RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve special delivered shocking results and jaw-dropping finishes. Fans witnessed two of the most brutal knockouts in recent MMA memory, leaving a mark on the event and crowning new champions.
Shaydullaev’s Featherweight Mastery
Razhabali Shaydullaev defended his featherweight belt in style, facing one of Japan’s most recognized fighters, Mikuru Asakura. From the opening bell, Shaydullaev showcased superior grappling, powerful throws, and relentless ground-and-pound. The ferocity of his strikes and the sheer domination in the fight led to Asakura being stretchered out after the bout.
Shaydullaev remains undefeated with a 17-0 record, proving why he is considered among the elite outside the UFC. His precise technique and composure under pressure made this title defense look effortless, cementing his status as one of MMA’s most feared featherweights.
Nozimov’s Stunning Lightweight Upset
In a co-main event that no one expected, Ilkhom Nozimov was called on short notice to face reigning lightweight champion Roberto Satoshi de Souza. Despite being the underdog, Nozimov delivered a perfect knee strike just 13 seconds into the fight, knocking out Satoshi and capturing the RIZIN lightweight title.
Satoshi, who had defended the belt five times since 2021, was overwhelmed by Nozimov’s speed and accuracy. The Russian fighter’s quick rise and ability to capitalize on this sudden opportunity made it one of the fastest title upsets in recent MMA history.
Other Title Bouts
Beyond these dramatic finishes, the card featured three more championship bouts:
- Hiromasa Ogikubo captured the flyweight tournament along with a 20 million yen prize.
- Danny Sabatello edged out Naoki Inoue to claim the bantamweight championship.
- Seika Izawa successfully defended her atomweight crown by submitting Rena Kubota.
RIZIN NYE 2025 will be remembered for the combination of speed, power, and unpredictability, with Shaydullaev’s featherweight dominance and Nozimov’s shocking lightweight KO as the defining moments of the night.
【🔴LIVE】RIZIN 師走の超強者祭り
第15試合 フェザー級タイトルマッチ
ラジャブアリ・シェイドゥラエフ vs. 朝倉未来絶対王者の幻想か、悲願の王座戴冠か
今宵ベルトを巻くのはー。— ABEMA格闘 (@Abema_Fight) December 31, 2025
大丈夫かな？#RIZIN pic.twitter.com/k8nBE6nuEl
— フードデリバリー星人 (@ihyfrdes257074) December 31, 2025
💥 SWINGING TO THE FINISH!!
[ #RIZINYearEndSuperPowerhouseMatsuri | LIVE on #RIZINtv ] pic.twitter.com/AtkqKfOnT3
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) December 31, 2025
Late contender for KO of the year from Ilkhom Nozimov #RIZIN師走の超強者祭り pic.twitter.com/Wi52GUqL7H
— SM1LEY9🖤💙🇮🇹🏆⭐️⭐️ (@Smiley_1932) December 31, 2025
