2016 Olympic bronze medallist Natalia “Kuzya” Kuziutina secured her tenth straight victory in very dominant fashion tonight at Rizin Fighting Federation: “Super Rizin 5” in Osaka, Japan. The Russian judoka easily spoiled the homecoming of Rizin star Rena Kubota in a 49kg super atomweight bout.

Tonight’s matchup was a part of the ongoing “invisible” title tournament to determine challengers for the vacant Rizin FF Women’s Super Atomweight Championship. Kuziutina made a strong case for herself to be in contention for the belt, as she battered and finished Kubota in the second round.

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Avenging a jaw-shattering loss from three years prior, Eru Takebayashi battered and finished rival Saki Kitamura tonight at Deep Jewels 54 in Tokyo, Japan. The 23-year-old rising star ultimately overwhelmed Kitamura with third-round strikes to win their 49kg super atomweight rematch.

In the co-main event, also at super atomweight, one-time Rizin competitor Misaki “Iruka Umisaki” Suda halted a two-fight losing skid by taking a Unanimous Decision victory over veteran Mizuki Furuse. At strawweight, Yua Yokose mauled Yuko Kiryu en route to a first-round TKO stoppage.

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A fateful rematch headlined tonight’s Deep Jewels 54 card at New Pier Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The event featured a 49kg super atomweight bout between Saki Kitamura and Eru Takebayashi, who first faced off three years ago in a violent clash that sidelined Takebayashi and altered both fighters’ careers.

The 54kg co-main event between Nonoka Sakamoto and Honoka Shigeta was scrapped yesterday due to Shigeta’s failed weight cut. The new co-feature saw Mizuki Furuse, stepping in on short notice, take on Misaki Suda in a 49kg contest. MMARising.com has live play-by-play for Deep Jewels 54.

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Avenging a loss from this past year, Saori “Little Giant” Oshima only needed 100 seconds to secure a victory in her women’s super atomweight rematch against Ye Ji Lee tonight at Rizin Fighting Federation: “Landmark Vol. 15” in Hiroshima, Japan. Oshima quickly submitted Lee with a nasty kneebar.

The card featured two additional super atomweight bouts as the promotion seeks to find challengers for its vacant title at the end of the year. Former title challenger Si Woo Park outworked Moeri “Black Diamond” Suda, and Namiko “Hime” Kawabata soundly outstruck Ayane “Barbie” Hirata.

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After a brief but thrilling battle in 2023, super atomweights Saki Kitamura and Eru Takebayashi are set to collide for a second time on September 6th at Deep Jewels 54 in Tokyo, Japan. The Kitamura-Takebayashi rematch is expected to headline the card, which was announced this past week.

Kitamura badly broke Takebayashi’s jaw early in the pair’s first meeting, and survived an onslaught of offence from her bloodied foe, before the doctor halted the fight. In the Deep Jewels 54 co-main event, Nonoka Sakamoto looks to stay unbeaten when she faces Honoka Shigeta at 54kg.

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After coming up just short in her title bid on New Year’s Eve, Rena Kubota will look to get back in contention when she competes in front of hometown fans on September 10th at Rizin Fighting Federation: “Super Rizin 5” in Osaka, Japan. Kubota faces judoka Natalia “Kuzya” Kuziutina on the card.

Officials announced the super atomweight matchup this week. Kubota, who has long been a top star in Rizin, was submitted by Seika Izawa on New Year’s Eve after nearly knocking Izawa out in the opening minute. Kuziutina won her Rizin debut in impressive fashion by submitting Ayaka Hamasaki.

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Two popular prospects are set to collide on August 11th when striker Keito “Kate Lotus” Oyama takes on grappler Noeru “Noel” Narita at Rizin Fighting Federation 54 in Tokyo, Japan. The super atomweight showdown between the two fan favourites was officially announced earlier this week.

Oyama, who has developed a massive fan following during her relatively short MMA career, has tasted defeat just once in her past six fights and has made rapid improvements to her overall game. Narita, who just celebrated her 18th birthday, has submitted back-to-back opponents in Rizin bouts.

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With the Rizin women’s super atomweight title vacated, three contender’s bouts have been announced for the upcoming Rizin Fighting Federation: “Landmark Vol. 15” event on July 18th in Hiroshima, Japan. In one, Si Woo “Korean Queen Bee” Park clashes with Moeri “Black Diamond” Suda.

Also confirmed for the event this week was a pivotal rematch between recent Rizin title challenger Saori “Little Giant” Oshima and Ye Ji Lee, who upset Oshima 13 months ago. Elsewhere on next month’s card, striker Namiko “Hime” Kawabata takes on prospect Ayane “Barbie” Hirata.

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