Champions Thrive and New Contenders Emerge at Rizin 50
Tokyo, Japan – March 29, 2025: Rizin Fighting Federation’s 50th numbered event offered a blend of title defenses, emerging stars, and classic Japanese fight‑night chaos. In the main event, bantamweight champion Naoki Inoue retained his belt via split decision against surging veteran Yuki Motoya. The back‑and‑forth affair showcased Motoya’s experience and Inoue’s technical striking. Two judges favored Inoue’s cleaner work, while one judge sided with Motoya’s pressure, but the champion’s hand was raised and he improved his record to 18‑3.
The co‑main event witnessed Kazakhstan’s Karshyga Dautbek earn a unanimous decision against Chihiro Suzuki, cementing his status as a top featherweight contender. Earlier in the evening, Shunta Nomura spoiled Brazilian knockout artist Luiz Gustavo’s return by implementing wrestling-heavy tactics to earn a decision. Heavyweight standout King Edokpolo made quick work of Ryo Sakai, pummeling him on the ground for a first‑round TKO. Meanwhile, striker Kyohei Hagiwara delighted the crowd with a first‑round stoppage over American Toby Misech.
Undercard highlights included Shuya Kimura’s devastating left hook knockout of Takeji Yokoyama and an emphatic submission by veteran Yoshiro Maeda, who tapped Sanou Yokouchi. The event also saw Yuki Ito edge out a close decision and Yoshiro Kimura record a slick submission. Kickboxing aficionados were treated to Shuhei Kimura’s high‑kick stoppage of a tough Thai opponent.
Rizin 50 demonstrated the promotion’s commitment to blending martial arts styles and featuring Japanese veterans alongside international prospects. Naoki Inoue’s narrow win keeps the bantamweight division interesting, as challengers like Kenta Takizawa and Shoko Sato circle. For Yuki Motoya, the split decision loss reinforced his place among Rizin’s elite and may set up a rematch if he can string together a couple of wins. In the meantime, Rizin fans left the event satisfied with a night of finishes, technical battles, and the unpredictable excitement that has come to define the organization.
