Former Bellator and RIZIN bantamweight world champion Kyoji Horiguchi returned to the iconic Saitama Super Arena for an opportunity to once again strap gold around his waist on Saturday.
Stepping into the main event spotlight at RIZIN 45, Horiguchi squared off with Makoto Shinryu to crown the promotion’s inaugural flyweight titleholder.
Round 1
Shinryu comes out with a switch kick to get things started. Horiguchi throws a calf kick and Shinryu lunges in for a low-level shot. He wrestles Horiguchi to the corner before wrestling him down to the mat. Horiguchi attacks the neck, but Shinryu shows some nice defense, popping his head out of danger. Horiguchi once again goes back to attacking the neck and appears to have a guillotine choke in deep.
Horiguchi works Shinryu into his full guard and continues to crank on the neck, but again, Shinryu pops his head out. Horiguchi works his way back up, but Shinryu continues to ride his back from one side of the ring to the other. Shinryu wrestles Horiguchi down to the mat, but Horiguchi quickly gets back to his feet. Horiguchi reverses position and takes down Shinryu, but Shinryu immediately reverses on the ground.
The opening round comes to a close with Horiguchi climbing back to his feet, but unable to offer any last-second offense.
Round 2
Horiguchi comes out firing on all cylinders and lands a nice left that drops Shinryu. Getting back to his feet, Shinryu immediately goes back to the grappling and eventually finds himself in Horiguchi’s full guard. Horiguchi once again fishes for a guillotine choke, but he quickly relinquishes the hold once Shinryu drags him against the ropes. Horiguchi again works his way back up and unleashes a big left that puts Shinryu on wobbly legs.
Horiguchi rushes in, looking for a big finish, but Shinryu stays on his bicycle and avoids the onslaught. Horiguchi puts his grappling skills to work, wrestling Shinryu down in the corner and taking his opponent’s back. Horiguchi slides his arm under Shinryu’s neck, cinching in a rear-naked choke that forces Shinryu to tap out in the second round.
Official Result: Kyoji Horiguchi def. Makoto Shinryu via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 2.
Check Out Highlights From Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Makoto Shinryu at RIZIN 45 Below:
The classic walkout from two-time Champ Kyoji Horiguchi!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/77RbfMdXHy
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
No touch 😳
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/L6hQlwoNXr
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
What a hectic start to the fight!
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/mgXIEg5EHU
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
Kyoji Horiguchi sinks in the RNC and is THE FIRST EVER RIZIN FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION‼️
📡 Watch on @FITEtv !🔻https://t.co/eEpfmslhPp pic.twitter.com/5m1tsqKQ4y
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2023
