As the combat sports calendar draws to a close, RIZIN Fighting Federation is preparing to deliver its traditional, high-stakes year-end spectacle in Japan. The Japanese promotion has officially announced an action-packed lineup of ten matches for its final event of the year, scheduled for December 31. Billed as Super RIZIN 6, the year-end extravaganza will emanate from the prestigious Vantelim Dome Nagoya in Nagoya, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of martial arts action.
The loaded New Year’s Eve card is anchored by a combination of high-profile championship fights and crucial tournament finals. Prominently featured on the event are three major title bouts and two grand prix championship clashes, solidifying the organization’s reputation for putting together massive year-end cards that capture the attention of the global combat sports community.
Undoubtedly, the most significant narrative heading into the event surrounds the final promotional appearance of reigning PFL and RIZIN featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev. The dominant titleholder is set to put his championship belt on the line against surging Japanese sensation Kyoma Akimoto. For Shaidulloev, this high-profile matchup represents his final bout under the RIZIN banner before making a much-anticipated transition to join MVP MMA in 2027.
Shaidulloev enters the final defense of his current stint boasting an unblemished professional mixed martial arts record of 19-0. Known for his finishing prowess and suffocating style, the champion has proven to be a nearly insurmountable puzzle for the division’s elite. Remarkably, out of his 19 victories, all but one have come inside the distance, showcasing a rare ability to dispatch opponents rather than leave the outcome in the hands of the judges. His sole decision victory came in his most recent title defense back in September, where he put on a masterclass performance to defeat standout veteran A.J. McKee.
Standing across the ring from the champion will be Kyoma Akimoto, a rising star carrying the hopes of the passionate Japanese MMA fanbase. Akimoto enters the title fight with an impressive 13-1 professional record and the undeniable momentum of a breakout year. To earn his shot at championship gold, Akimoto secured a pair of statement victories earlier this year, defeating elite contenders Patchy Mix and Kleber Koike in succession. Now, the young contender faces the ultimate test of his career as he attempts to shock the world, ruin Shaidulloev’s promotional departure, and capture the coveted featherweight crown on the biggest stage of the year.
The co-main event of Super RIZIN 6 offers high drama as well, featuring a compelling rematch between reigning lightweight champion Luiz Gustavo and local superstar Mikuru Asakura. While the bout has been officially locked in for the year-end card, promotion officials have noted that it remains undetermined whether Gustavo’s 155-pound title will officially be on the line for the encounter. Regardless of championship stakes, the rematch carries immense personal and competitive significance for both athletes as they run back a rivalry in front of a partisan Japanese crowd.
Championship action continues deeper into the fight card as well. Saori Oshima is set to step back into the RIZIN ring to put her super atomweight title on the line. Oshima will face a formidable challenge in Natasha Kuziutina, with their championship clash slated as the third-to-last fight of the evening. Oshima’s technical grappling and championship experience will face a stern test against Kuziutina’s elite-level background and competitive drive.
In addition to the championship bouts, the event will feature the culmination of the promotion’s heavyweight grand prix. The tournament final is set to feature a high-stakes heavyweight collision between Tsuyoshi Sudario and Edopolo King. Both men have battled through the tournament brackets to reach this point, and the final promises to deliver explosive heavyweight action as they vie to etch their names into the tournament’s history books.
With a massive venue, elite talent from around the globe, multiple championships on the line, and the emotional weight of Razhabali Shaidulloev’s farewell performance, Super RIZIN 6 stands ready to close out the year in dramatic fashion. The complete fight card for the December 31 event brings together the best of international and domestic talent, ensuring that the Japanese promotion’s year-end tradition will once again deliver a memorable night of fights for martial arts fans worldwide.
