Chihiro Suzuki might just have pulled off the greatest upset in Asian MMA history at Super Rizin last weekend. No-one thought that the Japanese fighter had a chance of beating Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Freire.
The fight was put together at late notice and Suzuki said afterwards that American fans thought Freire was facing ‘a computer salesman’. But ‘Pitbull’ ended up suffering the most devastating defeat of his entire career.
Speaking to media after the fight Suzuki told media that he had proved that nothing is impossible,
“I was able to prove that nothing is impossible so I’m going to live my life thinkin that if i believe in myself anything possible.”
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Ups and downs
It has been an interesting few weeks for Suzuki. He challenged for the title at Rizin 43 and was submitted in the first round by Koike Kleber but it went down as a no contest because the Brazilian came in slightly overweight.
That was on June 23rd and it was approximately four weeks later that he got the call to face Freire at just a few days notice. Suzuki was not exaggerating when he told reporters that,
“This month has really had its ups and downs.”
He was going up against an opponent who had already beaten Kleber convincingly and even Suzuki admitted he had doubts,
“I lost a lot of confidence in my ability and wasn’t sure if I still wanted to do it but as soon as this fight started I felt good. I’m going to train really hard in the future.”
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Immediate rematch
Suzuki was inundated with questions from reporters who wanted to know who he wanted next. He has probably earned a shot at the newly crowned champion Vugar Karamov but rematches with Kleber and Freire would also make sense.
He said he would definitely be open to an immediate rematch with ‘Pitbull’,
“I would say yes to a rematch.”
But Suzuki was reluctant to discuss any other potential opponents and told reporters that,
“I’m a fighter so its up to Rizin, I’m not focused on any opponent in particular. I’ve just finished the fight and haven’t thought about what’s next.”
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Good condition
The fight was set at 154lbs although both men ply their trade at featherweight so that probably wasn’t a decisive factor. Suzuki was asked whether he felt more comfortable in this division and replied that,
“I didn’t feel any difference in weight or strength but my condition was really good.”
There have been a series of setbacks for Rizin fighters when matched with their Bellator counterparts. Some of the promotions biggest names have been beaten including the reigning featherweight and lightweight champions.
So that made Suzuki’s win against ‘Pitbull’ feel even more significant. The 24 year old out in the best performance of his life on the biggest stage and is clearly feeling pretty good about himself,
“I’m ready to take on the world. This is the feeling of Super Rizin.”
