At the RIZIN 45 event, a series of mixed martial arts bouts showcased both newcomers and veterans in the sport. Yushi Sakura, with a record of 3-1, faced Joe Hiramoto in the latter's professional debut. Hiramoto, hailing from Japan, defeated Sakura by unanimous decision. Ryujin Nasukawa also made a notable debut, surviving a deep armbar from Jung Min Shin in the first round and securing a victory with knees and ground and pound in the second round. In another fight, Hiroya Kondo achieved his 9th career win with a significant upset, defeating Jo Arai via TKO in the second round, ending Arai's 11-fight win streak with a head kick and punches. The event also featured a featherweight bout between Ren Hiramoto and YA-MAN, with Hiramoto emerging victorious in a hard-fought decision.
Ren Hiramoto šÆšµ wins a hard fought decision over Ya-Man #RIZIN | #RIZIN45 | @rizin_English https://t.co/asVYE91FYS
Ya-Man vs Hiramoto first round delivers the goods. #RIZIN45
Ren Hiramoto vs. YA-MAN underway now! #RIZIN45
10-9 YA-MAN in the entrance battle #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
YA-MAN with an entrance that is as electric as any Genki Sudo entrance #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
Featherweight Bout Ren Hiramoto vs YA-MAN #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
Ren vs. YA-MAN is upon us #RIZIN45
Great #Rizin debut for @vandetta135 Crisp striking and tremendous pace early on.
Jo Arai was already hurt, but this head kick really sealed the finish. Beautiful upset by Hiroya Kondo https://t.co/SiuX0KyITq
Hiroya Kondo def. Jo Arai by TKO (head kick and punches), Round 2 #RIZIN45
Massive upset as Hiroya Kondo TKO's Jo Arai in Round 2. Just the 9th win of Kondo's career and snaps the 11-fight win streak of Jo Arai #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
The first round was crazy between Ryujin Nasukawa and Shin Jong Min! š” Watch on @FITEtv !š» https://t.co/eEpfmslPEX https://t.co/QSixw9Babx
That was a great comeback win from Ryujin Nasukawa as Jung Min Shin had him in real trouble in Round 1 with a deep armbar but Nasukawa was able to land heavy knees to Shin on the ground and close the show with GNP. An excellent Pro MMA debut for Nasukawa #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
After surviving in an incredible way. Ryujin Nasukawa wins in the second round! #RIZIN45 https://t.co/aNPh0B0ggY
What a violent little performance by Ryujin Nasukawa. Kid is fun to watch #RIZIN45
Not sure what happened on that takedown, but Nasukawa is raining down knees to the head now. Kid loves this ruleset #RIZIN45
Jo Hiramoto šÆšµ defeats YUSHIN by unanimous decision in his pro debut. #RIZIN | #RIZIN45 | @rizin_English
Joe Hiramoto wins his Pro MMA debut with a Unanimous Decision win over Yushi Sakura. Hiramoto showed how well-rounded he was even more impressive was his debut on an NYE card. #RIZIN45 #RIZIN
Was almost goodnight Yushi if he wasn't saved by the bell. Should be clear win for Jo Hiramoto #RIZIN45
Yushi Sakura vs. Joe Hiramoto kicking off #RIZIN45 - Hiramoto making his pro debut. Sakura is 3-1, all under the RIZIN banner.