John Dodson Sees Six-Fight Win Streak Snapped, Suffers UD Defeat Against Hiromasa Ougikubo – RIZIN 45 Results (Highlights)

Dodson came up short in his return to the Saitama Super Arena on Saturday

Written by Craig Pekios
Last updated on December 31st, 2023
John Dodson
Courtesy of @rizin_English on X

Ex-UFC standout John Dodson returned to the ring on New Year’s Eve to take part in the stacked RIZIN 45 card in Japan.

Emanating from the iconic Saitama Super Arena, ‘The Magician’ looked to continue his impressive post-UFC run that has seen the former flyweight title challenger earn six straight wins. Standing in Dodson’s way of another W was 36-year-old veteran Hiromasa Ougikubo. With 35 career fights to his credit, Ougikubo entered the bout determined to snap a three-fight losing streak.

Round 1

Dodson comes out in the southpaw stance and Ougikubo gets things started with a calf kick. Dodson attempts to return fire with a flurry of strikes, followed by a low kick of his own. Ougikubo goes back to the low kick and Dodson quickly closes the distance. Ougikubo puts Dodson’s back to the corner and looks to drive ‘The Magician’ down to the canvas. After some serious effort, he wrestles Dodson to the mat, landing in Dodson’s half-guard less than two minutes into the round.

Ougikubo is sporting a cut on his nose. He transitions into side control as Dodson attempts to fight out with some knees to the head, but is just out of range. Ougikubo fishes for an arm triangle choke, but Dodson defends and stays out of any danger on the ground. Ougikubo postures up with seconds to go and delivers a series of ground-and-pound strikes until the bell sounds. 

Round 2

Dodson comes out looking to put on the pressure early. Dodson throws a left followed by a calf kick that sends Ougikubo stumbling backward. Ougikubo fires back with a low kick before attempting to close the distance. Dodson avoids the clinch of Ougikubo and separates. Dodson offers up a three-punch combo but eats a low blow in the process that briefly stops the action. 

Dodson moves in with a flurry but eats a solid right hand from Ougikubo in the process. Another wild exchange sees Ougikubo land a nice right, but Dodson immediately fires back with a left that connects. Dodson goes to the body with a kick. He lands another kick to the body, but Dodson is looking noticeably heavy on his feet which allows Ougikubo to again close the distance in the waning seconds of the round. Ougikubo throws a high kick against the ropes, but Dodson catches it and drags his opponent down as the round comes to a close. 

Round 3

Dodson opens up the third with a short left followed by a calf kick. Ougikubo comes back low with a kick. Dodson explodes inside, throwing a series of strikes as he chases his opponent across the ring. Dodson lands a left to the body and attempts to follow up with the uppercut, but misses the mark. Dodson throws a low kick and Ougikubo comes over the top with a looping right hand that connects. 

Ougikubo peppers the leg of his opponent with a couple of calf kicks before closing the distance and tying up in the corner. Ougikubo works Dodson down to his knees but does not allow Ougikubo to put him on his back. Dodson works his way back up, but Ougikubo maintains clinch control. After a few moments, the referee separates the fighters due to a lack of action. Ougikubo goes upstairs with a head kick, followed by another as Dodson approaches.

The final bell sounds with Dodson attempting to move in but is unable to land anything substantial. 

Official Result: Hiromasa Ougikubo def. John Dodson via unanimous decision 

Check Out Highlights From John Dodson vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo at RIZIN 45 Below:

Published on December 31, 2023 at 4:52 am
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Craig Pekios

Craig Pekios
Covering the world of Mixed Martial Arts since 2012. Providing the latest news, picks, scores, results, and commentary on the world of MMA.

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