RIZIN 11: Fight Card & Predictions!

Kanna Asakura (12-2) vs Rena Kubota (7-1) [Rematch]

Kanna get a what wha? Asakura is storming the gates of stardom as she has won 7 in a row backed by stellar grappling prowess.

The oh so lovely Kubota is a fan favorite already but her star dimmed ever so slightly last December when she was tapped for her 1st professional MMA loss. The kickboxer returned to gain a needed win in July and now looks to show she has learned grappling to go along with her impressive striking.

Yeah, no. This is going to go pretty much like the 1st meeting. Rena cannot learn enough grappling skills to compete with Kanna, and it’s highly doubtful Kubota’s takedown defense will protect her from Asakura’s onslaught.

WINNER-Kanna Asakura by Rd.1 Submission

#3 Kyoji Horiguchi (24-2) vs Hiromasa Ogikubo (17-3-2) [Rematch]

Horiguchi last met and defeated Ogikubo at Shooto in 2013 and now they do the damn thing again. Kyoji left the UFC on a 3-fight winning streak only losing to Flyweight Superstar, Demetrious Johnson. The Japanese sensation has now won 9 in a row finishing his last 5 foes including knocking out Ian McCall in a mere 0:09 seconds in May. 

Ogikubo has not lost since he last fought Horiguchi! The man has been a terror destroying in Shooto and now looking to jump to Rizin and continue his growth.

Again, yeah no. In MMAFO’s humble yet brilliant opinion, Horiguchi is the 2nd best Flyweight in the world behind the unbeatable “Mighty Mouse.” Kyoji is a hoss of a lil’ guy who can do everything at a much higher level than Hiromasa.

WINNER-Kyoji Horiguchi by Rd.2 TKO

Jiri Procházka (20-3) vs Bruno Cappelozza (10-4)

Is anybody paying attention to the work “Denisa” is putting in overseas? Jiri has been running game at 25 years of age, going 14-1 for the last 5 years. There is such a lack of talent at 205s that we’re all hoping the Czech continues to evolve. 

The Brazilian is a striker who has finished every man he has faced with his hands! However, Bruno has built his resume in Jungle Fight which isn’t really known for elite competition and for stat padding. 

The classic “puncher’s chance” is all Cappelozza has here. Prochazka is more advanced, younger, and has faced better opponents.

WINNER-Jiri Prochazka by Decision

Takanori Gomi (35-15) vs Melvin Guillard (32-20-2-3)

For the love of Fedor, why is this fight taking place? Don’t get us wrong. MMAFO are longtime “Fireball Kid” fans, but the man doesn’t even train anymore and will admit to it. Gomi has lost 6, fucking 6 fights in a row getting stopped within a single round each time out! Jesus that’s not good. Tak is 39 in human years, and 102 in fight years. Gomi always had power, and that is the last to go, but he hasn’t shown a hint of his former self in 6 goddamn years!

Oh now we see it. Rizin wants their beloved superstar to get a final win before he retires for realz. Enter, everyone’s favorite cocaine snorting, weight missing, dirty cheating, stupid haired, idiot brained, punch-drunk, fool, “The Middle-Aged Assassin.” Melvin will likely not try to make weight as per usual before his 58th professional bout! Guillard has lost 7 in a row taking fights on back to back weekends and “competing” in bare knuckle brawls where he ended up seeing the lights which is his current M.O. 

Guillard is a piece of shit. Did we mention that? Okay, should Gomi lose this fight MMAFO will be moving some furniture around and weeping uncontrollably atop our “Fireball Kid” poster. Surely, Takanori can win just one more for our dark little hearts. MMA Gods, we kneel to you and pray for the righteous result.

WINNER-Takanori Gomi by Rd.1 KO?

Satoru Kitaoka (41-16-9) vs Diego Brandão (22-12)

The fuck did Rizin sign Brandao for? Speaking of pieces of human garbage, Diego was last scheduled to compete in Fight Nights Global 73, but exited the cage, mid-fight mind you, because he was upset with the match even though he was the one who bit his opponents ear! Are you fucking kidding me? We’re talking about a guy who pistol-whipped a man outside a strip club and has attempted to cheat in fights time and time again. Rizin, ya need to shore up the whole hiring process because you are soiling your reputation bringing in terrible cunts like this. C’mon Kitaoka, whoop this trick. 

WINNER-Satoru Kitaoka by Decision

Shoma Shibisai (4-1) vs Unurjargal Boldpurev (0-0)

Full disclosure, no idea who these guys are. This is the fight breakdowns fans have come to expect from MMAFO.

WINNER-Shoma Shibisai by Rd.1 TKO

Rin Nakai (20-2-1) vs Shizuka Sugiyama (16-5)

“Bug Lady” is a strange, squat, crusher who has only lost her 2 appearances in the UFC. She is going to tank over Sugi.

WINNER-Rin Nakai by Rd.2 TKO

Tadaaki Yamamoto (15-10-3) vs Thanongsaklek Thanongsaklek (5-1) 

“Topnoi” is making the move to MMA after 200+ Muay Thai bouts in his life. So far it’s been going well as Thanongsaklek who has won his last 5 after a hiccup during his 1st attempt, and is training with Mike Swick and the boys over at Tiger Muay Thai.

Yamamoto is here to lose and that is exactly what he will do.

WINNER-Thanongsaklek Thanongsaklek by Rd.2 TKO

Daron Cruikshank (19-10) vs Tom Santos (9-5)

“The Detroit Superstar” has found a new home in Japan becoming a fan favorite behind his creative high risk, striking. It’s kill or be killed these days with Daron and Santos will happily engage in a war on the feet. Flip the old coin folks.

WINNER-Daron Cruikshank by Rd.2 Submission