At the recent RISE FireBall event, top pound-for-pound kickboxer Kazuki Osaki secured the first-ever RISE -53kg World title. He achieved this with a powerful performance, stopping current WBC Muay Thai champion Corey Nicholson in the fifth round.
While this marked another strong showing for Osaki, some observers noted that Nicholson represents another opponent who didn`t pose a significant challenge, continuing a trend since Osaki`s victory over Jin Mandokoro nearly a year ago. Despite this, potential contenders like Ryu Hanaoka and Ryujin Nasukawa are waiting for their chance at the title. In his post-fight remarks, Osaki expressed interest in exploring new opportunities in ONE Championship, following the path his younger brother took last year.
Koki Osaki Impresses Against Former Champion Monguchi
Kazuki Osaki`s brother, Koki Osaki, also delivered a remarkably impressive performance. He faced former RISE Champion and highly-ranked 55 kg kickboxer Keisuke Monguchi and defeated him decisively. Koki Osaki fought one of the best bouts of his career, finishing Monguchi in the second round with a rapid 40-punch combination that brought to mind the style of Gokhan Saki. This victory firmly re-established him as the top -55kg fighter in RISE, and arguably among the best globally.
With the ongoing departure of Japanese talent from K-1, the Osaki brothers may find themselves with a broader selection of potential opponents. These include names like Toma Kuroda, Ryuki Matsuda, and various 57kg fighters competing in ONE Championship.
Mei Miyamoto Wins Controversial Decision Against RISE Queen Kobayashi
Following a tough loss at 52 kg, RISE Queen Arina Kobayashi aimed to rebound against the undefeated Mei Miyamoto, who held a 5-0 record. Their fight turned into a rare and exciting six-round thriller.
For much of the fight, Champion Kobayashi appeared to have the advantage. However, an unexpected sixth round was added after the initial five. Ultimately, the judges awarded the decision to the challenger, Mei Miyamoto. She captured the RISE -49 kg title in what many are calling the best women`s kickboxing fight of the year so far. A rematch between these two competitors seems likely, and the winner could potentially face -46 kg champion and pound-for-pound number two Koyuki Miyazaki.
Ellis Thorne