Rizin 31 Results: Ushiku Wins Featherweight Title
Rizin Fighting Federation’s 31st numbered event delivered a night of thrilling martial arts action in Yokohama, Japan. The event, which took place on October 24, 2021, at the Pia Arena MM, featured a mix of nine MMA and two kickboxing bouts, with the majority of the fights ending before the final bell.
The main event spotlighted the Rizin FF Featherweight Championship, where Juntaro Ushiku dethroned the reigning champion Yutaka Saito. Ushiku, known for his prowess in the ring, secured the title following a doctor’s stoppage TKO due to a cut caused by a knee strike in the second round. This victory marked a significant moment in Ushiku’s career as he climbed to a 20-8-1 record, while Saito fell to 20-5-2.
In the co-main event, the promotion’s atomweight division saw a competitive clash as Saori Oshima edged out a split decision victory over Kanna Asakura. Oshima’s triumph over the promotional favorite Asakura was evidence of her skill and determination, leaving Asakura with consecutive defeats for the first time in her career.
The event also featured impressive performances from other fighters. Tsuyoshi Sudario delivered a stunning knockout just 1:51 into the first round, while Masanori Kanehara and Akira Okada both finished their opponents with a KO and a submission, respectively. The card also featured a kickboxing knockout by Nadaka Yoshinari and an MMA stoppage by Yuki Ito.
Rizin 31 was evidence of the promotion’s commitment to delivering high-octane fights, with athletes showcasing their skills in both the ring and on the global stage. The event’s success further cemented Rizin’s position as a leading organization In combat sports, offering a platform for fighters to ascend to new heights in their careers.
Selected Bout Results
- Juntaro Ushiku defeated Yutaka Saito by TKO (Doctor Stoppage); round 2, 4:26.
- Saori Oshima defeated Kanna Asakura by Decision (Split); round 3, 5:00.
- Tsuyoshi Kamiyama defeated Lawdlain Saint-Ilme by KO (Punch); round 1, 1:51.
- Masanori Kanehara defeated Takahiro Ashida by TKO (Punches and Elbows); round 2, 1:18.
- Akira Okada defeated Daichi Abe by Submission (North-South Choke); round 2, 4:34.
- Daisuke Nakamura defeated Suguru Nii by Submission (Flying Armbar); round 1, 2:16.
- Rikuto Shirakawa defeated Takuya Yamamoto by KO (Punches and Soccer Kick); round 1, 3:48.
- Yuki Ito defeated Yusaku Nakamura by TKO (Elbow and Punches); round 1, 4:52.
Sources
RIZIN official results archive: events 27–32; Sherdog: RIZIN event archive; Event results record.
Article Tags
Rizin 31, Rizin, Mixed Martial Arts, Event Results
