Tomizawa Escapes Early Trouble to Edge Hiramoto at RIZIN
Daichi Tomizawa defeated Joe Hiramoto by split decision at RIZIN.51 on September 28, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan. Two judges favored Tomizawa after three rounds in the flyweight contest, while one scored it for Hiramoto.
Hiramoto threatens a first-round finish
Hiramoto used his wrestling to reach Tomizawa’s back early and worked for a choke. Tomizawa peeled away the attacking arm and escaped, surviving a dangerous opening spell before responding with strikes.
The second round developed into a more sustained striking exchange. Hiramoto switched stances and used kicks, while Tomizawa continued working behind his jab and attacking the calf.
The fight remains competitive to the bell
Hiramoto completed another takedown and reached mount in the third, but Tomizawa escaped and resumed attacking on the feet. Both men landed as the fight drew toward its conclusion. Tomizawa’s late combinations helped him finish strongly, and the split verdict gave him the victory without erasing the trouble Hiramoto had created.
Hiramoto created the most dangerous sequence early by taking Tomizawa’s back and pursuing a choke. Tomizawa’s escape kept the bout going and allowed him to work more on the feet in the second round. Hiramoto found another top position late, but could not turn it into a finish; the split decision reflected a close three-round contest.
