Ito Turned Mota’s Pressure Into a First-Round Comeback
Yuki Ito stopped Carlos Mota with ground punches in the first round at RIZIN 52 on March 7, 2026. Their 59-kilogram contract-weight bout took place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo and changed direction after Mota established early striking success.
The matchup and early action
Ito had experienced a mixed flyweight tournament campaign the previous year, including a win over Nkazimulo Zulu and a later loss to Erson Yamamoto. Mota brought experience as a former LFA champion and UFC competitor.
The Brazilian entered with additional success under KNOCK OUT’s UNLIMITED rules. That background made him a dangerous striking opponent rather than simply a visiting name on the Tokyo card.
The decisive developments
Ito began from southpaw and attacked with a low kick, but Mota advanced with straight punches to the body and head. He also mixed in kicks and stance changes as he worked to control the exchanges.
The momentum reversed when Ito landed a left high kick and followed with a straight punch. Mota went down, giving Ito the opportunity to attack immediately on the ground.
What the result meant
Ito added a concentrated sequence of punches without allowing Mota to escape. The referee stopped the contest, recording a first-round technical knockout and completing the Japanese fighter’s reversal.
The victory came through a rapid response to early adversity rather than uninterrupted dominance. Ito remained dangerous while being pressured, then linked the high kick, follow-up punch and ground attack into a decisive finishing sequence before a second round was necessary.
Sources
- eFight: detailed bout report
- Japanese MMA Officials Committee: official RIZIN 52 results
- Tapology: bout listing
