.png)
Roberto Satoshi has long been regarded as one of the premier grapplers in MMA, but the Brazilian lightweight champion has shown he’s no one-trick pony. After a stunning 21-second knockout of Brazilian striker Luiz Gustavo in his last title defense, Satoshi is ready to defend his belt at the RIZIN Decade on December 31 at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
“I’ve always been confident in my jiu-jitsu, but now I’m showing the world that my striking is just as dangerous,” Satoshi said. “I used to think of myself as a cocky purple belt in striking, but now? I’d call myself a brown belt. People need to put some respect on my name.”
Standing across from Satoshi will be Vugar Karamov, a former featherweight champion in RIZIN known for his well-rounded game. Karamov, who briefly fought in Bellator, made a name for himself by submitting Japanese star Mikuru Asakura to claim the 145-pound title. Though he lost the belt to Chihiro Suzuki, Karamov rebounded with a lightning-fast, 28-second knockout of Kazumasa Majima in November.
The decision to move up to challenge Satoshi surprised the champion.
“I didn’t expect Karamov to step up a weight class and challenge me,” Satoshi admitted. “He’s not like Tofiq Musayev, who I faced for the lightweight title in 2021. Tofiq is a striking assassin—fast and explosive with little ground game. Karimov, on the other hand, mixes heavy punches with strong ground control. But going to the ground with me is a different story.”
Karimov has proven his grappling prowess, with nine career wins coming via submission. However, Satoshi remains confident.
“I know he’ll try to take me down and work his ground and pound, but fighters usually avoid engaging with me on the ground,” he explained. “Jiu-jitsu is my bread and butter, and I’m always prepared to dominate any position, even against this Russian fighting style.”
With his 155-pound belt on the line and a chance to further cement his legacy, Satoshi is eager to prove he’s a complete fighter.
“As the champion, I have to show I’m well-rounded, with no weaknesses. Thank God I’ve been able to demonstrate that in my recent fights. Now, I’m ready to do it again on December 31.”