RIZIN 53 Results: Luiz Gustavo Knocks Out Ilkhom Nazimov to Win Lightweight Title in Kobe
Luiz Gustavo is the new RIZIN lightweight champion. The Brazilian stopped Ilkhom Nazimov by first-round knockout in the RIZIN 53 main event Sunday at Gloin Arena Kobe in Japan. The official time was 2:08 of round one. The result handed Gustavo the vacant title on a finish-heavy 15-bout card.
The full RIZIN 53 results stacked nine finishes across 15 bouts. Here is how the headliner played out.
How the Fight Went
Luiz Gustavo immediately established the tempo of the contest as soon as the bell rang. He aggressively moved forward, clipped the cage, and pushed Ilkhom Nazimov backward. Nazimov attempted an early counter-cross inside the first minute but received a crushing left-hook for his efforts.
The official stoppage occurred at 2:08 of Round One. Gustavo won the vacant RIZIN 53 Lightweight Championship, his second consecutive First-Round Finish in Japan. Nazimov suffered his first loss in front of the RIZIN Banner and had his Title Bid derailed in less than three minutes.
Main card finishes stack up
The supporting bouts offered similar speed. Ryan Cafaro submitted Koyomi Matsushima at 2:23 of Round Three after continuously softening him with Mat work. Sho Patrick Usami KO'd Tatsuya Saika in 1:38 of a featherweight brawl. Shinobu Ota submitted Kintaro via Tapout at 4:25 of Round Two during a Heavyweight Grappling Contest.
Ryo Takagi KO'd Li Kaiwen in 1:38 after landing a clean strike up the middle. Immortal Lotus took a Unanimous Decision against Katie Perez in the Women's Strawweight Bout. Ren Hiramoto and Kouzi fought to a Draw in their Catchweight Bout, which was the only Main-Card bout that did not produce a Winner.
Prelims and Event Totals
The Under Card continued to push the action. Daiki Lightyear submitted Genji Umeno at 2:37 of Round One. Jolly tapped Kenshin Kodama at 1:11 of Round One. Joe Hiramoto Choked Out Seiya Ameyama at 0:27 of Round Two. Soul Hamaguchi KO'd Haruto Sunada at 2:33 of Round One. Kouki Nakagawa, Hinata Kitano, and Shota all Earned Unanimous Decisions.
Yushi and Asatarou drew in a Lightweight Bout. There were nine Finishes across fifteen bouts at RIZIN 53. The Card featured Four Knockouts, Five Submissions, and Four Decisions resulting in a 60% Finish Rate. Gustavo sets himself as the new Headliner among RIZIN Lightweight Title Talkers after a dominant Performance in Kobe. Contenders will need to keep up.
