Rizin 43 Results: Kleber Koike Erbst vs. Chihiro Suzuki
Rizin 43, an event that took place on June 24, 2023, at the Makomanai Sekisui Heim Arena in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, was a night to remember for mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing fans. The event was filled with thrilling fights, unexpected twists, and a variety of techniques that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The main event of the night was a featherweight title fight between Kleber Koike, a Brazilian-born Japanese talent and former KSW champ, and Chihiro Suzuki. However, the bout took an unexpected turn when Koike missed weight for what was supposed to be a championship bout. As a result, the fight was declared a no-contest, and Koike was stripped of his title. Despite this setback, Koike managed to tap out Suzuki with an armbar just 2:59 into Round 1, showcasing his skills and determination.
The event was not just about the main event. It was a showcase of a variety of fighting techniques and styles. The card included striking stoppages, submissions, decisions and no-contest outcomes. Each submission was a different type of technique, including an armbar, kneebar, rear-naked choke, triangle choke, scarf hold armbar, and an extremely rare modified twister. This variety of techniques displayed the diverse skills of the fighters and kept the audience guessing about what would happen next.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Minoru Kimura made his debut in the RIZIN kickboxing ring. Kimura initially stopped Daryl Lokoku with a left hook at 1:08 of the first round in their 73-kilogram kickboxing contest. Rizin subsequently changed the result to a no contest after Kimura tested positive in a doping test, as announced on September 2, 2023. The official record therefore lists a no contest rather than a Kimura victory.
Rizin 43 was not just about the fights. It was also about the atmosphere and the experience. The event was broadcast live on FITE TV, allowing fans from around the world to experience the excitement and drama of the fights. The event was evidence of the growth and popularity of MMA and kickboxing in Japan and around the world.
Rizin 43 was a night of thrilling fights, unexpected twists, and a showcase of diverse fighting techniques. Despite the unexpected turn of events in the main event, the fighters showed their skills and determination, providing an exciting and memorable night for all MMA and kickboxing fans.
Sources
RIZIN official results archive: events 41–45; Sherdog: RIZIN event archive; Event results record; Rizin: Kimura–Darryl official no-contest result.
Article Tags
Rizin 43, Rizin, Mixed Martial Arts, Event Results
