Hey fight fans, and welcome back to my corner of the internet! If you’re anything like me, you live for the rush of combat sports, the roar of the crowd, and those moments that leave you absolutely speechless. And if you’re truly in the know, then you understand that when we talk about pure, unadulterated fight spectacle, Rizin Fighting Federation stands in a league of its own.
Today, I want to take a heartfelt look back at Rizin 2023, a year that, in my humble opinion, wasn’t just good – it was legendary. From epic showdowns to rising stars and jaw-dropping finishes, 2023 delivered everything I ever wanted from the Japanese powerhouse. So, grab a drink, settle in, and let’s relive some of the magic!
The Year of Rizin: A Symphony of Fights and Fireworks
For those who might be new to the Rizin universe, imagine the glitz of a high-stakes concert mixed with the raw, visceral energy of martial arts. That’s Rizin. Known for its unique ring, its captivating opening ceremonies, and a rule set that encourages non-stop action, it truly offers a different flavor of MMA. And in 2023, they cranked everything up to eleven!
From the frosty start of the year, kicking off with events like Rizin 41, through the summer heat of the Bellator x Rizin 2 crossover, and right up to the always-epic New Year’s Eve spectacle, I felt like I was on a non-stop rollercoaster of excitement. Each event felt like a mini-festival, rich with tradition but bursting with modern combat. What I particularly loved was how Rizin consistently manages to blend established legends with exciting new talent, giving every card a fresh and unpredictable feel. The atmosphere, even watching from afar, felt palpable – the passionate Japanese crowd, the dramatic entrances, and the sheer bravery of every single competitor. It was truly a year that showcased the heart and soul of Japanese combat sports.
My Top Picks: Unforgettable Fights from Rizin 2023
It’s genuinely hard to pick favorites, but some fights from 2023 just etched themselves into my memory. These weren’t just contests; they were narratives unfolding in real-time, showcasing incredible skill, resilience, and heart. Here are a few that still give me goosebumps:
Event Fight Winner Method Notes
RIZIN 41 Kai Asakura vs. Prajanchai PK.Saenchai Kai Asakura KO (Punches) Explosive kickboxing vs. MMA crossover!
RIZIN 42 Naoki Inoue vs. Juan Archuleta Juan Archuleta Unanimous Decision High-level Bantamweight clash.
RIZIN 43 Kleber Koike Erbst vs. Masanori Kanehara Masanori Kanehara Unanimous Decision Featherweight title challenge.
Bellator x RIZIN 2 Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Makoto Shinryu Kyoji Horiguchi TKO (Punches) Inaugural Flyweight title fight.
RIZIN 44 Roberto de Souza vs. Patricky Pitbull Roberto de Souza Unanimous Decision Lightweight powerhouse battle.
Kai Asakura’s performance against Prajanchai, a decorated Muay Thai champion, was absolutely electrifying. It was a testament to his power and adaptability. I remember thinking, “Wow, he not only survived, but he dominated!” It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated Rizin’s bold spirit of pitting different styles against each other.
As the legendary announcer, Lenne Hardt, would likely exclaim, “KAI ASAKURA! WIIIIIINNER!” – her iconic voice is practically the soundtrack to my Rizin memories!
Rising Stars & Veteran Dominance
One of the most exciting aspects of following Rizin in 2023 was watching the landscape evolve. We saw new faces make significant splashes, proving they’re the future of the sport, while seasoned veterans continued to remind us why they’re at the top.
Here’s a quick look at some individuals who really stood out for me:
Kai Asakura: His string of impressive victories, culminating in his dominant performances, cemented his status as a true superstar and a top contender. His journey felt like a redemption arc after past challenges.
Juan Archuleta: The Bellator bantamweight showing up and winning the Rizin title was a huge statement. His grit and determination were undeniable, earning him legions of new fans.
Kyoji Horiguchi: What can I say about Horiguchi? The man is a legend. His win to become the inaugural Rizin Flyweight Champion was a masterclass, proving he’s still very much at the peak of his powers. It was inspiring to see.
Masanori Kanehara: His title win against Koike Erbst was a career-defining moment, a veteran proving that experience and a well-executed game plan can conquer all.
Kana Watanabe: In the women’s division, Kana continued her impressive run, showcasing her grappling prowess and growing striking skills, making her someone to watch closely.
As one fighter, perhaps speaking after a tough bout, once eloquently put it, “Every fight is a chance to prove something – to yourself, to your team, and to the fans. Rizin pushes you to your absolute limits, and that’s why I love it.” I wholeheartedly agree; the heart these athletes show is truly something special.
The Crossover Event Heard ‘Round the World: Bellator x Rizin 2
If there was one event that defined the high-stakes drama of Rizin 2023, it was undoubtedly Bellator x Rizin 2. Following up on their spectacular New Year’s Eve collaboration, this event further deepened the inter-promotional rivalry and gave us some truly incredible matchups. I was glued to my screen for every moment!
It wasn’t just about the fights; it was about the clash of promotional pride, the stylistic differences, and the sheer anticipation of seeing how these top-tier athletes from different organizations would fare against each other. The event delivered in spades, showcasing incredible talent from both sides.
Here’s a snapshot of some key bouts from that unforgettable night:
Match-up Winner (Promotion) Method Stakes
Kyoji Horiguchi (Rizin) vs. Makoto Shinryu (Rizin) Kyoji Horiguchi TKO (Punches) Inaugural Rizin Flyweight Championship
Patricky Pitbull (Bellator) vs. AJ McKee (Bellator) AJ McKee Unanimous Decision Featherweight Grand Prix Semifinal (Bellator) (?)
Kai Asakura (Rizin) vs. Vugar Karamov (Bellator) Kai Asakura KO (Knee) Bantamweight clash
Juan Archuleta (Bellator) vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo (Rizin) Juan Archuleta Unanimous Decision Rizin Bantamweight Championship
Note: Some fights were part of Bellator’s overall structure but featured on the joint card, adding to the intrigue.
This event truly highlighted the competitive spirit between the promotions and solidified Rizin’s position on the global stage. It was a night of unforgettable moments, showcasing the best of both worlds.
Why I’ll Always Be a Rizin Fan
For me, Rizin 2023 wasn’t just a series of fights; it was an experience. I’ve always been drawn to the theatrics, the unique Japanese flair that’s so different from Western promotions. The epic countdowns, the sumo ring-like stage, the wild entrances – it all adds to a spectacle that feels truly special.
Beyond the presentation, I admire how Rizin embraces various martial arts. You see kickboxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and traditional Japanese martial arts all shine through. It’s truly a celebration of global martial arts culture. As I often tell my friends, “Rizin isn’t just MMA; it’s a performance art where every punch, kick, and submission tells a story.” It’s truly something you have to experience to fully appreciate.
Looking Ahead: What 2023 Paved the Way For
The incredible year that was 2023 has set the stage for an even more exciting future. With new champions crowned, rivalries intensified, and emerging talents making their mark, Rizin is poised for continued global growth and even more spectacular events in the years to come. I literally cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Rizin
Q1: What exactly is Rizin Fighting Federation? A1: Rizin Fighting Federation (Rizin FF) is a Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing promotion. It was founded in 2015 by Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the former president of PRIDE FC. It’s known for its grand spectacles, unique ring (rather than a cage), and a blend of MMA, kickboxing, and occasional special rules fights.
Q2: Where can I watch Rizin events? A2: Rizin events are often broadcast live on pay-per-view platforms, such as FITE TV (now TrillerTV) for international audiences. Specific broadcasting partners can vary by region, so it’s best to check Rizin’s official website or social media channels prior to an event.
Q3: What makes Rizin unique compared to other MMA promotions? A3: Several things!
Ring vs. Cage: Rizin uses a traditional boxing ring.
Rule Set: While largely unified rules, Rizin has unique elements like soccer kicks (under certain conditions), stomps, and often has different round structures.
Production Value: Elaborate opening ceremonies, dramatic fighter entrances, and a vibrant atmosphere are hallmarks of Rizin.
Openweight & Special Rules: They often feature openweight bouts and various combat sports disciplines, not just MMA.
Q4: Who are some of Rizin’s most famous fighters? A4: Rizin has hosted many legends and cultivated new stars. Some prominent names include:
Kyoji Horiguchi: Former Bellator and Rizin Bantamweight Champion.
Tenshin Nasukawa: Kickboxing sensation who also competed in MMA.
Kai Asakura: Top bantamweight contender.
Miyuu Yamamoto: Veteran female fighter from a famous wrestling family.
Roberto “Satoshi” de Souza: Reigning Lightweight Champion.
And there you have it, folks – my personal recap of an incredible year for Rizin. If you haven’t dived into the world of Japanese MMA yet, I implore you to give it a try. You might just find your new favorite combat sport obsession!
What were your favorite Rizin 2023 moments? Let me know in the comments below!