Rizin Decade: Koike Reclaims Gold, Horiguchi Retains in Thrilling NYE Showcase

Kleber Koike vs. Chihiro Suzuki

Rizin Fighting Federation ended 2024 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve card at Saitama Super Arena, treating fans to three title bouts and unforgettable action as the clock struck midnight and ushered in 2025.

The headliner featured a featherweight title rematch between Kleber Koike and Chihiro Suzuki. Koike, who had his previous victory overturned due to a weight miss, faced a determined Suzuki in a blood-soaked war that lasted the full 15 minutes. After dominating early rounds with grappling and submission attempts, Koike endured a ferocious comeback from Suzuki, who opened a deep cut in the final round. Despite the adversity, Koike regained control, landing decisive ground-and-pound to secure a unanimous decision and reclaim his title.

Flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi successfully defended his belt against a game Nkazimulo Zulu in a back-and-forth battle. Zulu’s striking shook Horiguchi multiple times, including a knockdown in the first round. Horiguchi responded with a knockdown of his own and leaned heavily on his wrestling in the final round, delivering punishing ground-and-pound to decisively retain his championship via unanimous decision.

Roberto Satoshi showcased his submission mastery in the lightweight championship bout, finishing Vugar Karamov in the first round. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert took the fight to the ground and locked in a tight triangle choke, forcing Karamov to tap with just seconds remaining. Satoshi’s dominant victory added another highlight to his stellar Rizin career, now boasting 11 wins and 10 finishes.

Japanese pound-for-pound standout Seika Izawa dominated her non-title bout against late replacement Lucia Apdelgarim. Izawa made quick work of her opponent, transitioning seamlessly between submissions before securing a decisive finish with a combination of a triangle choke and armbar.

The night began with Yuki Motoya earning a hard-fought decision over Kyoma Akimoto in his 50th professional fight. Following the victory, Rizin’s founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced that Motoya would challenge bantamweight champion Naoki Inoue in a rematch on March 31 in Kagawa, Japan.

Rizin Decade proved once again why Japan remains a cornerstone of MMA, delivering thrilling fights and crowning champions in unforgettable fashion.