Juan Archuleta made his return to the RIZIN ring on Saturday for the promotion’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza, but it didn’t come without a bit of controversy.
Archuleta stepped on the scale significantly over the bantamweight limit during the official RIZIN 45 weigh-ins on Friday. As a result, he was stripped of the bantamweight world title. Both fighters agreed to move forward with the contest as a catchweight bout. However, Archuleta’s opponent, Kai Asakura will still be eligible to claim the bantamweight title with a victory.
Archuleta began the bout with a red card, meaning he will automatically receive a 50% point deduction should the bout go to a decision. If he does not win by way of a finish, the fight will be ruled a no-contest as a result.
Round 1
Asakura gets things started with a low kick, but Archuleta fires back with a 1-2 combo up top that connects. Archuleta moves in, landing a series of strikes before attempting to take Asakura down to the canvas. Archuleta continues his pursuit and gets Asakura down by pulling for a guillotine, but Asakura moves into side control to avoid any danger. Asakura moves into north-south position.
Archuleta powers himself back up and lands a nice right hand that stumbles Asakura. Archuleta once again moves in for a takedown against the ropes. Archuleta is unable to secure the takedown, prompting the referee to step in and separate the fighters. On the break, Archuleta swings big with a right hand, catching Asakura.
During the final seconds of the opening round, Archuleta shoots for another takedown before landing three punches that were clearly after the bell. Archuleta is issued a yellow card for the infraction.
Round 2
Archuleta comes out swinging big in the opening seconds of the second. Archuleta lands a nice lunging jab that connects. Asakura attempts to fire back with a high kick but is just out of range. Archuleta again pushes the pace and throws a flurry of strikes. Asakura comes back with a body kick. Desperate for a finish, Archuleta is throwing wildly, but does connect with another stiff jab near the halfway point of the round.
Archuleta continues to pick Asakura apart with another nice combination. Asakura once again goes to the high kick. Archuleta responds with a flying knee that misses. Archuleta again lunges in, but this time, Asakura lands a perfectly placed knee that puts Archuleta on the canvas. Asakura moves in and drops a series of ground-and-pound strikes that force the referee to step in and call for the stoppage in round two.
Official Result: Kai Asakura def. Juan Archuleta via TKO (knee to ground and pound) in Round 2.
Check Out Highlights From Juan Archuleta vs. Kai Asakura at RIZIN 45 Below:
Juan Archuleta wasted no time to get to the ring!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/LlCUxFZHY3
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
IT HAS BEGUN!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/rvOnzZEsc3
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
🔔Archuleta landing some shots after the bell, and Asakura visibly angry!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/hMdpGAD9YV
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
💥Starting with a bang!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/v9TcraWVRP
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
Kai Asakura lands the counter knee to end the fight!
AND NEW‼️
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/eODt5bA54s
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
The finish in slow motion!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/zEJwkpI1eE
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
