Hiromasa Ougikubo is preparing to defend his RFF flyweight championship at Rizin Landmark 14 on June 6th in a rematch against Makoto Shinryu. Reflecting on the upcoming clash, Ougikubo highlighted perceived differences in his opponent since their previous bout at Super Rizin 3 in July 2024. He stated that while Shinryu has likely improved significantly due to training at ATT, Ougikubo himself has also undergone substantial skill development over the past two years. He anticipates a much higher level of competition in this second encounter compared to their initial fight.
Furthermore, Ougikubo addressed a potential title eliminator bout on the Rizin Landmark 14 card between Tony Laramie and Yuki Motoya. The reigning 125-pound Rizin Fighting Federation champion indicated that the outcome of this fight, coupled with his own performance, would influence his next title defense. Ougikubo believes that if Tony Laramie emerges victorious against Motoya, and he successfully defends his belt against Shinryu, a title fight between him and Laramie would be a “no-brainer.” However, he expressed uncertainty about the sense of a title defense against Motoya should Motoya win. Ultimately, Ougikubo acknowledged that the decision regarding future title matchups rests with Rizin.
Concluding his remarks, Ougikubo expressed his clear intention for his upcoming fight, stating, “I am going to knock him out in my first title defense. So please tune in and watch me finish this fight.”
English Translation:
Hiromasa Ougikubo is set to defend his RFF flyweight championship at Rizin Landmark 14 on June 6th in a rematch against Makoto Shinryu. Speaking about the anticipated sequel, Ougikubo pointed out what he perceives as distinct differences in his opponent compared to their first meeting at Super Rizin 3 in July 2024. He commented that while Shinryu is still quite young and likely to have developed significantly in the two years since their last fight, and has undoubtedly improved his game through training at ATT, Ougikubo himself has also undergone substantial skill development and believes he has leveled up. Consequently, he anticipates a much higher caliber fight than their initial encounter.
Also noteworthy on the Rizin Landmark 14 card is what appears to be a title eliminator bout. However, the reigning 125-pound titleholder for Rizin Fighting Federation suggested that the significance of this fight could be dependent on its outcome. When discussing the Rizin Landmark 14 fight between Tony Laramie and Yuki Motoya, and the potential for the winner to earn the next shot at Rizin’s flyweight throne, Hiromasa Ougikubo stated that if Tony Laramie wins against Motoya, and if Ougikubo himself defeats Shinryu, he believes it would make perfect sense for him to defend his title against Tony Laramie, calling it an “obvious” choice. However, he expressed uncertainty about the logic of a title defense against Motoya if Motoya were to win. Ultimately, he acknowledged that the decision rests with Rizin.
In his parting thoughts, Ougikubo emphatically declared his intention for the Rizin Landmark 14 rematch, saying, “I am going to knock him out in my first title defense. So please tune in and watch me finish this fight.”
