RIZIN CONFESSIONS #27: Horiguchi, Caldwell, Kawajiri, and Kitaoka
Two weeks ago we saw RIZIN CONFESSIONS #26, an episode focused entirely on the RIZIN 14 atomweight title bout between Kanna Asakura and Ayaka Hamasaki. It gave us an inside look at both fighter’s training for the contest, including Kanna Asakura’s work in the US with Bellator title-holder Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.
Now, in #26, we continue to focus on the big fights. This episode has two focal points. The first being the RIZIN 14 bantamweight title fight between Kyoji Horiguchi and Bellator champ Darrion Caldwell. We also hear from legends Tatsuya Kawajiri and Satoru Kitaoka, the two lightweights who will make up the ‘RIZIN: Yarennoka!’ main event.
Along with that, we get an emotional scene. Longtime KRAZY BEE fighter Yusuke Yachi is seen speaking at his mentor Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto’s funeral.
Clocking in at just under 24 minutes, RIZIN CONFESSIONS #27 is a must-watch per usual. MMASucka has you covered with timestamps to the important bits below!
- Kyoji Horiguchi Hype Reel (0:15 – 1:00)
- Takada announces Horiguchi/Caldwell, Sakakibara speaks (1:01 – 1:28)
- Scott Coker speaks, Darrion Caldwell Hype Reel (1:30 – 2:25)
- Horiguchi gives first comments regarding Caldwell match-up (2:27 – 2:48)
- RIZIN matchmaker on Caldwell being a ‘horrendous’ fight for Horiguchi (2:52 – 3:18)
- Caldwell trains at Alliance MMA, talks about Horiguchi match-up (3:30 – 6:00)
- Horiguchi on ‘unfavorable’ Caldwell match-up (6:01 – 6:37)
- Yusuke Yachi opens up about win streak & loss at RIZIN 12 (8:23 – 9:47)
- Yachi speaks at “KID” Yamamoto’s funeral/memorial (9:58 – 11:05)
- Yachi on RIZIN 14 opponent, Johnny Case (11:10 – 11:59)
- Yachi training at Gold’s Gym (12:01 – 13:35)
- Yachi and Gomi on Yachi’s long hair (13:37 – 14:20)
- Tatsuya Kawajiri and Satoru Kitaoka talk ‘Yarennoka!’ (16:00 – 16:58)
- Kawajiri questions current state of himself as a fighter (16:58 – 17:39)
- Kitaoka on Kawajiri (17:40 – 18:22)
- Kitaoka on training & teaching at Pancrase Gym (18:23 – 19:12)
- Kawajiri and Kitaoka on the importance of Yarennoka! (20:05 – 22:58)
