RIZIN NYE Showdown: Chihiro Suzuki and Kleber Koike Set for Explosive Featherweight Title Rematch

Chihiro Suzuki (left), Kleber Koike (right)

The RIZIN Fighting Federation is gearing up for a thrilling year-end spectacle as reigning featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki takes on former titleholder Kleber Koike in a highly anticipated rematch. Scheduled for December 31 at the renowned Saitama Super Arena in Japan, RIZIN DECADE promises to be an electrifying event, with Suzuki vs. Koike headlining the main event. This showdown will be broadcast live through RIZIN’s pay-per-view platform, ensuring fans worldwide can witness the drama unfold.

Kleber Koike (33-7-1) was the reigning 145-pound champion during his first encounter with Suzuki in June 2023. However, the bout turned controversial when Koike missed weight, stripping him of his title. Despite achieving a first-round submission over Suzuki, RIZIN rules automatically overturned the outcome to a no-contest due to Koike’s failure to make weight. Since then, Koike has been on a tear, securing two first-round finishes against Yutaka Saito and Juan Archuleta, reclaiming his position as the top contender for Suzuki’s belt.

Chihiro Suzuki (13-3-1) has made an incredible ascent since his initial fight with Koike. Riding a three-fight winning streak, Suzuki shocked the MMA world by defeating Bellator’s Patricio Pitbull, then clinching RIZIN gold with a swift knockout over Vugar Karamov. The 25-year-old phenom defended his title with a dominant first-round KO against veteran Masanori Kanehara, cementing his reputation as a powerful force in the featherweight division. Suzuki was initially expected to face boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in an exhibition match, but kickboxing veteran Rukiya Anpo stepped in, leading to a dramatic draw.

Adding to the anticipation, RIZIN is building an exciting lineup for the event. While the full card is still under wraps, undefeated welterweight Igor Tanabe (5-0) is expected to make his mark. Initially set to fight Marcos Yoshio de Souza at RIZIN Landmark 10, Tanabe’s match was postponed due to Souza’s injury, leaving fans eager to see Tanabe’s return in Saitama.

As the year draws to a close, RIZIN DECADE is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with Suzuki and Koike’s title rematch at its heart. This is a fight that promises intensity, skill, and redemption—a perfect way to ring in the New Year with MMA at its finest.