Roberto de Souza’s lightweight title might not have been on the line but he showed no mercy against Keita Nakamura at Rizin Landmark 9. The Brazilian holds a BJJ black belt but didn’t need to use his grappling skills in the headliner at World Memorial Arena.
De Souza rocked Nakamura with a head kick seconds after the opening bell. The Japanese fighter was not given a chance to recover as the reigning champion attacked relentlessly.
De Souza was throwing soccer kicks and punches to the downed Nakamura who was able t o work his way up but found himself trapped against the cage. The Brazilian unloaded with more punches and his opponent’s team immediately threw in the towel.
Having lost two out of his last three de Souza probably had a point to prove here and he did just that. The win takes him to 16-3 while his opponent drops to 36-12-2-1.
🔥🔥試合結果🔥🔥#RIZIN_LANDMARK9 in KOBE🚢
⚔️第12試合⚔️メインイベント
RIZIN MMAルール 71.0kg🟥ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ【WIN】🏆@ToshiJJ
ーーー🆚ーーー
🟦中村K太郎【LOSE】@ktanakamura1R 1分43秒 TKO
レフェリーストップ #スタンドパンチ📝試合レポート↓… https://t.co/YqZ2JnlSnG pic.twitter.com/tMEUc8Rk1a
— RIZIN FF OFFICIAL (@rizin_PR) March 23, 2024
The co-main event was also a lightweight affair. In their all Japanese bout Koji Takeda (16-6) prevailed over Kyohei Hagiwara (7-9), beating his compatriot by unanimous decision.
In another all Japanese bout that could have title implications Naoki Inoue (17-4) beat Shoko Sato (35-16-2) by unanimous decision. The UFC veteran’s career appears to be back on track after two defeats in his last three fights.
In kickboxing action Buakaw Banchamek finished Minoru Kimura early in the second round to secure his first ever Rizin win.
Rizin Landmark 9, Kobe, March 23rd
Roberto Souza def. Keita Nakamura via TKO (Corner stoppage) at 1:43 of R1
Koji Takeda def. Kyohei Hagiwara via Decision (Unanimous)
Naoki Inoue def. Shoko Sato via Decision (Unanimous)
Rena Kubota def. Shim Yu-ri via Decision (Unanimous)
Yuya Shibata def. Erson Yamamoto via Submission (Kneebar) at 1:45 of R1
Yuto Hokamura def. Daiki Tsubota via Decision (Unanimous)
Takakenshin def. Cody Jerabek via TKO (Punches) at 2:58 of R1
Yuta Kubo def. Ryogo Takahashi via Decision (Split)
Kickboxing: Buakaw Banchamek def. Minoru Kimura via KO (Punch) at 1:10 of R2
Kickboxing: Yuya def. Masaya Jaki via TKO (Referee stoppage) at 2:25 of R2
Yusaku Nakamura def. Arman Ashimov via Decision (Unanimous)
Kickboxing: Yuto Uemura def. Aoi Noda via TKO (Referee stoppage) at 1:35 of R2
Kickboxing: Shun Matsuyama def. Shin Sakurai via KO (Punch) at 1:55 of R3
Kickboxing: Daichi Akahira def. Yuki Yoshioka via Decision (Unanimous)
