On May 4, 2025, RIZIN Fighting Federation will host “RIZIN Otoko Matsuri” at the iconic Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Originally planned as “THE MATCH 2,” the event was rebranded following the withdrawal of Ren Hiramoto due to a shoulder injury. Despite this change, the event promises a thrilling lineup of fights, featuring top-tier talent and the commencement of the 2025 RIZIN Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Main Event: Featherweight Championship
The headline bout features a featherweight title clash between reigning champion Kleber Koike Erbst and undefeated challenger Razhabali Shaydullaev. Erbst, known for his submission prowess, faces a formidable opponent in Shaydullaev, who brings an unblemished record and a reputation for relentless aggression. This matchup is set to be a highlight of the evening, with both fighters aiming to solidify their legacy in the division.
Featured Bout: Hiroya vs. Shinotsuka
Another anticipated fight on the card is between Hiroya and Tatsuki Shinotsuka. Hiroya, a seasoned striker, will test his skills against the debuting Shinotsuka, who is eager to make a statement in his first professional MMA bout. This encounter is expected to deliver high-paced action and showcase the depth of talent in RIZIN’s roster.
2025 RIZIN Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals
“RIZIN Otoko Matsuri” also marks the beginning of the 2025 RIZIN Heavyweight Grand Prix. The tournament features six competitors: Alexander Soldatkin, José Augusto Azevedo, Marek Samociuk, Mikio Ueda, Shoma Shibisai, and Tsuyoshi Sudario. The quarterfinals are set to ignite the competition, with fighters vying for supremacy in the heavyweight division. Notably, the bout between Islambek Baktybek Uulu and Alexander Soldatkin has been postponed to a June event due to Baktybek Uulu’s meniscus injury.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Doors Open: 12:00 PM (JST)
Event Start: 2:00 PM (JST)
“RIZIN Otoko Matsuri” is poised to be a landmark event in the 2025 MMA calendar, combining championship bouts, the launch of a heavyweight tournament, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Tokyo Dome. Fans worldwide can anticipate a night of elite combat sports action that underscores RIZIN’s commitment to delivering premier MMA events.
RIZIN Otoko Matsuri – Official Weigh-In Results:
Bout 16 / Featherweight Title MatchKleber Koike vs. Razhabali ShaidulloevRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (66.0kg)Kleber Koike (65.55kg) vs. Razhabali Shaidulloev (65.50kg)
Bout 15 / Mikuru Asakura vs. Chihiro SuzukiRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (66.0kg)Mikuru Asakura (65.95kg) vs. Chihiro Suzuki (66.00kg)
Bout 14 / Ryo Takagi vs. Kyoma AkimotoRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (66.0kg)Ryo Takagi (65.75kg) vs. Kyoma Akimoto (65.90kg)
Bout 13 / Kyohei Hagiwara vs. Taisei NishitaniRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (66.0kg)Kyohei Hagiwara (65.90kg) vs. Taisei Nishitani (66.00kg)
Bout 12 / RIZIN World GP 2025 – HeavyweightTournament 1st RoundMikio Ueda vs. Shoma ShibisaiRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (120.0kg)Mikio Ueda (108.95kg) vs. Shoma Shibisai (112.45kg)
Bout 11 / RIZIN World GP 2025 – HeavyweightTournament 1st RoundTsuyoshi Sudario vs. José AugustoRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (120.0kg)Tsuyoshi Sudario (118.65kg) vs. José Augusto (119.30kg)
Bout 10 / RIZIN World GP 2025 – HeavyweightTournament 1st RoundMarek Samociuk vs. Daniel JamesRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (120.0kg)Marek Samociuk (118.85kg) vs. Daniel James (120.80kg)*
Bout 9 / KOUZI vs. Sina KarimianRIZIN Special Standing Bout Rules: 3 rounds, 3minutes each (98.0kg) KOUZI will wear 8oz gloves, Sina Karimian will wear 12oz glovesKOUZI (70.40kg) vs. Sina Karimian (98.00kg)
Bout 8 / Makoto Shinryu vs. Yuki ItoRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (59.0kg)Makoto Shinryu (58.95kg) vs. Yuki Ito (58.90kg)
Bout 7 / Daisuke Nakamura vs. TaiseiSakurabaRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (71.0kg)Daisuke Nakamura (70.95kg) vs. Taisei Sakuraba (70.45kg)
Bout 6 / Danny Sabatello vs. Shinobu OtaRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (61.0kg)Danny Sabatello (60.95kg) vs. Shinobu Ota (61.00kg)
Bout 5 / HIROYA vs. Tatsuki ShinotsukaRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (57.0kg)HIROYA (56.95kg) vs. Tatsuki Shinotsuka (56.95kg)
Bout 4 / John Dodson vs. Takaki SoyaRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (57.0kg)John Dodson (57.00kg) vs. Takaki Soya (56.85kg)
Bout 3 / Taio Asahisa vs. Yoshiya UzatsuyoRIZIN Kickboxing Rules: 3 rounds, 3 minutes each (63.0kg)Taio Asahisa (62.80kg) vs. Yoshiya Uzatsuyo (62.95kg)
Bout 2 / Erson Yamamoto vs. Daichi TomizawaRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (57.0kg)Erson Yamamoto (56.95kg) vs. Daichi Tomizawa (56.80kg)
Bout 1 / Joe Hiramoto vs. Toki TamaruRIZIN MMA Rules: 3 rounds, 5 minutes each (57.0kg)Joe Hiramoto (56.80kg) vs. Toki Tamaru (56.85kg)
*At the official weigh-in, Daniel James exceeded the 120kg weight limit by 0.8 kg. In accordance with the “RIZIN World Grand Prix 2025Heavyweight Tournament Special Regulations,” becausethe excess weight is under 1.00 kg, the bout will proceed asan official tournament match. Daniel James will begin the fight with a red card and a50-point deduction. The so-called “No Contest Rule” will notapply, and the result of the match will be recorded as official. The winner will advance to the next round of the tournament
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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