Ilkhom Nozimov's Rizin NYE Championship: A Dream Realized with Idol Mirko Cro Cop

Ilkhom Nozimov, widely recognized as one of the top lightweight MMA fighters globally, recently shared a heartwarming fan moment with his childhood idol, Mirko Cro Cop. Japan holds a storied tradition of hosting electrifying combat sports events on New Year’s Eve, a legacy Nozimov honored by securing the Rizin lightweight championship at their 2025 NYE show. His victory was particularly emphatic, delivering a thirteen-second knockout against Roberto Satoshi de Souza.

This championship win held profound personal significance for Nozimov, who confessed that his journey into mixed martial arts began by watching iconic Japanese fights. Reflecting on the importance of clinching a title on such a prestigious New Year’s Eve card, especially in the spectacular fashion he did, Nozimov expressed his feelings:

"Having watched Pride and Rizin in the past, I always anticipated a monumental event. Yet, when I witnessed the opening ceremony with my own eyes, I was genuinely unprepared for its sheer scale and grandeur. In that moment, grasping just how immense it was, I realized this was precisely what I had been striving for, what I had patiently awaited – to compete in arenas and massive events like this. And that's when it finally materialized."

Rizin boasts some of the most aesthetically pleasing championship belts in combat sports today. When asked about the sensation of having the coveted belt fastened around his waist, Nozimov shared, "It’s truly beautiful. When you take a picture with it, it always shines. I always try to keep it close, never more than a meter away from me." He added with a laugh, highlighting his attachment to the prestigious hardware.

Mirko Cro Cop: The Inspiration Behind Ilkhom Nozimov's Combat Sports Journey

Coincidentally, another stunning Rizin title was once held by Mirko Cro Cop himself, who is nearing the decade anniversary of his Rizin Grand Prix triumph at the 2016 NYE event. Cro Cop played a pivotal role in inspiring Nozimov's entry into MMA. The legendary fighter was present at the 2025 RFF New Year’s Eve show, serving in an ambassadorial capacity.

When questioned about any interactions with the former Pride and K1 Grand Prix champion at the 2025 NYE spectacle, Nozimov vividly recalled:

"I was incredibly surprised to discover Cro Cop would be there. As a child, I actually owned a VHS tape filled with Cro Cop's Pride highlights. When I received confirmation that I would be fighting at this New Year’s event, I decided to use the music from those very highlights as my walkout song. Then, during the face-offs, seeing Cro Cop there just supercharged my excitement."

"Meeting him felt like a culmination. My victory over Satoshi, combined with seeing Cro Cop during the face-off, was the final catalyst in realizing this was truly my moment. I knew I had to seize it, that everything was aligning in my favor. After the event, I had the chance to meet him personally and shared my story: how his highlights inspired me to pursue combat sports, and fueled my dream of fighting and winning championships in Japan."

"Following this event, I got to know him on a personal level. He even followed me on Instagram and extended an invitation to train with him for a few weeks. For me, that’s almost like a second victory in itself."

Reflecting on the prospect of this future training experience with Mirko Cro Cop, whenever it might occur, Nozimov articulated his profound anticipation: "For me, it’s going to be an immense experience. It’s truly going to be another dream come true."