Nomura Outboxed Patricky Pitbull
Shunta Nomura defeated Patricky “Pitbull” Freire by unanimous decision at Super RIZIN.4 on July 27, 2025. The three-round lightweight contest at Saitama Super Arena ended with all judges favoring Nomura, who received a championship opportunity immediately after the victory.
Movement and straight punches established Nomura’s approach
Nomura used changes of level and footwork to time his entries, landing one-two combinations against the former Bellator champion. Patricky answered with calf kicks and attempted spinning and jumping attacks.
The contest remained primarily a striking battle, although Nomura also attempted a takedown in the second. Patricky defended that entry but struggled to stop the Japanese fighter from re-establishing his combinations.
Nomura’s jab created visible damage in the final round
In the third, Nomura continued stepping in behind straight punches and added uppercuts. His jab opened a cut, bringing a doctor’s inspection as Patricky’s bleeding increased.
Patricky continued after the check and sought a late response with hooks and a takedown. Those final efforts did not erase Nomura’s earlier success when the judges assessed the completed contest.
The unanimous verdict produced an immediate next assignment
Nomura won 3–0 on the judges’ decisions in only his second RIZIN appearance. The result supplied a major name on his record and changed his position in the lightweight division.
RIZIN president Nobuyuki Sakakibara entered the ring afterward and brought in champion Roberto Satoshi Souza. A September 28 title fight in Nagoya was then announced, turning Nomura’s successful Saitama appearance into a direct championship opportunity.
Sources
- RIZIN: official round report, unanimous verdict and title announcement
- Nomura supporters’ official report: venue and September title booking
