Rizin 25 Results: Saito Wins Featherweight Title
Rizin 25 crowned the promotion’s inaugural featherweight champion at Osaka-jō Hall on November 21, 2020. Yutaka Saito faced fan favorite Mikuru Asakura in the main event and won a unanimous decision after five-minute rounds, claiming the new 145-pound title.
Saito wins the inaugural featherweight title
Saito’s jab, timing, and steady pressure earned the judges’ unanimous decision over Asakura. The bout marked a significant milestone for the division: Rizin crowned its first featherweight champion, and Saito became the inaugural titleholder. The result also ended Asakura’s extended winning run in the promotion.
A measured main event
The title fight went the full three rounds, contrasting with the quick finishes seen at several recent Rizin cards. Saito’s disciplined approach and clean scoring shots proved decisive in a competitive matchup. For Asakura, the loss was a setback, but the fight remained one of his most important tests.
The division gets its first champion
Rizin 25 was a relatively short card, but its championship stakes made the main event carry the night. Saito’s victory established a new target for the division’s contenders and gave Rizin a titleholder with a clear claim to the inaugural belt.
Selected results
- Yutaka Saito def. Mikuru Asakura — unanimous decision; inaugural featherweight title.
- Hiromasa Ougikubo def. Kenta Takizawa — unanimous decision.
- Ryuichiro Sumimura def. Gota Yamashita — split decision.
- Kyohei Hagiwara def. Yojiro Uchimura — KO (punch), Round 1, 0:22.
Related MMAUSA reading: Rizin · MMA · fighters
Selected Bout Results
- Yutaka Saito defeated Mikuru Asakura by Decision (Unanimous); round 3, 5:00.
- Hiromasa Ougikubo defeated Kenta Takizawa by Decision (Unanimous); round 3, 5:00.
- Tatsuki Saomoto defeated Daichi Kitakata by Decision (Unanimous); round 3, 5:00.
- Kyohei Hagiwara defeated Yojiro Uchimura by KO (Punch); round 1, 0:22.
- Rikuto Shirakawa defeated Kotetsu Boku by TKO (Punch and Soccer Kick); round 3, 4:19.
Sources
Sherdog: Rizin 25 card and results; Combat Press.
Article Tags
Rizin 25, Rizin, Mixed Martial Arts, Event Results
