.
Nomura also took the opportunity to highlight a pressing issue back home in Imabari City, where a devastating forest fire had been raging since March 23. He urged fans to contribute to relief efforts, stating, "Imabari City is facing a difficult situation due to the fire, and any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!" This heartfelt appeal demonstrated Nomura's commitment to his community, even as he celebrated his victory.
The event, which showcased a series of exciting bouts, marked a significant milestone for RIZIN as it hosted its first event in Takamatsu. The local fighters had a stellar performance, finishing the night with an impressive 5-0 record. Nomura's victory not only adds to his personal accolades but also elevates the profile of Shikoku fighters in the national MMA scene.
Nomura's journey to this moment has been paved with hard work and dedication. Starting traditional karate at the tender age of three due to his brother's influence, he honed his skills and eventually transitioned to MMA at 23. His professional debut came in September 2021, and after a series of impressive wins, he claimed the DEEP title in September 2024. This latest victory against Gustavo positions him as a formidable contender in the RIZIN lightweight division.
For Gustavo, the fight was a tough setback. At 28 years old, he entered the octagon looking to bounce back from a series of mixed results, including a previous loss to Roberto de Souza in a RIZIN title match. Known for his aggressive style and grappling finesse, Gustavo's journey has been marked by resilience, having faced personal challenges that shaped his fighting spirit. Despite the loss, he remains a dangerous competitor in the lightweight ranks.
Fans can catch all the action from RIZIN 50, which was broadcast live on ABEMA PPV, showcasing the best of Japanese MMA talent in an exciting atmosphere. With Nomura's victory, the lightweight division is set for an exciting future, and fight fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop and challenge for titles in the coming events.
As the dust settles from this thrilling night of fights, one thing is clear: Yuta Nomura is a name to watch in the lightweight division, and his commitment to both his sport and community makes him a standout figure in the world of MMA.
