Rizin Fighting Federation Explained

Rizin Fighting Federation
Type:Private
Founder:Nobuyuki Sakakibara
Industry:Mixed martial arts promotion
Parent:Dream Factory Worldwide
Location City:Minato-ku, Tokyo
Location Country:Japan
Key People:Nobuyuki Sakakibara
Nobuhiko Takada

Rizin Fighting Federation (stylised in all caps and also known as Rizin FF) is a Japanese mixed martial arts organization created in 2015 by the former Pride Fighting Championships and Dream Stage Entertainment president Nobuyuki Sakakibara.[1] [2]

Founded to be the spiritual successor of Pride FC and Dream, Rizin carries much of the philosophy and ambition of its two predecessors: its events are promoted as larger-than-life events with elaborate opening ceremonies and fighter entrances, its matches are fought in a roped ring and it has a ruleset inherited from Pride and Dream. The organization also promotes "Grand Prix", single-elimination tournaments where fighters have to fight multiple opponents in the same night.[3] [4] Rizin is considered Japan's top MMA promotion.[5]

Rizin has also promoted kickboxing matches, with two "Grand Prix" tournaments in 2017[6] and 2021.[7]

The promotion's name is a combination of "Raijin", the Japanese god of lightning; the word "rising", meaning "to prosper and thrive"; and the letter, 'Z', meaning "ultimate".[8]

History

Background and formation

In 1997, Pride Fighting Championships was founded in Japan, promoted by Dream Stage Entertainment. The organization quickly rose up to become the world's most popular MMA promotion and helped to popularize the sport in Japan and in the world. Pride differentiated itself from the UFC with its focus on spectacle and entertainment, as well a more permissive ruleset.[9] By 2007, a scandal alleging its ties to the yakuza caused a financial decline that lead to the promotion folding. Dream Stage Entertainment was bought by Zuffa—UFC's holding company—which initially promised to keep the event running. However, Zuffa would lay off most of Pride's staff with several Pride fighters moving to the UFC.

After Pride folded, most of DSE's former staff, fighters and executives joined Fighting and Entertainment Group, the promoters of K-1, to organize a successor, which became known as Dream.[10] However, FEG would have its own financial issues and went bankrupt in 2012. As a result, Dream became defunct.[11]

Three years after Dream folded, rumors began circulating that Pride and Dream founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara would return to the industry after an interview with Bellator MMA President Scott Coker was released.[12] On September 19, 2015, during, it was announced that Sakakibara had signed former Pride Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko to headline a New Year's Eve Show in Tokyo for his new MMA promotion.[13] Sakakibara held a press conference on October 8, 2015, with Nobuhiko Takada and other former Pride FC employees to formally announce the launch of "Rizin Fighting Federation".[14] Initial signees included Kazushi Sakuraba, Shinya Aoki, as well as female competitors Gabi Garcia and Rena Kubota.[15]

A Grand Prix tournament was announced (held at 100 kg or roughly 220 lbs), with champions and competitors from Bellator, KSW, Jungle Fight,[16] BAMMA, and King of Kings. Most notably, King Mo was announced to represent Bellator in the tournament.[17] The 8-man bracket was officially finalized on November 30, 2015, with other bouts also being announced shortly thereafter.[18] [19] [20] [21] Kron Gracie (whose father Rickson competed at the inaugural PRIDE event) was announced to participate against Asen Yamamoto.[22] Amongst the veterans in the Japanese scene, Tsuyoshi Kosaka would face James Thompson,[23] and Akebono Tarō would face Bob Sapp.[24]

Initial plans were to do at least four events per year, as opposed to the more frequent scheduling of other promotions, in order to build up the excitement and anticipation.[25] Rizin's presentation is modeled after major sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup.[26]

2018–present

In 2018, it was announced that the main event for the traditional New Year's Eve card (Rizin 14) was going to be a boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and undefeated Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.[27] The match ended up with Nasukawa knocked out two minutes into the first round.[28]

Rizin Trigger 1st, on November 11, 2021, would be Rizin's first event in which matches would take place inside a cage, instead of the traditional roped ring.[29]

In Summer 2022, Sakakibara would produce the Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Takeru PPV broadcast (known as "THE MATCH 2022"), with the broadcast using Rizin's on-air graphics and visual presentation.[30] Mayweather would return to Rizin that September to co-promote (via The Money Team) and headline the inaugural Super Rizin card.[31] [32]

On December 31, 2022, as the traditional New Year's Eve event, Rizin hosted a crossover Bellator vs Rizin card with Bellator MMA as part of Rizin 40.[33] The card saw fighters from each promotion fight each other.[34] The card saw Bellator MMA fighters Gadzhi Rabadanov, former champions A.J. McKee, Juan Archuleta and Kyoji Horiguchi, and current champion Patricio Freire, fighting against Rizin representatives Koji Takeda, Soo Chul Kim, Hiromasa Ougikubo and champions Kleber Koike Erbst and Roberto de Souza. All five Bellator representatives would win their matches in a clean sweep.[35] During the event, former boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao made a public announcement that he had signed with Rizin for a boxing exhibition match against a yet-unannounced opponent.[36]

During the Super Rizin 2 card on July 30, 2023, the promotion announced their first international event, Rizin Landmark 7, to take place in Azerbaijan on November 4.[37] It will also be the first major MMA event to take place in the country.[38]

Broadcasting and coverage

Rizin's inaugural event was broadcast in North America on Spike TV.[39] Other broadcasters have included SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Fuji Television, Fox Sports Brazil, Kix and Match TV.[40] From 2017 to 2020, Rizin events have been streaming on FITE TV in North America and Europe.[41] Rizin 26 to Rizin 37 would stream on LIVENow in Europe and North America.[42]

In 2022, due to several controversies, Rizin would be dropped by Fuji by May of that year.[43] [44] Rizin would since begin broadcasting on events via PPV on their streaming service, RIZIN STREAM PASS, and various other streaming platforms in Japan.[45]

Starting with Super Rizin & Rizin 38 in 2022,[46] [47] Integrated Sports would produce English-language PPVs of Rizin events for FITE.[48]

In February 2024, Rizin announced the launch of a new international service, RIZIN.tv. From March, the service will be subscription-based, and will include past events.[49]

Weight classes

Weight class nameUpper limitGender
Atomweight470NaN0Female
Super Atomweight490NaN0Female
Light Flyweight530NaN0Female
Flyweight570NaN0Male
Bantamweight610NaN0Male
Featherweight660NaN0Male
Lightweight710NaN0Male
Welterweight770NaN0Male
Middleweight850NaN0Male
Light Heavyweight950NaN0Male
Heavyweight1200NaN0Male
OpenweightNo weight restrictionMale / Female

Rules

Mixed martial arts

The rules in Rizin FF have been adopted from Pride FC with some slight modifications over the years. Matches are three rounds in length. Prior to May 2018, the first round of men's matches spanned 10 minutes, while the final two rounds lasted five minutes each. Since then matches have been three rounds of five minutes each. Victory can be attained by knockout, submission, technical knockout by referee stoppage, or by judges' decision.

All strikes, throws and chokes are permitted, with the exception of headbutts and strikes to the back of the head, medulla oblongata, spinal cord or genitals.[50] Soccer kicks, knees and stomps to grounded opponents are also permitted. However, if there is a weight discrepancy of 15kg (33lb) or more, the lighter fighter is allowed to choose if such ground attacks are permitted.[50] Unlike Pride, Rizin allows the use of elbow strikes, including the 12–6 elbow.[51]

Judging criteria

Fights are judged on the following criteria:[50]

Although not outlined in the Rizin rules, scorecards published on the JMOC website suggest that damage, aggressiveness and generalship are scored 50, 30 and 20 points respectively. Where the fighter has not fulfilled the element, they are given a score of zero - there are no in-betweens.[51]

Kickboxing

Rizin kickboxing matches are three rounds of three minutes each. Victory can be attained by knockout, technical knockout by referee stoppage, or by judges' decision. If the match goes the distance, a 10-point system is used to judge.[50] Three knockdowns in a single round will result in a technical knockout.[50] All forms of elbow strikes are illegal.[50]

List of Rizin FF events

See main article: article, 2024 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2023 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2022 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2021 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2020 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2019 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2018 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2017 in Rizin Fighting Federation, 2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation and 2015 in Rizin Fighting Federation.

EventDate VenueLocationAttendance
62World Memorial Hall Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan
61Saga Arena Saga, Japan7,758
60Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan23,013
59National Gymnastics Arena
58Dolphins Arena Nagoya, Aichi, Japan7,017
57Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan11,681
56Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan24,264
55Makomanai Ice Arena Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan8,510
54Ariake Arena14,930
53Yoyogi National Gymnasium Tokyo, Japan13,837
52Maruzen Intec Arena9,987
51Saitama Super Arena23,661
50Dolphins Arena Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
49Rizin 39Marine Messe Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan
48Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Saitama, Japan
4711,166
46Okinawa Arena7,264
45Tokyo Dome56,399
44 Japan
43Musashino Forest Sport Plaza Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan8,935
426,515
41Maruzen Intec Arena Osaka, Japan22,449
40 Japan
39Ecopa Arena
38Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan22,499
37World Memorial Hall Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan4,025
36Okinawa Arena4,771
35Pia Arena MM7,580
34~90
33Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan7,580
32Maruzen Intec Arena4,796
31Tokyo Dome9,317
30Nippon Gaishi Hall Nagoya, Aichi, Japan4,558
29Saitama Super Arena9,978
28Osaka-jō Hall5,487
27Rizin 24 – SaitamaSaitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan5,000
26Pia Arena MM Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan4,410
252,805
24 Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan6,832
23 Saitama, Japan29,315[52]
225,098
21 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan6,281
2016,930
19Rizin 16 - KobeWorld Memorial Hall Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan8,107
1812,914
17Rizin 14 - SaitamaSaitama Super Arena29,105[53]
16Rizin - Heisei's Last Yarennoka!7,498[54]
15Rizin 13 - Saitama27,208
14Rizin 12 - Aichi - KenAichi Prefectural Gymnasium Nagoya, Aichi, Japan5,567
13Rizin 11 - Saitama Saitama, Japan17,912
12 Fukuoka, Japan7,910
11Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final RoundSaitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan18,316
10Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: 2nd Round15,539
9Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Opening Round - Part 2 Fukuoka, Japan7,732
8Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Opening Round - Part 1 Saitama, Japan17,730
7 Rizin 2017 in Yokohama: Sakura Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan12,729
6 Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: Final Round Saitama, Japan19,357
516,642
415,011
3 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan7,291
2 Saitama, Japan18,365
1 12,214

Current champions

Division Champion Since Defenses
Lightweight Roberto de SouzaJune 13, 20212
Featherweight Chihiro SuzukiNovember 4, 20230
BantamweightVacant June 9, 2024
Flyweight Kyoji HoriguchiDecember 31, 20230
Women's Super Atomweight Seika IzawaApril 17, 20221

Championship history

Light Heavyweight Championship

Weight limit: 951NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left Jiří Procházka
align=center Rizin 15
align=center Apr 21, 2019align=center daysalign=left
Procházka vacated the title on January 15, 2020 after he signed with UFC.[55]

Lightweight Championship

Weight limit: 711NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left
align=center Rizin 28
align=center Jun 13, 2021align=center
(incumbent)
align=left

Featherweight Championship

Weight limit: 661NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left Yutaka Saito
align=center Rizin 25
align=center Nov 21, 2020align=center daysalign=left
2align=left align=center Rizin 31
align=center Oct 24, 2021align=center 364 daysalign=left
3align=left align=center Rizin 39
align=center Oct 23, 2022align=center 243 daysalign=left
Koike was stripped of the title on June 23, 2023 after failing to make weight for his title defense against Chihiro Suzuki at Rizin 43.[56]
4align=left Vugar Karamov
align=center Super Rizin 2
align=center Jul 30, 2023align=center 97 daysalign=left
5align=left Chihiro Suzukialign=center
align=center Nov 4, 2023align=center
(incumbent)
align=left

Bantamweight Championship

Weight limit: 611NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left Kyoji Horiguchi
align=center Rizin 14
align=center Dec 31, 2018align=center daysalign=left
Horiguchi vacated the title on November 14, 2019 after he was unable to defend the title due to injury.[57]
2align=left Manel Kape
align=center Rizin 20
align=center Dec 31, 2019align=center daysalign=left
Kape vacated the title on April 1, 2020 after he signed with the UFC.[58]
3align=left Kai Asakura
align=center Rizin 23
align=center Aug 10, 2020align=center daysalign=left
4align=left align=center Rizin 26
align=center Dec 31, 2020align=center daysalign=left
Horiguchi vacated the title on December 31, 2022 after he moved down to Flyweight.
5align=left Juan Archuleta
align=center Super Rizin 2
align=center Jul 30, 2023align=center days align=left
Archuleta was stripped of the title on December 31, 2023 after failing to make weight for his title defense against Kai Asakura at Rizin 45.[59]
6align=left Kai Asakura
align=center Rizin 45
align=center Dec 31, 2023align=center days
(incumbent)
align=left
Asakura vacated the title on June 9, 2024 after he signed with the UFC.[60]

Flyweight Championship

Weight limit: 571NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left
align=center Rizin 45
align=center Dec 31, 2023align=center days
(incumbent)
align=left

Women's Super Atomweight Championship

Weight limit: 491NaN1

style= width:1%;"No.style= width:21%;"Namestyle= width:16%;"Eventstyle=width:13%;"Datestyle=width:9%;"Reign
(total)
style= width:49%;"Defenses
1align=left Ayaka Hamasaki
align=center Rizin 14
align=center Dec 31, 2018align=center daysalign=left
2align=left Ham Seo-heealign=center Rizin 20
align=center Dec 31, 2019align=center daysalign=left
On October 19, Seo Hee Ham vacated her title after being unable to agree on her next fight with the organization and signed with ONE Championship.[61]
3align=left
align=center Rizin 26
align=center Dec 31, 2020align=center align=left
4align=left align=center Rizin 35
align=center Apr 17, 2022align=center
(incumbent)
align=left

Grand-Prix Champions

Mixed martial arts

Event Date Division Winner Runner-up
Dec 31, 2015Heavyweight Muhammed Lawal Jiří Procházka
Rizin World Grand Prix 2016: Final RoundDec 31, 2016Openweight Mirko Cro Cop Amir Aliakbari
Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final RoundDec 31, 2017Bantamweight
Women's Super Atomweight
Rizin 20Dec 31, 2019Lightweight Tofiq Musayev
Rizin 33Dec 31, 2021Bantamweight
Rizin 40Dec 31, 2022Women's Super Atomweight Seika Izawa Park Si-woo

Kickboxing

Event Date Division Winner Runner-up
Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final RoundDec 31, 2017Flyweight Yamato Fujita
Rizin 29Jun 27, 2021Bantamweight

Records

Most wins in title bouts

Title winsChampion DivisionWDNCL
4 Ayaka HamasakiSuper Atomweight4002
3 Roberto de SouzaLightweight3000
Kyoji HoriguchiBantamweight
Flyweight
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2 Kai AsakuraBantamweight2002
Juntaro UshikuFeatherweight2001
Seika IzawaSuper Atomweight2000

Most consecutive title defenses

DefensesChampionDivisionPeriod
2 Roberto de SouzaLightweightJune 13, 2021 – present
1 Ayaka HamasakiWomen's Super AtomweightDecember 31, 2018 – December 31, 2019
Jiří ProcházkaLight HeavyweightApril 21, 2019 – January 15, 2020
Ayaka HamasakiWomen's Super Atomweight December 31, 2020 – April 17, 2022
Juntaro UshikuFeatherweight October 24, 2021 – October 23, 2022
Seika IzawaWomen's Super Atomweight April 17, 2022 – present

Multi-division champions

Interim title
No.ChampionDivisionWonLostDefensesReignTotal Reign
1align=left rowspan=3 Kyoji Horiguchialign=center rowspan=2Bantamweightalign=center Dec 31, 2018
(Rizin 14)
align=center Nov 14, 2019
(vacated)
align=center 0align=center 318 daysalign=center rowspan=3 days
Dec 31, 2020
(Rizin 26)
Dec 31, 2022
(vacated)
0730 days
align=center rowspan=1FlyweightDec 31, 2023
(Rizin 45)
present0 days

Champions by nationality

The division champions include only linear and true champions. Interim champions who have never become linear champions will be listed as interim champions. Fighters with multiple title reigns in a specific division will also be counted once. Runners-up are not included in tournaments champions.

Country Division
champions
Interim
champions
Tournaments
champions
Total
align=left align=center 9align=center -align=center 4align=center 13
1- 12
align=left align=center 1align=center - align=center 1align=center 2
align=left align=center 1align=center -align=center -align=center 1
align=left align=center 1 align=center - align=center -align=center 1
align=left align=center 1 align=center - align=center -align=center 1
align=left align=center 1align=center - align=center -align=center 1
align=left align=center -align=center - align=center 1align=center 1

Notable fighters

See main article: article and List of current Rizin FF fighters.

Affiliated organizations

Rizin FF is affiliated with the following organizations:[62]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nobuyuki Sakakibara discusses Rizin FF plans for 2016, Fedor Emelianenko's opponent, drug testing and more. MMA Fighting. 27 October 2015 . 2015-11-25.
  2. Web site: Former Pride FC boss: Fedor's opponent will mean something for future of MMA. Bloody Elbow. 23 September 2015 . 2015-11-25.
  3. News: 2015-10-08. 'New PRIDE' to be called Rizin Fighting Federation » MixedMartialArts.com. 2022-02-21. Mma Underground. en-US.
  4. Web site: Rondina. Steven. Pride Never Die: Rizin FF Instantly Becomes Compelling UFC Alternative. 2022-02-21. Bleacher Report. en.
  5. Web site: Zivanovic. Tomislav. 2020-11-11. Best MMA Promotions Outside the UFC (Top 7). 2022-02-21. Martial Arts Unleashed. en.
  6. Web site: RIZIN Fighting World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round MMA & Kickboxing Event . 2022-02-26 . Tapology . en.
  7. Web site: Bowker . Dylan . 2021-05-03 . Rizin 29 Kickboxing Tournament: all participants announced . 2022-02-26 . MyMMANews . en-US.
  8. Web site: Concept. rizinff.com. 2020-10-06.
  9. Web site: Snowden. Jonathan. Sex, Drugs, Gangsters and MMA: Remembering Pride, UFC's Wild Predecessor. 2022-02-21. Bleacher Report. en.
  10. Web site: K-1's new Dream includes Cro Cop . Mma Weekly . February 13, 2008 . February 25, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090203015848/http://mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=5691&zoneid=1 . February 3, 2009 .
  11. http://www.muaythaitv.com/pages/news/news.php?s_id=2289 FEG's bankruptcy
  12. Web site: Scott Coker: Former PRIDE boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara planning MMA return in 2015. mmafighting.com. 2 April 2015 . 2020-10-07.
  13. https://www.lowkickmma.com/fedor-emelianenko-returns-to-mma-on-new-years-eve/ Fedor Emelianenko Returns To MMA On New Year's Eve
  14. https://mmamicks.com/rizin-what-its-about-and-what-we-can-expect/ RIZIN Japan - What We Can Expect From The Newcomer
  15. Web site: Long after his prime, Kazushi Sakuraba is in the position to save Japanese MMA. mmafighting.com. 18 October 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  16. Web site: Newly crowned Jungle Fight champion enters Rizin FF heavyweight tournament. mmafighting.com. 25 October 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  17. Web site: 'King Mo' to represent Bellator in Rizin light heavyweight grand prix. mmafighting.com. 6 November 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  18. Web site: Rizin announces heavyweight tournament bracket. mmafighting.com. 30 November 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  19. Web site: Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal lands opponent at RIZIN FF. mmafighting.com. 9 December 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  20. Web site: Bellator fighter Brennan Ward, additional mixed-rules fight announced for Rizin debut. mmafighting.com. 10 December 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  21. Web site: Jerome LeBanner returns to MMA at Rizin. mmafighting.com. 14 December 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  22. Web site: Kron Gracie added to Rizin FF card in December. mmafighting.com. 9 November 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  23. Web site: Fedor Emelianenko still without an opponent, Tsuyoshi Kosaka to face James Thompson at Rizin. mmafighting.com. 22 November 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  24. Web site: Rizin signs Sapp vs. Akebono rematch for its debut. mmafighting.com. 28 November 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  25. Web site: Nobuyuki Sakakibara discusses Rizin FF plans for 2016, Fedor Emelianenko's opponent, drug testing and more. mmafighting.com. 27 October 2015 . 2018-07-22.
  26. Web site: Concept. rizinff.com. 14 October 2015 . 2020-09-09.
  27. Web site: Brady. James. 2018-11-04. Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he never agreed to face undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. 2022-02-21. SBNation.com. en.
  28. Web site: 2018-12-31. Mayweather-Nasukawa a laughable event. 2022-02-21. ESPN. en.
  29. Web site: Rizin to Stage First Event in Cage on Nov. 28 Titled Rizin 'Trigger 1st'. 2022-02-21. Sherdog. en.
  30. https://efight.jp/news-20220407_981468 天心と武尊が改めて会見、ルール、テレビ中継ほか決定
  31. Web site: Mayweather-Asakura September 25 in Japan . August 3, 2022. ringside24.com. Andrew Karlov.
  32. Web site: RIZIN 9.25 さいたまスーパーアリーナ:第2部に堀口恭司出場、扇久保博正はROAD FC王者キム・スーチョルと。メイウェザー×朝倉未来の第1部の大会名は「超RIZIN」に . boutreview.com . 13 August 2022 . 13 August 2022.
  33. Web site: Tabuena . Anton . 2022-12-30 . Bellator vs. RIZIN and RIZIN.40 NYE show full results, stream, video highlights . 2023-01-01 . Bloody Elbow . en.
  34. Web site: 2022-10-24 . Bellator vs. Rizin set for New Year's Eve in Japan, including Patricio Freire, A.J. McKee . 2023-01-01 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  35. Web site: 2022-12-31 . Rizin FF vs. Bellator results: A.J. McKee edges champ Roberto de Souza, secures 5-0 sweep for Team Bellator . 2023-01-01 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  36. Web site: Manny Pacquiao assina com Rizin para luta de exibição em 2023 . 2023-01-01 . ge . January 2023 . pt-br.
  37. Web site: RIZINが11月4日にアゼルバイジャンで大会開催。フェザー級王者になったケラモフは「誰とでも戦う」【RIZIN】. 2023-07-31. 2023-10-06.
  38. Web site: Rizin Landmark 7 in Azerbaijan on Nov. 4 to Serve as First Rizin Card Outside of Japan. Sherdog. 2023-10-06.
  39. https://www.mmanews.com/video-fedor-return-of-the-last-emperor/ Video:Fedor: Return Of The Last Emperor
  40. Web site: Event Summary Rizen Fighting Federation. rizinff.com. 14 October 2015 . 2015-11-26.
  41. Web site: Rizin FF Partners with FITE TV. sherdog.com. 2017-04-01.
  42. Web site: LIVENOW AND RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION STRIKE DEAL TO BRING MMA CONTEST TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE. pressparty.com.
  43. https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20220516_1753902.html?DETAIL 天心vs武尊の仕掛け人RIZIN代表・榊原信行氏「反社交際音声」流出トラブル|NEWSポストセブン; May 16, 2022
  44. https://efight.jp/news-20220531_1072283【THE MATCH】フジテレビが”放送中止”を発表「主催者側との契約に至らず」 - eFight【イーファイト】格闘技情報を毎日配信!; May 31, 2022
  45. Web site: Rizin announces streaming service, Mayweather fight. pressparty.com. 16 June 2022 .
  46. https://www.fite.tv/watch/mayweather-vs-asakura/2pbuk/ ▷ Floyd Mayweather vs Mikuru Asakura - Official PPV Replay - FITE
  47. https://www.fite.tv/watch/rizin-38/2pbzo/ ▷ RIZIN 38 - Official PPV Replay - FITE
  48. https://www.fite.tv/vl/p/integrated-sports/ ▷ Integrated Sports Videos & Streams July 2023 - FITE
  49. https://mmasucka.com/2024/02/22/rizin-announces-international-streaming-service/ Rizin announces international streaming service - MMA Sucka, February 22, 2024
  50. Web site: RULES ルール. Rizin Official Website. Japanese. 2022-02-21.
  51. Web site: Musings on new RIZIN rules, the art of judging and JMOC. The Fighter. 2021-06-01. 2021-08-11.
  52. Web site: Bruno Massami on Twitter 31-12-2019. gazetaesportiva.com.
  53. Web site: Floyd Mayweather dominates Tenshin Nasukawa in exhibition. 31 December 2018 . japantimes.co.jp.
  54. Web site: Rizin Heisei's Last Yarennoka! and RIZIN 14 official results and post fight backstage interviews. 2 January 2019 . fightbookmma.com.
  55. Web site: UFC signs European light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka. Brett Okamoto. ESPN. January 15, 2020.
  56. Web site: 2023-06-23 . Kleber Koike misses weight for RIZIN 43, stripped of featherweight title . 2023-06-23 . MMA Fighting . en.
  57. Web site: Kyoji Horiguchi withdraws from Rizin FF 20 due to knee injury, subsequently vacates title. Nolan King. mmajunkie.com. November 14, 2019.
  58. Web site: RIZIN cancels April and May events, vacates bantamweight title. Jesse Holland. mmamania.com. April 2, 2020.
  59. Web site: Juan Archuleta misses weight for Rizin 45 title bout, stripped of bantamweight title . December 31, 2023 . December 31, 2023 . MMA Junkie . en.
  60. Web site: Behunin . Alexander . UFC Signs RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Kai Asakura . MMAmania.com . 9 June 2024 . en . 9 June 2024.
  61. Web site: Seo Hee Ham vacates Rizin super atomweight title. asianmma.com. October 16, 2020.
  62. Web site: RIZIN Fighting Federation. www.facebook.com. 2015-11-25.