Alexander Soldatkin Wins RIZIN Heavyweight Grand Prix

Alexander Soldatkin won the 2025 RIZIN heavyweight Grand Prix by defeating Marek Samociuk by unanimous decision at RIZIN 51 on September 28. Both fighters reached the final after winning their quarterfinal and semifinal bouts.

How the bracket developed

At RIZIN: Otoko Matsuri on May 4, Marek Samociuk beat Daniel James by decision, José Augusto defeated Tsuyoshi Sudario by decision, and Mikio Ueda knocked out Shoma Shibisai. Soldatkin advanced from his side of the bracket after defeating Prince Aounallah at RIZIN Landmark 11 in June.

Soldatkin takes the final

The semifinals took place at Super RIZIN 4 on July 27: Samociuk beat Azevedo by decision, while Soldatkin stopped Ueda with ground strikes in Round 2. Soldatkin then won the final against Samociuk. A planned year-end title bout with Ryan Bader was later canceled when Bader withdrew with an injury.

The bracket began with eight heavyweights and moved through quarterfinals, semifinals and a final. Samociuk was the only finalist to win both of his first two tournament bouts by decision; Soldatkin’s route included a ground-strike stoppage over Ueda. Their final then went the full three rounds, with the judges giving Soldatkin the tournament victory.

Related reporting and sources: Ryan Bader · Wrestling · Combat Sports · https://www.mmausa.net/rizin/