RIZIN Fighting Federation was back in action Sunday, with an event that could only possibly have been put together in Japan.
The first of two events to feature the opening round of the bantamweight grand prix, RIZIN 28 also saw the return of kickboxing star Tenshin Nasukawa — against not one, not two, but three opponents. While they would compete for one round each, the third opponent was an X-factor — a surprise should Tenshin make it that far.
The special rules match allowed for striking without kicks — essentially boxing, with spinning bask fists and superman punches allowed.
In addition to the grand prix bouts and Tenshin’s return, the promotion was also set to crown its inaugural ligthweight champion as it returned to the Tokyo Dome — the first time MMA had graced the venue in 18 years. That fight saw Tofiq Musaev go up against BJJ ace Roberto Satoshi Souza.
Full results from the show, held at the Tokyo Dome on Sunday, June 13, are below. The event is available to stream via LIVE NOW.
RIZIN 18 Results
Kleber Koike def. Mikuru Asakura by submission (triangle choke), Round 2
Tenshin Nasukawa vs X (Hideo Tokoro) had no result announced – custom rules bout
Tenshin Nasukawa vs Hiroya had no result announced – custom rules bout
Tenshin Nasukawa vs Koki Osaki had no result annoucned – custom rules bout
Roberto “Satoshi” Souza def. Tofiq Musayev by submission (triangle choke), Round 1, 1;12 – for the inaugural Rizin lightweight championship
Kai Asakura def. Shooto Watanabe by TKO, Round 1, 1:22 – 1st Round bantamweight Grand Prix
Naoki Inoue def. Shintaro Ishiwatari by TKO (soccer kick/punches), Round 1, 1:58 – 1st Round bantamweight Grand Prix
Hiromasa Ougikubo def. Takeshi Kasugai by unanimous decision – 1st Round bantamweight Grand Prix
Yuki Motoya def. Ryo Okada by unanimous decision – 1st Round bantamweight Grand Prix
Yutaka Saito (c) def. Vugar Karamov by split decision – non-title fight
Shoma Shibisai def. Tsuyoshi Sudario by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 1:38
Satoshi “Dominator” Yamasu def. “Black Panther” Bey Noah by split decision
