Marek Samociuk Beats Daniel James by Decision at RIZIN
Marek Samociuk defeated Daniel James by unanimous decision in a RIZIN heavyweight Grand Prix quarterfinal at RIZIN: Otoko Matsuri on May 4, 2025, at Tokyo Dome. The three judges scored the bout 3–0 for Samociuk.
A decision advances Samociuk
Samociuk advanced to the semifinals, where he later defeated José Augusto by unanimous decision at Super RIZIN 4 on July 27. He then met Alexander Soldatkin in the RIZIN 51 final on September 28 and lost by unanimous decision.
Two more bouts in the bracket
The tournament result was a full-distance win over James followed by another decision in the semifinal. Soldatkin took the Grand Prix title with his final victory.
The result mattered because the Grand Prix offered a direct route to the year-end heavyweight title opportunity. James brought experience from multiple promotions, but Samociuk kept the fight at a pace that earned the judges’ decision. His later win over Augusto confirmed his place in the final, where he met Soldatkin for the tournament crown. The final capped a tournament that began with eight entrants, so Samociuk’s second-place finish came after three full bouts against heavyweights from different national promotions.
Related reporting and sources: RIZIN · Wrestling · Combat Sports
