Two is better than one. It’s become a common theme for Japan’s Rizin Fighting Federation, which is once again set to host two events in a single weekend. The organization heads to Yokohama, Japan, for Rizin 22 on August 9 and Rizin 23 on August 10.
The second show served to crown a new bantamweight champion when Hiromasa Ougikubo met Kai Asakura in the headliner. The supporting cast was full of prospects, including Kazumasa Majima, Makoto Takahashi and Tatsuki Saomoto. Kickboxing fans were treated to a rematch between Taiga and Kento Haraguchi, plus the return of KAITO.
FULL RESULTS
Kai Asakura def. Hiromasa Ougikubo by knockout (soccer kicks). Round 1, 4:31 – for bantamweight title
Yuki Motoya def. Mamoru Uoi by submission (guillotine choke). Round 3, 2:19
Yutaka Saito def. Kazumasa Majima by knockout (knees). Round 2, 0:24
Kickboxing: Kento Haraguchi def. Taiga Kawabe by TKO (three knockdowns). Round 1, 2:50
Jin Aoi def. Kotetsu Boku by unanimous decision
Makoto Shinryu def. Seiichiro Ito by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 4:30
Kickboxing: Kaito Ono def. Daryl Lokoku by unanimous decision
Tatsuki Saomoto def. Yusaku Nakamura by knockout (punch). Round 1, 4:06
Kickboxing: Shintaro Matsukura def. Koji Mori by knockout (punches). Round 1, 1:28
Yuki Motoya def. Mamoru Uoi by submission (guillotine choke). Round 3, 2:19
Yutaka Saito def. Kazumasa Majima by knockout (knees). Round 2, 0:24
Kickboxing: Kento Haraguchi def. Taiga Kawabe by TKO (three knockdowns). Round 1, 2:50
Jin Aoi def. Kotetsu Boku by unanimous decision
Makoto Shinryu def. Seiichiro Ito by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 4:30
Kickboxing: Kaito Ono def. Daryl Lokoku by unanimous decision
Tatsuki Saomoto def. Yusaku Nakamura by knockout (punch). Round 1, 4:06
Kickboxing: Shintaro Matsukura def. Koji Mori by knockout (punches). Round 1, 1:28