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RISE (kickboxing)
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Extreme Fight Game RISE, known simply as RISE,[1] is a Japanese kickboxing promotion company based in Tokyo. Their name is an abbreviation of "Real Impact Sports Entertainment".[2]
Key Information
Its main roster showcases ten male and three female weight classes.[3] They also hold the KAMINARIMON events, which are exclusively open to amateur fighters.[4]
History
[edit]RISE held their inaugural event on February 23, 2003, at the Gold Jim South Tokyo Annex in Ōmori, Japan.[5] They held their first "Dead or Alive" tournament on December 23, 2003, which would later become an annual event held at the end of each year. Before the bankruptcy of Fighting and Entertainment Group, winners of the "Dead or Alive" tournaments earned a berth in the K-1 MAX Japan tournaments.[6] After successfully holding "Dead or Alive" tournaments at 70 kg for two consecutive years, by the end of 2005 they furthermore held tournaments at 60 kg, 80 kg and heavyweight as well.[7]
It 2008, RISE opted to stop deciding on champions through one-day tournaments, as they believed the result of the matches may be affected by a combination of favorable match-ups and luck. They instead began deciding on champions through single five-round bouts. The first three championships were at 60 kg, 70 kg and at heavyweight. Rankings weren't established at the time.[8]
Beginning with R.I.S.E. 46 ~ THE KING OF GLADIATORS '08 ~, RISE began to use Arabic numerals in event names. Up to that point, event names used Roman numerals.[9]
The first women's championship was established on November 23, 2011, when Rena Kubota was crowned the RISE Queen after defeating Erika Kamimura.[10]
On January 5, 2022, RISE announced a partnership with Glory, which would allow cross-promotion and mutual exchange of fighters under contract.[11] On February 10, 2023, they reached the same agreement with K-1.[12][13] On January 11, 2024, it was announced that Glory and RISE would hold joint tournaments, combine their rankings and unify their rankings.[14]
Rules
[edit]The original RISE rules allowed strikes with fists and elbows, but prohibited knee strikes. Passivity from fighters was penalized by half point deductions. From May 16, 2010, RISE adopted K-1 rules which allowed for a single knee strike, but prohibited elbow strikes. The bouts are contested across three rounds lasting three minutes. Two additional extra rounds can be fought. The fighters wear shorts or tight kick pants, while women must additionally wear a top. All fighters must have a mouth guard. Elbow strikes, excessive petroleum jelly usage, eye pokes, throws, and unsporting behavior may all result in a point deduction.[15]
If a fighter fails to make weight, they will be afforded a second opportunity two hours after the initial weigh-in. Should they pass, they will be fined a percentage of their purse and will be given a point deduction. If they're above weight by 2 kilograms or more, they will be disqualified and the bout will be declared a no-contest. If they fail the second weigh-in but aren't above 2 kilograms, they will be given a two-point deduction, will be fined a portion of their purse, and may be forced to fight in 10 oz gloves, if their opponent so chooses. The fighter must still be within 5% of the contracted weight, three hours before the event is supposed to take place.[16]
The fights in amateur events called RISE NOVA (formerly KAMINARIMON) are contested across three rounds of two minutes. Alongside all the prohibitions present in RISE fights, knee strikes to the head are likewise prohibited. Single matches don't have an extension rounds in case of a draw, while tournament draws result in a single one minute extra round.[17]
Broadcast
[edit]RISE events are broadcast by AbemaTV domestically in Japan,[18] with full matches from these events later posted on their YouTube channel.[19] RISE World Series events were previously streamed outside of Japan on FITE TV (now TrillerTV).[20]
Champions
[edit]World Champions
[edit]| Division | Champion | Date Won | Title Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Lightweight (65 kg) |  Chadd Collins
|
December 16, 2023 | 1 |
| Featherweight (57.5 kg) |  Vacant
|
||
| Bantamweight (55 kg) |  Shiro
|
March 26, 2023 | 3 |
| Super Flyweight (53 kg) | Kazuki Osaki
|
May 11, 2025 | 0 |
Japan Champions
[edit]| Division | Champion | Date Won | Title Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight (120 kg) | Vacant
|
||
| Light Heavyweight (90 kg) | Kenta Nanbara
|
August 18, 2023 | 0 |
| Middleweight (70 kg) | Kaito Ono
|
March 23, 2023 | 0 |
| Welterweight (67.5 kg) |  Meison Hide Usami
|
December 21, 2024 | 0 |
| Super Lightweight (65 kg) | Taiju Shiratori
|
March 29, 2025 | |
| Lightweight (62.5 kg) | Kan Nakamura
|
April 21, 2023 | 0 |
| Super Featherweight (60 kg) | Vacant
|
0 | |
| Featherweight (57.5 kg) | Keisuke Monguchi
|
August 28, 2022 | 1 |
| Bantamweight (55 kg) | Koki Osaki
|
December 10, 2023 | 1 |
| Super Flyweight (53 kg) | Ryu Hanaoka
|
December 15, 2024 | 0 |
| Flyweight (51 kg) | Vacant
|
0 | |
| W. Bantamweight (55 kg) | Seina
|
July 30, 2023 | 0 |
| W. Flyweight (52 kg) |  Tessa de Kom
|
May 28, 2023 | 2 |
| W. Mini Flyweight (49 kg) | Mei Miyamoto
|
May 11, 2025 | 0 |
| W. Atomweight (46 kg) | Vacant
|
0 |
Championship history
[edit]Heavyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 120 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Fabiano Aoki def. Magnum Sakai |
RISE 48 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 4, 2008 | |
| 2 | Makoto Uehara def. Raoumaru |
RISE 80 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 23, 2011 | |
| Uehara vacated the title on September 12, 2012, in order to participate in the 2013 K-1 WGP[21] | ||||
| 3 | Kengo Shimizu def. Raoumaru |
RISE 90 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 25, 2012 | 1. def. Hiromi Amada RISE 99 on April 29, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Badr Ferdaous RISE 127 on September 16, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Shimizu retired from the sport on November 17, 2018[22] | ||||
Light Heavyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 90 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Makoto Uehara def. Kengo Shimizu |
RISE 92 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 17, 2013 | |
| Uehara vacated the title in 2016 in order to re-sign with K-1.[23] | ||||
| 2 | Kenta Nanbara def. Kongtualai JMBoxingGym |
RISE 171 Tokyo, Japan
|
August 18, 2023 | |
Middleweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 70 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hinata def. Ryuji |
RISE 48 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 4, 2008 | |
| Hinata vacated the title in July 2009 | ||||
| 2 | Ryuji def. Yasuhito Shirasu |
RISE 60 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 22, 2009 | |
| 3 | Takafumi Morita def. Yukihiro Komiya |
RISE 80 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 23, 2011 | |
| 4 |  Lee Sung-hyun def. Shintaro Matsukura |
RISE 133 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 5, 2019 | |
| 5 | Kaito Ono def. Lee Sung-hyun |
RISE ELDORADO 2023 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 26, 2023 | |
Welterweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 67.5 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danilo Zanolini def. Taiki Watanabe |
RISE 96 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 4, 2013 | 1. def. Yuichiro Nagashima RISE 100～BLADE 0～ on July 12, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Kenta Yamada at RISE 106 on July 24, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Zanolini retired from the sport on July 15, 2017[24] | ||||
| 2 |  Bey Noah def. Daiki Watabe |
RISE 129 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 17, 2018 | 1. def. Hideki RISE 137 on February 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan |
| BeyNoah vacated the title in February 2022, in order to move up in weight[25] | ||||
| 3 | Ryota Nakano def. Ryoya Inai |
RISE 158 Tokyo, Japan
|
May 29, 2022 | |
| Nakano vacated the title in November 2024 | ||||
| 4 | Meison Hide Usami def. Takumi Sanekata |
GLORY RISE Featherweight Grand Prix Chiba, Japan
|
December 21, 2024 | |
Super Lightweight World championship
[edit]Weight limit: 65 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9def. Kento Haraguchi |
RISE WORLD SERIES OSAKA 2022 Osaka, Japan
|
August 21, 2022 | |
| 2 | Chadd Collins def. Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9 |
RISE WORLD SERIES 2023 Final Round Tokyo, Japan
|
December 16, 2023 |
1. def. Kento Haraguchi at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo on August 2, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan |
Super Lightweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 65 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koji Yoshimoto def. Yūsuke Sugawara |
RISE 60 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 22, 2009 | 1. draw. Yūsuke Sugawara at Rise 74 on February 27, 2011 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Yasuomi Soda at Rise 86 on January 28, 2012 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 2 | Yasuomi Soda def. Koji Yoshimoto |
RISE 60 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 17, 2013 | |
| Soda vacated the title on August 27, 2014, to sign with K-1[26] | ||||
| 3 | Yuki def. Naoki |
RISE 101 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 28, 2014 | |
| Yuki vacated the title on May 3, 2017 in order to return to super featherweight[27] | ||||
| 4 | Kosei Yamada def. Yuma Yamaguchi |
RISE 134 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 29, 2019 |
1. def. Takumi Sanekata at RISE 145 on January 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Title was left vacant on December 25, 2022, as Yamada retired from the sport[28] | ||||
| 5 | Taiju Shiratori def. Yutaro Asahi |
RISE Eldorado 2025 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 29, 2025 | |
Lightweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 62.5 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuki def. Koji Yoshimoto |
RISE 73 Tokyo, Japan
|
December 19, 2010 | |
| 2 | Lee Sung-hyun def. Yuki |
RISE 91 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 6, 2013 | |
| 3 | Hiroshi Mizumachi def. Shohei Asahara |
RISE 106 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 8, 2015 | 1. def. Keisuke Niwa at Rise 108 on November 8, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 4 | Fukashi Mizutani def. Hiroshi Mizumachi |
RISE 112 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 30, 2016 | 1. def. Shohei Asahara at Rise 119 on September 15, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Fukashi vacated the title on December 11, 2018 in order to move up to super lightweight[29] | ||||
| 5 | Taiju Shiratori def. Hideki |
RISE 112 Tokyo, Japan
|
February 3, 2019 | |
| Shiratori vacated the title on August 1, 2020.[30] | ||||
| 6 | Kento Haraguchi def. Hideki |
RISE 136 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 13, 2020 | |
| Haraguchi vacated the title on December 15, 2020[31] | ||||
| 7 | Naoki Tanaka def. Hideki |
RISE 145 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 30, 2021 | |
| 8 | Kan Nakamura def. Naoki Tanaka |
RISE 167 Tokyo, Japan
|
April 21, 2023 | |
Super Featherweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 60 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuki def. Yuji Takeuchi |
RISE 48 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 4, 2008 | |
| 2 | Kan Itabashi def. Yuki |
RISE 52 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 31, 2009 | 1. def. TURBΦ at RISE 57 on July 26, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Keiji Ozaki at RISE 60 on June 5, 2015 in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan |
| 3 | Kosuke Komiyama def. Kan Itabashi |
RISE 74 Tokyo, Japan
|
February 27, 2011 | 1. def. Motochika Hanada at RISE 88 on June 2, 2012 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Masanobu Goshu at RISE 97 on January 25, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Komiyama vacated the title in 2015 | ||||
| 4 | Kodai Nobe def. Motochika Hanada |
RISE 109 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 31, 2016 | |
| 5 | Chan Hyung Lee def. Koudai Nobe |
RISE 121 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 23, 2017 | 1. def. Kazuma at RISE 160 on July 29, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Hyuma Hitachi at RISE 164 on January 28, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan |
| – | Kazuma def. Yusaku Ishizaki for interim title |
RISE 152 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 22, 2021 | |
| 6 | Taiga def. Chan Hyung Lee |
RISE 175 Tokyo, Japan
|
January 14, 2024 | |
| Taiga vacated the title on January 21, 2025, in order to transition to MMA[32] | ||||
Featherweight World championship
[edit]Weight limit: 57.5 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tenshin Nasukawa def. Rodtang Jitmuangnon |
RISE 125 Chiba, Japan
|
June 17, 2018 |
Featherweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 57.5 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itto def. Ryo Pegasus |
RISE 90 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 24, 2012 | |
| 2 | Motochika Hanada def. Itto |
RISE 101 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 28, 2014 | 1. def. Yoshihisa Morimoto at RISE 114 on November 25, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Motochika vacated the title on February 13, 2018[33] | ||||
| 3 | Masahide Kudo def. Yoshihisa "Kyoken" Morimoto |
RISE 125 Chiba, Japan
|
June 17, 2018 | 1. def. Masaki Takeuchi at RISE 151 on July 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan |
| On December 11, 2021 Kudo announced his retirement after suffering a nose injury deemed inoperable.[34] | ||||
| 4 | Taisei Umei def. Ryoga Hirano |
RISE 156 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 27, 2022 | |
| 5 | Keisuke Monguchi def. Taisei Umei |
RISE 161 Tokyo, Japan
|
August 28, 2022 | 1. def. Kaito Sakaguchi at RISE 172 on October 29, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 6 | Haruto Yasumoto def. Keisuke Monguchi |
RISE 182 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 20, 2024 | 1. def. Yuta Kunieda at RISE 188 on May 31, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan |
Bantamweight World championship
[edit]Weight limit: 55 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shiro def. Diesellek Wor.Wanchai |
RISE ELDORADO 2023 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 26, 2023 | 1. no contest with Toki Tamaru at RISE ELDORADO 2024 on March 17, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Toki Tamaru at RISE World Series 2024 Yokohama on September 8, 2024 in Yokohama, Japan 3. def. Masashi Kumura at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo on August 2, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan |
Bantamweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 55 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akira Morita def. KO-ICHI |
May 31, 2009 | ||
| Morita retired from the sport in September 2011 | ||||
| 2 | Nobuchika Terado def. TOMONORI |
RISE 60 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 22, 2009 | 1. def. Makoto Kushima at RISE 68 on July 31, 2010 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Terado vacated the title in 2010 | ||||
| 3 | Kenji Kubo def. Dyki |
RISE 85 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 23, 2011 | |
| Kubo vacated the title on September 18, 2012, after transitioning to boxing[35] | ||||
| 4 | Dyki def. Seiya Rokugawa |
RISE 92 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 17, 2013 | |
| Dyki retired from the sport on August 16, 2013[36] | ||||
| 5 | Yuta Murakoshi def. Hiroki Maeda |
RISE 100 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 12, 2014 | |
| 6 | Tenshin Nasukawa def. Yuta Murakoshi |
RISE 105 Tokyo, Japan
|
May 31, 2015 | 1. def. Yuta Murakoshi at Rise 113 on September 25, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Nasukawa vacated the title on June 6, 2018, after moving up to featherweight[37] | ||||
| 7 | Masahiko Suzuki def. Yuki Masato |
RISE 129 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 17, 2018 | 1. def. Rasta at RISE 136 on January 13, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Kengo at RISE 154 on January 23, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 8 | Koki Osaki def. Masahiko Suzuki |
RISE 174 Tokyo, Japan
|
December 10, 2023 | 1. def. Ryunosuke Omori at RISE 181 on August 31, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan |
Super Flyweight World championship
[edit]Weight limit: 53 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kazuki Osaki def. Corey Nicholson |
RISE Fire Ball Nagoya, Japan
|
May 11, 2025 |
Super Flyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 53 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toki Tamaru def. Azusa Kaneko |
RISE 128 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 2, 2018 | 1. def. Jin Mandokoro at RISE 132 on May 19, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 2 | Kazuki Osaki def. Toki Tamaru |
RISE 142 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 4, 2020 | 1. def. Kazane Nagai at RISE World Series 2022 on October 15, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Jin Mandokoro at RISE World Series 2024 Osaka on June 15, 2024 in Osaka, Japan |
| Osaki vacated the belt on October 21, 2024 in order to aim for the world version of the title.[38] | ||||
| 3 | Ryu Hanaoka def. Jin Mandokoro |
RISE 184 Tokyo, Japan
|
December 15, 2024 | |
Flyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 51 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toki Tamaru def. Riku Kazushima |
RISE 162 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 30, 2022 | |
| Tamaru vacated the title on September 14, 2023 in order to move up in weight.[39] | ||||
| 2 | Riku Kazushima def. Tenshi Matsumoto |
RISE 172 Tokyo, Japan
|
October 29, 2023 | |
| 3 | Ryujin Nasukawa def. Riku Kazushima |
RISE 183 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 23, 2024 | |
| Nasukawa vacated the title in August 2025 in order to move up in weight. | ||||
Queen championship
[edit]Weight limit: 48 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rena def. Erika Kamimura |
RISE 85 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 23, 2011 | |
| 2 | Erika Kamimura def. Momi |
RISE 95 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 13, 2013 | |
| Kamimura retired from the sport in August 2014 | ||||
Women's Bantamweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 55 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seina def. Yuka Murakami |
RISE 170 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 30, 2023 |
Women's Flyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 52 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manazo Kobayashi Promoted to champion status |
RISE 148 Tokyo, Japan
|
April 17, 2021 | 1. def. Suzuka Tabuchi at RISE 148 on April 17, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 2 | Tessa de Kom def. Manazo Kobayashi |
RISE 168 Tokyo, Japan
|
May 28, 2023 | 1. def. Arina Kobayashi at RISE 184 on December 15, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan 2. def. Manazo Kobayashi at RISE 189 on June 29, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan |
Women's Mini Flyweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 49 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hinata Terayama def. Reina Sato |
RISE 134 Tokyo, Japan
|
September 29, 2019 | 1. def. AKARI at RISE on Abema 2 on May 16, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Terayama retired from the sport on March 15, 2022[40] | ||||
| 2 | Erika❤️ def. AKARI |
RISE 159 Tokyo, Japan
|
June 24, 2022 | |
| 3 | Arina Kobayashi def. Erika❤️ |
RISE 173 Tokyo, Japan
|
November 18, 2023 | |
| 4 | Mei Miyamoto def. Arina Kobayashi |
RISE Fire Ball Nagoya, Japan
|
May 11, 2025 | |
Women's Atomweight championship
[edit]Weight limit: 46 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Momi Furuta def. Riri Nasukawa |
RISE 133 Tokyo, Japan
|
July 5, 2019 | 1. def. Koto Hiraoka at RISE GIRLS POWER 2 on February 11, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan |
| 2 | Koyuki Miyazaki def. Momi |
RISE 146 Tokyo, Japan
|
March 28, 2021 |
1. def. Arina Kobayashi at RISE 158 on May 29, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Miyazaki vacated the title on March 30, 2025 in order to focus on her studies.[41] | ||||
OFG Super Lightweight champion
[edit]Weight limit: 65 kg
| No. | Name | Event | Date | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YA-MAN def. Hiroto Yamaguchi |
RISE World Series 2023 - 2nd Round Tokyo, Japan
|
August 26, 2023 |
Tournaments champions
[edit]GLORY RISE Grand Prix Champions
[edit]| Date | Weight | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-21 | 65 kg | Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9 | Thailand |
GLORY RISE Featherweight Grand Prix | Chiba, Japan | Miguel Trindade |  Portugal
|
WORLD SERIES Champions
[edit]| Date | Weight | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-09-16 | 58 kg | Tenshin Nasukawa | Japan |
RISE WORLD SERIES 2019 Final Round | Chiba, Japan | Shiro | Japan
|
| 2019-09-16 | 61 kg | Taiju Shiratori | Japan |
RISE WORLD SERIES 2019 Final Round | Chiba, Japan | Genji Umeno | Japan
|
| 2023-12-16 | 54 kg | Toki Tamaru | Japan |
RISE WORLD SERIES 2023 Final Round | Tokyo, Japan | Kumandoi Petchyindee Academy | Thailand
|
| 2025-08-02 | 61.5 kg | Kan Nakamura | Japan |
RISE WORLD SERIES Tokyo 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Yuan Pengjie |  China
|
Dead or Alive Tournament champions
[edit]| Date | Weight | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-12-23 | 70 kg | Masaru Abe | Japan |
R.I.S.E. DEAD or ALIVE Tournament | Tokyo, Japan | Ryusuke Mochizuki | Japan
|
| 2004-12-19 | 70 kg | Koichi Kikuchi | Japan |
R.I.S.E. DEAD or ALIVE Tournament '04 | Tokyo, Japan | Yuki | Japan
|
| 2005-12-18 | 70 kg | TATSUJI | Japan |
R.I.S.E. DEAD or ALIVE Tournament '05 | Tokyo, Japan | Hakuto | Japan
|
| 2006-12-17 | 70 kg | Keiji Ozaki | Japan |
R.I.S.E. DEAD or ALIVE Tournament '06 | Tokyo, Japan | Naoki Samukawa | Japan
|
| 2007-12-16 | 70 kg | Ryuji | Japan |
R.I.S.E. DEAD or ALIVE Tournament '07 | Tokyo, Japan | Yusuke Ikei | Japan
|
| 2017-11-23 | 57 kg | Taiki Naito | Japan |
RISE 121 | Tokyo, Japan | MOMOTARO | Japan
|
| 2020-11-01 | 63 kg | Kento Haraguchi | Japan |
RISE DEAD OR ALIVE 2020 Osaka | Osaka, Japan | Naoki | Japan
|
| 2020-11-01 | 55 kg | Shiro | Japan |
RISE DEAD OR ALIVE 2020 Osaka | Osaka, Japan | Masahiko Suzuki | Japan
|
| 2021-09-23 | 53 kg | Kazane | Japan |
RISE WORLD SERIES 2021 Yokohama | Yokohama, Japan | Shiro | Japan
|
Mighty Eighty Tournament champions
[edit]| Date | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
| 2006-09-24 | Magnum Sakai | Japan |
RISE MIGHTY EIGHTY TOURNAMENT'06 | Tokyo, Japan | Jinushi | Japan
|
Heavyweight Tournament champions
[edit]| Date | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
| 2011-11-23 | Jaideep Singh |  India |
RISE 85 | Tokyo, Japan | Makoto Uehara | Japan
|
Queen of Queens Tournament champions
[edit]| Date | Weight | Champion | Nationality | Event | Location | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-11-01 | 48 kg | Hinata Terayama | Japan |
RISE Dead or Alive Osaka | Osaka, Japan | Momi | Japan
|
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "RISE". tapology.com. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ "［RISE］ 大会名称がR.I.S.E.からRISEに。忍が60kg級参戦". boutreview.com. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ "RISE RANKING". rise-rc.com. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ "Rise KGS". ameblo.jp. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ "(レポ＆写真) [R.I.S.E.] 4.27 大森：第2回大会はKO決着が続出！". boutreview.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "(レポ＆写真) [R.I.S.E.] 12.23 有明：阿部勝、トーナメント制しK-1進出名乗り". boutreview.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "[R.I.S.E.] 12.18 ディファ：K-1中迫戦向け、百瀬がパンチに磨き". boutreview.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "[R.I.S.E.] 2.22 新宿：初代王座戦線開幕迫る。当日券＆試合順情報". boutreview.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "[R.I.S.E.] 5.11 ディファ：前日計量を全選手パス｜当日券も発売". boutreview.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "2011年11月度MVP 初代RISE QUEENの座を獲得、 神村エリカとの最強女王決定戦を制した RENA". efight.jp. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "RISEがGLORYとの提携を発表「対抗戦など色々仕掛けをしてきますのでご期待ください！」（伊藤代表）". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "【K-1】K'FESTAでRISEとの対抗戦3vs.3、RISE王者・鈴木真彦「看板を背負って」迎え撃つ玖村将史「THE MATCHの借りを返す」". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ "【RISE】ELDORADOでK-1との対抗戦3vs.3、K-1の佐々木大蔵「K-1の強さをアピールしたい」迎え撃つ白鳥大珠「K-1に対しての借りがある」". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ Collet, Bjarne. "RISE & GLORY Announce 8-Men Featherweight Grand Prix". Beyond Kickboxing - The Home of Kickboxing. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ "R I S E ルール紹介" (PDF). rise-rc.com. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ Pico, Borna (9 June 2023). "RISE Revises Weigh-in Rules: Failure to Make Weight Could Lead to Disqualification or No Contest". beyondkick.com. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "【特別Aクラスについて】". kaminarimon.jimdofree.com. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "RISE 2020". abema.tv. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "RISE公式チャンネル". YouTube. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "RISE World Series Streams & Videos". fite.tv. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "【ライズ】10・25上原誠がタイトル返上、清水賢吾vs羅王丸で王座決定戦". gbring.com. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】元ヘビー級王者・清水賢吾の引退エキシ、30kg軽いウェルター級王者・ベイノアのKO宣言を清水は一笑に付す". efight.jp. 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】ライトヘビー級王座狙う4選手が計量パス、南原健太「熱く痺れるKOを見せる」". efight.jp. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
- ^ "【Flash】HEAT40速報 ダニロ、有終の美。春日井&赤尾は防衛成功、岸本はオク・レユンに敗れる". mmaplanet.jp. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】フェザー級王者決定戦に平野凌我vs梅井泰成、ウェルター級王座決定T準決勝は中野椋太vs中島将志=3.27". news.yahoo.co.jp. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
- ^ "格闘家イケメンファイル Vol.11 魔裟斗の遺伝子を継ぐ男 左右田泰臣（そうだ やすおみ）". tokyoheadline.com. 27 October 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】裕樹と野辺広大をKOしたチャンヒョンで挑戦者決定戦". efight.jp. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE×SB】引退試合を終えた山田洸誓、キックボクサーとしての人生は「楽しかった」セカンドキャリアで「RISE王座を獲れるような選手を育成したい」". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ "【RISE】不可思がタイトル返上 秀樹vs白鳥大珠で王座決定戦へ". efight.jp. 12 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】白鳥大珠が返上のベルトに秀樹「数ミリの差で決着」原口健飛「関西に持ち帰る」". efight.jp. 8 January 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】原口健飛が「防衛するより強いヤツに挑戦したい」とライト級王座を返上、秀樹vs直樹で王座決定戦". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】大雅がスーパーフェザー級王座を返上でトーナメントには出場せず、トーナメントは29日に発表、関節蹴りが禁止に". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "【RISE】フェザー級王座決定トーナメント開幕、鮮烈デビューした篠塚vs工藤". efight.jp. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "現フェザー級王者・工藤政英が引退発表。「初防衛戦でやりたかった試合ができた。心残りはない」【RISE】". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ "KENJIがプロテスト受験". boxmob.jp. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【ライズ】テラスハウスでDyki（宮城大樹）が引退を発表". efight.jp. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】那須川天心が返上した王座争いに、元Krush王者が参戦". efight.jp. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "【RISE】大﨑一貴がスーパーフライ級王座を返上、新設予定の世界王座へ向けて「それだけを目指して頑張るため」ONEへの挑戦、MISAKIとの婚約についてもコメント". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
- ^ "【RISE】王者・門口佳佑、魁斗にリベンジ＆防衛戦！数島大陸vs松本天志が新王座戦＝10.29". efight.jp. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
- ^ "女子王者が21歳で突然の引退表明 寺山日葵、決断の舞台裏と那須川天心との秘話を語る". news.yahoo.co. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ "【RISE】14連勝中の宮崎小雪が21年３月から保持するアトム級王座返上 フィリピン留学へ - 格闘技 : 日刊スポーツ". nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 19 April 2025.
RISE (kickboxing)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
RISE has built a reputation for high-paced bouts and innovative tournament formats, including one-night Grand Prix events, which have earned it recognition as a leading force in Asian kickboxing.[3]
Its flagship events, such as the annual RISE World Series and El Dorado tournaments, feature top Japanese and international fighters competing for world titles across multiple weight classes.[6][7] In recent developments, RISE has fostered global collaborations, notably partnering with GLORY Kickboxing since 2024 to co-organize joint featherweight leagues and tournaments, enhancing cross-promotional opportunities and unified rankings.[8][9]
This expansion underscores RISE's role in elevating kickboxing's profile beyond Japan, with recent events such as the RISE World Series 2025 Final on November 2, 2025, where Kan Nakamura defeated Pengjie Yuan by unanimous decision in the main event, continuing to showcase emerging talents and high-stakes matchups.[10]
History
Founding and early years
RISE was founded in 2003 by Takashi Ito, a former kickboxer and owner of the TARGET gym, as a promotion dedicated to stand-up striking arts under the banner of Real Impact Sports Entertainment.[1] The organization aimed to showcase high-impact kickboxing matches, drawing from Japan's rich martial arts tradition while emphasizing technical skill and entertainment value.[11] The inaugural event, titled RISE 1: The Beginning, took place on February 23, 2003, at the Gold’s Gym South Tokyo Annex in Ōmori, Tokyo, Japan.[12] This debut card featured a combination of amateur and professional bouts, highlighting emerging fighters in various weight classes and setting the stage for RISE's commitment to nurturing grassroots talent alongside established competitors.[12] From its outset through the mid-2000s, RISE placed a strong emphasis on developing Japanese domestic talent, providing a platform for local fighters to hone their skills in a competitive environment.[5] The promotion integrated Muay Thai influences, such as clinch work and elbow strikes where permitted under rules, to enrich the striking arsenal and appeal to fans familiar with hybrid styles.[13] Early events focused on building a dedicated audience in Tokyo, often holding cards at smaller venues to foster community engagement. In its formative years up to 2007, RISE faced significant challenges in establishing itself amid the dominance of K-1, the era's premier kickboxing promotion known for its international heavyweight spectacles.[14] Ito's organization differentiated by prioritizing lighter weight divisions and rapid-paced bouts, gradually carving out a niche for accessible, talent-focused events that contrasted with K-1's global superstar emphasis.[15]Expansion and key events
During the mid-2000s, RISE underwent significant rebranding and professionalization efforts to elevate its status within the Japanese kickboxing landscape. Starting around 2007, the promotion began hosting events at larger venues such as Korakuen Hall, which allowed for increased attendance and production quality. By 2008, RISE shifted from one-day tournaments to structured title matches, establishing its initial Japan championships across multiple weight classes to foster long-term rivalries and champion development. This period also saw expansion into bigger arenas like Tokyo Dome City Hall in 2009.[16] A landmark event in RISE's growth was its first television broadcast in 2012 with RISE 88 on Tokyo MX, which drew larger audiences and highlighted RISE's ambition to compete on a nationwide stage. Held at a major Tokyo venue, the card featured high-profile bouts and introduced international fighters from Thailand and Europe, contributing to sustained attendance growth and media interest throughout the 2010s.[16] RISE further expanded its inclusivity with the introduction of dedicated women's divisions in 2019 through the RISE Girls Power series, creating specific weight classes and title opportunities to attract female athletes previously underrepresented in the promotion. This move aligned with broader trends in Japanese combat sports and helped build a roster of prominent fighters, enhancing event diversity. In 2018, RISE launched its amateur feeder series, RISE Nova, to nurture emerging talent through structured tournaments and developmental bouts, serving as a pipeline to the professional ranks.[17] Throughout the 2010s, strategic partnerships bolstered RISE's visibility, notably the broadcasting deal with Abema TV beginning in 2017, which provided nationwide streaming access and significantly boosted viewership for major events. This collaboration enabled live coverage of title fights and tournaments, reaching younger audiences via digital platforms and supporting the promotion's expansion beyond live attendance.[4]Recent developments
In 2025, RISE hosted several high-profile events as part of its World Series, marking a year of international expansion and competitive intensity. The Rise World Series 2025 Yokohama on June 21 at BUNTAI Yokohama featured Ryujin Nasukawa defeating Hamada Azmani by unanimous decision to claim the inaugural ISKA K-1 World Strawweight Championship in the main event.[18] Later, the RISE World Series 2025 Final on November 2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo culminated the year's tournaments, with Kan Nakamura securing the 61.5kg Grand Prix title via unanimous decision over Yuan Pengjie after a disputed extra round, alongside other results including Yura's first-round knockout of Sumiya Ito for the featherweight tournament advancement.[10][19] On November 9, RISE 193 took place at Korakuen Hall, featuring key bouts such as Koki Osaki versus Wuttikorn Singwancha in the main event.[20] A significant partnership was announced on March 13 between RISE and GLORY Kickboxing for the "Last Featherweight Standing" tournament, a 24-fighter bracket spanning six events starting June 21, aimed at crowning a unified featherweight champion through collaborative promotion.[21] This initiative built on prior cross-promotional efforts, integrating fighters from both organizations across qualifying rounds held at joint events like GLORY 101 and subsequent cards.[22] RISE's 2023 weigh-in rule revisions, which introduced stricter penalties such as potential disqualifications or no-contests for fighters exceeding weight limits by more than 2 kilograms after multiple attempts, continued to influence bout preparations and outcomes in 2025.[23] These measures, including purse fines and point deductions, ensured compliance during major events like the World Series, promoting fairer weight management without reported major disruptions that year. Looking ahead, RISE 194 is scheduled for December 14 at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, headlined by Ryu Hanaoka versus Masahiko Suzuki, with additional bouts including Koto Hiraoka challenging Haruka Shimada for the vacant 46kg title.[24]Organization
Rules and regulations
RISE kickboxing bouts follow a standardized format to ensure competitive balance and fighter safety. Non-title matches (wanmatch) consist of three 3-minute rounds with one possible 1-minute extension round if a draw is judged, while title bouts extend to five 3-minute rounds with unlimited 1-minute extension rounds until a winner is determined, with all matches featuring one-minute rest intervals between rounds.[25] Fighters are permitted to use punches, kicks, and knee strikes to the body and head, with momentary clinching allowed but limited to a single knee strike before the referee intervenes to break the hold. Prohibited techniques include elbow strikes, throws, joint locks, headbutts, and attacks to the groin, eyes, or throat, emphasizing a stand-up striking focus without grappling elements.[25] Scoring in RISE is determined by three judges using a priority system: (1) number of knockdowns, (2) damage inflicted on the opponent, (3) effective striking, (4) aggression, and (5) ring control, with the 10-point must system applied per round. Victories by knockout occur via referee stoppage due to inability to intelligently defend after a knockdown (with a count to 9), or three knockdowns in a round or five across the bout; technical knockouts may also result from excessive damage, referee or doctor stoppage, or a corner throwing in the towel.[25] In 2023, RISE revised its weigh-in protocols to promote fair play and prevent extreme weight cutting, implementing mandatory weigh-ins with multiple reweigh opportunities. Fighters exceeding the weight limit by more than 2 kg on the initial attempt face immediate disqualification and a no-contest ruling, while those within 2 kg receive up to three reweigh chances (initial plus two additional over 4 hours, then a fourth 3 hours before the event), incurring point deductions (1-2 points) and purse fines upon passing; failure at the third attempt leads to 2-point deduction and glove handicap if the opponent agrees, but exceeding 5% of the contracted weight at the final weigh-in results in disqualification or no-contest.[23][26]Weight classes and divisions
RISE employs a structured set of weight classes for both men's and women's competitions to ensure fair matchups based on fighters' body weights measured in kilograms during official weigh-ins. These divisions are typically defined by upper weight limits, enforced strictly to maintain competitive integrity.Men's Weight Classes
The men's divisions span from lighter categories focused on speed and technique to heavier ones emphasizing power, covering a broad range of athlete sizes. The classes are as follows (upper limits):| Division | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|
| Super Heavyweight | Unlimited |
| Heavyweight | 100 |
| Cruiserweight | 95 |
| Light Heavyweight | 90 |
| Super Middleweight | 85 |
| Middleweight | 80 |
| Super Welterweight | 75 |
| Welterweight | 72.5 |
| Super Lightweight | 70 |
| Lightweight | 67.5 |
| Super Featherweight | 65 |
| Featherweight | 62.5 |
| Super Bantamweight | 60 |
| Bantamweight | 57.5 |
| Super Flyweight | 55 |
| Flyweight | 52.5 |
Women's Weight Classes
Women's divisions in RISE are fewer in number but similarly emphasize balanced competition, with the Queen division serving as an open-weight class for top-tier bouts without strict limits. The established classes include (upper limits):| Division | Weight Limit (kg) |
|---|---|
| Queen (open) | Unlimited |
| Bantamweight | 55 |
| Flyweight | 52 |
| Mini Flyweight | 50 |
| Atomweight | 48 |
Broadcasting and media
Television and streaming partners
RISE's primary media distribution partner is AbemaTV, which has streamed all major events live in Japan since the inaugural "RISE on ABEMA" event in July 2020.[29] This partnership expanded officially in 2023, enabling comprehensive coverage of tournaments and title bouts through Abema's digital platform.[30] Select events, such as world series finals, are available on a pay-per-view basis domestically and internationally via Abema Global, broadening access for global audiences.[31] For international reach, RISE provides highlights and full-fight replays on its official YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to follow key moments from events. Joint events with GLORY Kickboxing, starting from 2024, are also streamed live on YouTube for international audiences, further enhancing global accessibility.[32] Platforms like Tapology serve as key resources for international followers, offering detailed event results, fighter profiles, and schedules to track RISE's activities.[12] Broadcasts integrate sponsorship branding prominently, appearing during event coverage to enhance viewer engagement.[4] In its early years, RISE relied on pay-per-view models through platforms like TrillerTV for select world series events, but following the 2020 shift to AbemaTV, the promotion adopted more accessible streaming options to increase viewership and fan participation.[33]Event production and venues
RISE primarily stages its flagship professional events at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, a historic venue known for hosting combat sports since 1949, accommodating up to 2,000 spectators in an intimate setting that amplifies the intensity of bouts.[12] Larger World Series events occasionally shift to bigger arenas like Yokohama BUNTAI, which offers expanded capacity for high-profile tournaments and draws broader crowds.[34] The promotion organizes approximately 10-15 professional cards each year, featuring a mix of title defenses, tournaments, and rising talent showcases, alongside dedicated amateur events through the RISE NOVA program, which provides competitive platforms for non-professional fighters.[12][17] Event production emphasizes an engaging, high-energy atmosphere, with round girls presenting round cards between bouts to maintain visual dynamism and excitement for live audiences and viewers.[35] Post-fight interviews with victors are conducted ringside, allowing fighters to share immediate reactions and build narrative momentum. These elements, combined with dynamic lighting setups, contribute to the promotion's reputation for polished, spectator-focused spectacles. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RISE shifted operations from 2020 to 2022, rescheduling or canceling events like the original World Series 2020 bout and adhering to Japan's restrictions on limited-capacity gatherings, often capping attendance at 50% or 10,000 spectators to ensure safety while continuing broadcasts.[36][37] This adaptation allowed the promotion to sustain activity amid global disruptions, with events resuming fuller formats by late 2022.Championships
Current world champions
As of November 2025, RISE's world championships feature titleholders across several weight divisions, with some classes remaining vacant following recent vacancies or ongoing tournaments. The promotion's global titles emphasize K-1 rules kickboxing and are defended in high-profile events, often in collaboration with organizations like ISKA and GLORY. Below is a summary of the active world champions, based on the most recent defenses and title changes.| Division | Champion | Nationality | Date Won/Last Defense | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight (+95 kg) | Vacant | - | - | The title has been vacant since the previous holder stepped away; no unification or new claimant has been crowned in 2025 events. |
| Lightweight (62.5 kg) | Kento Haraguchi | Japan | March 29, 2025 | Defeated Lee Sung-Hyun by unanimous decision to claim the ISKA-affiliated world title at RISE Eldorado 2025. [38] |
| Super Lightweight (65 kg) | Chadd Collins | Australia | August 2, 2025 (defense) | Retained the title via split decision against Kento Haraguchi at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo, marking his second defense following the 2023 win. [36] [39] |
| Featherweight (57.5 kg) | Vacant | - | - | Vacated by Taiga in January 2025 upon transitioning to MMA; the 2025 GLORY collaboration tournament at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo advanced contenders but did not crown a new champion by November. [40] |
| Bantamweight (55 kg) | Shiro Matsumoto | Japan | August 2, 2025 (defense) | Secured a unanimous decision victory with three knockdowns over Masashi Kumura at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo, continuing his reign that began in March 2023 with multiple defenses through 2025. [36] [39] |
| Super Flyweight (53 kg) | Kazuki Osaki | Japan | May 11, 2025 | Captured the inaugural title via fifth-round KO (punches) against Corey Nicholson at RISE Fire Ball Nagoya; no defenses recorded by November but remains the recognized holder. [41] [42] |
| Strawweight (51.5 kg) | Ryujin Nasukawa | Japan | June 21, 2025 | Won the inaugural ISKA K-1 world title by unanimous decision over Hamada Azmani at RISE World Series 2025 Yokohama. [18] |
| Women's Queen (52 kg) | Tessa de Kom | Netherlands | June 29, 2025 (defense) | Retained the title against top contender Manazo Kobayashi at RISE 189, solidifying her status as the leading women's champion with consistent defenses in 2025. [43] |
Current Japan champions
In the lightweight division (-63 kg), Tomohiro Kitai holds the RISE Japan championship, having won the title by unanimous decision over Yuki Taguchi on June 21, 2025, during RISE World Series 2025 Yokohama.[18] The welterweight division (-67.5 kg) is led by Meison Hide Usami as the reigning Japan champion, who maintained his status as defender following key 2025 tournaments, including a scheduled rematch against Jo San-hae on October 29, 2025.[44] For super lightweight (-65 kg), Taiju Shiratori captured the Japan title via majority decision against Yutaro Asahi on March 29, 2025, at RISE Eldorado 2025; this division incorporates elements from the OFG (Open Finger Glove) series to facilitate specialized match formats in select bouts.[45][38] The bantamweight division (-55 kg) features overlap between national and world titles, exemplified by Shiro Matsumoto previously holding both, though recent developments include Koki Osaki's successful title defense by third-round TKO (punches) over Wuttikorn Suannamthakhiri at RISE 193 on November 9, 2025, solidifying his position as Japan champion.[46]| Division | Champion | Win/Defense Date | Source Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight (-63 kg) | Tomohiro Kitai | June 21, 2025 | Unanimous decision victory over Yuki Taguchi at RISE World Series 2025 Yokohama. |
| Welterweight (-67.5 kg) | Meison Hide Usami | Ongoing through 2025 tournaments | Confirmed as champion entering October 2025 rematch defense. |
| Super Lightweight (-65 kg) | Taiju Shiratori | March 29, 2025 | Majority decision over Yutaro Asahi for vacant title at RISE Eldorado 2025; OFG series integration. |
| Bantamweight (-55 kg) | Koki Osaki | November 9, 2025 | Third-round TKO defense against Wuttikorn Suannamthakhiri at RISE 193; prior overlap with world title under Shiro. |
Other divisional champions
In the women's divisions of RISE kickboxing, the Queen titles represent specialized championships that emphasize technical striking under standard RISE rules, allowing punches, kicks, and knees while prohibiting elbows and clinch work.[23] Mei Miyamoto holds the RISE Queen Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) title, which she captured by defeating former champion Arina Kobayashi via unanimous decision in the co-main event of RISE Fire Ball Nagoya on May 11, 2025.[41] Miyamoto, fighting out of Krazy Bee in Japan, followed this victory with a unanimous decision win in a non-title bout against Go Yuna on October 19, 2025, at RISE 192, extending her professional record to 8-1.[47] Her reign has highlighted aggressive pressure fighting, contributing to increased visibility for the division among emerging Japanese talents. Tessa de Kom serves as the reigning RISE Queen Flyweight (-52 kg) champion, having defended her title twice in 2025, most recently against Manazo Kobayashi by unanimous decision at RISE 189 on June 29, 2025. The Dutch fighter, who initially won the belt in late 2024, maintained dominance with her versatile kickboxing style, including low kicks and counterstriking, in a performance that solidified her as a top international contender in the division.[48] De Kom's defenses have drawn global attention, bridging European and Japanese kickboxing scenes. The RISE Queen Atomweight (-46 kg) title remains vacant as of November 2025, following the previous champion's departure from the division earlier in the year.[49] A title fight for the vacant belt is scheduled for RISE 194 on December 14, 2025, featuring Haruka Shimada vs. Koto Hiraoka, underscoring RISE's efforts to revitalize the lightest women's class.[50] No active RISE Queen Bantamweight (-55 kg) title exists as of November 2025, though the promotion has historically supported tournaments in this weight class to develop higher-weight women's competition.[51] The OFG Super Lightweight (-65 kg) title functions as a regional belt aimed at nurturing up-and-coming fighters in Japan, often contested in preliminary cards to build experience before world-level contention. While specific 2025 title changes remain unconfirmed in public records, the division has seen active participation from prospects like Taiju Shiratori, who secured related Japan-level accolades earlier in the year.[10] The RISE Queen championship, originally established as an open-weight women's title in 2011 with flexible rules permitting limited clinching in early iterations, now primarily oversees the divisional Queen belts but retains its legacy as a flagship for female competitors.[52] Its evolution has promoted gender-specific events, boosting participation without altering core kickboxing prohibitions on ground fighting. Events like the October 2025 exhibition match between WWE's IYO SKY and Stardom's Mayu Iwatani at Marigold Grand Destiny have indirectly elevated interest in Japanese women's combat sports, including RISE, by showcasing crossover appeal and inspiring new audiences for kickboxing titles.[53]Championship histories
Heavyweight
The RISE Heavyweight Championship, contested at an unlimited weight limit (typically over 100 kg), was established in 2008 to crown a one-match world champion following earlier tournament formats in the division. The inaugural title bout took place at RISE 48 on July 4, 2008, in Tokyo, where Brazilian striker Fabiano "Cyclone" Aoki defeated Japan's Magnum Sakai by unanimous decision after five rounds, becoming the first champion affiliated with the TARGET gym. Aoki, known for his Muay Thai background and powerful striking, went on to make seven successful defenses over three years, solidifying the division's prestige through victories against domestic challengers like Igifan and international crossovers, including a notable win over Indian fighter Jaideep Singh at RISE 51 in 2009. His reign emphasized RISE's growing emphasis on high-impact heavyweight bouts, but he vacated the title in early 2011 to pursue opportunities in larger promotions like K-1.[54][55] The vacant title was contested at RISE 80 on July 23, 2011, in Tokyo, with Japanese Shidokan Karate practitioner Makoto Uehara (Shikokukan Shikon Murakami Juku) stopping Raoumaru (TARGET) via knockout with a right hook in the second round (2:42) to claim the belt. Uehara's brief reign featured no defenses, as he vacated the championship on September 12, 2012, to rejoin K-1 and compete at the international level, where he faced notable opponents like Stefan Leko. This short tenure highlighted RISE's pattern of heavyweight vacancies due to cross-promotional moves, paving the way for the next era.[56][57] Another vacancy led to the third championship match at RISE 90 on October 25, 2012, in Tokyo, where Kyokushin Karateka Kengo Shimizu (Kyokushin Kaikan) captured the title by knocking out Raoumaru with a right high kick in the third round (1:30). Shimizu's six-year reign (2012–2018) stands as the longest and most active in RISE Heavyweight history, marked by multiple defenses that showcased international crossovers with K-1 veterans. Key victories included a third-round knockout (right high kick, 1:47) over former K-1 fighter Hiromi Amada at RISE 99 on April 29, 2014, demonstrating his lethal kicking arsenal, and unanimous decisions against Brazilian Luis Morais at RISE 110 in 2015. His tenure also featured bouts against Shoot Boxing contenders, reinforcing the title's credibility amid RISE's collaborations with other Japanese promotions. Shimizu retired following a third-round TKO loss (punches, 0:55) to K-1 import Mighty Mo (Siala-Mou Siliga) in his announced final match at RISE 129 on November 17, 2018, in Tokyo, leaving the title vacant without a successor.[58][59][60][61] The Heavyweight Championship has remained vacant since Shimizu's retirement, with no title bouts scheduled as of 2025, reflecting the division's challenges in attracting consistent top-tier talent amid RISE's focus on lighter weight classes and tournament integrations. This status underscores ongoing efforts to revive heavyweight action through potential crossovers with promotions like K-1 and GLORY.[62]Light Heavyweight
The RISE Light Heavyweight Championship, contested at 90 kg, was first established in 2013 with Makoto Uehara defeating Kengo Shimizu by split decision at RISE 92 on March 17 in Tokyo, Japan, to become the inaugural titleholder.[63] Uehara, a prominent Japanese fighter with a background in Shidokan karate, represented the division's emphasis on technical striking and defensive prowess among domestic talents.[64] Uehara did not defend the title during his three-year reign and vacated it in 2016 upon signing with K-1, leaving the championship inactive for seven years.[63] The division saw limited activity in the interim, with no interim or provisional belts awarded. In 2023, RISE revived the title through an eight-man tournament featuring crossovers from Muay Thai and other striking arts. Kenta Nanbara advanced by knocking out Kazuki Irita in the semi-finals before capturing the vacant belt in the final against Thai Muay Thai specialist Kontualai JMBoxinggym via second-round TKO (punches) at RISE 171 on August 18 in Tokyo.[65] This bout highlighted the division's growing international appeal, blending Japanese karate-based kickboxing with Southeast Asian clinch and elbow techniques. Nanbara, another Japanese Kyokushin karate practitioner, has held the title since without a recorded defense through 2024 and into late 2025.[66] The division's brief history lacks long reigns or major upsets, with Uehara's undefeated but defense-free tenure and Nanbara's ongoing rule underscoring stable Japanese dominance in the weight class.[63]Middleweight
The RISE Middleweight Championship, contested at a 70 kg limit, traces its origins to early divisional tournaments in 2006, with the formal title established on July 4, 2008, when Japanese fighter Hinata of Shonan Kakuto Club defeated Ryuji to become the inaugural champion.[67] Early dominance was marked by local Japanese talents, as Hinata held the belt until vacating it in July 2009, followed by Ryuji's reign from November 22, 2009, to his retirement as champion on November 16, 2010. Takafumi Morita then captured the title on July 23, 2011, by defeating Yukihiro Komiya, maintaining Japanese control through 2012.[67] The period from 2015 to 2020 introduced key international challenges, highlighted by Korean striker Lee Sung-hyun's breakthrough victory over Morita on July 23, 2012, securing the title for RAON and marking a shift toward global competition in the division. Lee later reclaimed the championship on July 5, 2019, defeating Japan's Shintaro Matsukura in Tokyo, demonstrating sustained international pressure during this era.[67] Post-2020 title transitions reflected continued evolution, with Lee defending his reign until March 26, 2023, when Kaito Ono of TEAM F.O.D. dethroned him via unanimous decision at RISE El Dorado 2023, restoring Japanese stewardship.[68] Ono has successfully held the belt through multiple defenses, remaining champion as of November 2025.[69] Tactical evolutions in the middleweight division have emphasized balanced striking arsenals, including precise combinations of punches, kicks, and limited knee strikes, due to RISE rules that restrict prolonged clinching and grappling to brief, active exchanges only. This framework prioritizes stand-up mobility and distance management over extended ground control, fostering fights that showcase technical knockout power and strategic range control among 70 kg competitors.[16]Welterweight
The RISE Welterweight Championship, contested at 67.5 kg, was established in 2013 when Brazilian kickboxer Danilo Zanolini defeated Japan's Taiki Watanabe at RISE 96 on November 4 in Tokyo, marking the title's inaugural bout and ushering in an era dominated by speed-oriented fighters who prioritized rapid combinations and evasive footwork over raw power. Zanolini, a technical striker with a background in Brazilian kickboxing, made two successful defenses, including a victory over Yuichiro Nagashima at RISE 100 in May 2014 and another against Kenta later that year, solidifying his reign through precise, high-volume striking that influenced subsequent welterweight contenders.[70][71] Zanolini retired in July 2017, vacating the title and prompting a transitional period for the division. American fighter Bey Noah claimed the vacant championship on November 17, 2018, at RISE 129 in Tokyo by defeating Daiki Watabe, bringing a Kyokushin-influenced style that emphasized explosive speed and counterstriking. Noah's tenure from 2018 to 2022 featured key defenses, such as his win over Hideki at RISE 137 on February 23, 2020, and integrated tournament crossovers during major RISE World Series events, including high-stakes bouts that highlighted the division's agility-focused evolution in the 70 kg range. He vacated the title in February 2022 to compete at super welterweight, opening opportunities for emerging talents.[72][73][74] Recent developments up to 2025 reflect growing international influences, particularly through collaborations with GLORY Kickboxing, which introduced cross-promotional matchups and diversified the stylistic landscape. The vacant title was contested at the GLORY 97 x RISE World Series 2024 Final on December 21, 2024, in Chiba, where Canadian-Japanese fighter Meison Hide Usami defeated Takumi Sanekata by unanimous decision (49-47, 49-47, 49-47) to claim the championship, blending North American power with Japanese precision in a bout that underscored the division's shift toward more balanced, versatile approaches while preserving its core emphasis on speed.[75][76][77] Iconic moments in the division include Zanolini's third-round knockout of Mohamed Mezouari in a 2017 Kunlun Fight qualifier, showcasing his signature speed-driven liver shots that echoed in RISE defenses, and Bey Noah's first-round head-kick knockout of an opponent in a 2019 exhibition bout, exemplifying the explosive transitions that defined the 2018-2022 era. These knockouts not only highlighted the welterweight's high-pace dynamics but also contrasted with the adjacent super lightweight division's lighter, more fluid exchanges.[78]Super Lightweight
The RISE Super Lightweight division operates at a 65 kg limit and emphasizes high-volume striking techniques, distinguishing it from the power-oriented Welterweight class above it. The division maintains dual championship variants: a world title for international competition and a standard Japanese title for domestic contenders, with both lineages originating in the late 2000s as RISE expanded its professional structure.[40] The world championship lineage has featured prominent defenses and transitions in recent years. Kosei Yamada captured the title in 2019 and held it through multiple defenses, including a successful outing against Naoki Tanaka in early 2022, before announcing his retirement later that year.[79][80] On December 25, 2022, at GLORY Rivals 4, Yamada lost the belt to Petchpanomrung Kiatmuu9 by unanimous decision (30-29, 30-29, 30-29) in a co-promoted bout that effectively unified the RISE title with Petchpanomrung's concurrent GLORY Featherweight championship.[81] Petchpanomrung made no formal defenses of the RISE belt before dropping it on December 16, 2023, at RISE World Series 2023 Final Round, where Australian striker Chadd Collins secured a unanimous decision victory (49-48 x3) in a five-round upset hailed for its intensity and Collins' resilience.[82] Collins, a multi-time world champion across Muay Thai and kickboxing promotions, has anchored the division since, with key defenses underscoring the title's prestige through 2024. On March 21, 2024, at RISE El Dorado 2024, he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Miguel Trindade in a non-title superfight, but retained the championship. Later that year, on December 21, 2024, at GLORY 97 x RISE World Series 2024 Final, Collins defeated Abraham Vidales by unanimous decision to mark a successful title defense amid the event's featherweight tournament focus.[83][77] In 2025, Collins continued his reign with a dramatic defense at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo on August 2, overcoming a first-round knockdown against challenger Kento Haraguchi to win by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-47) in a bout co-headlined under GLORY collaboration rules. No further title changes occurred at the RISE World Series 2025 Final on November 2, solidifying Collins' status as champion into late 2025.[36] To enhance regional depth and attract international talent, RISE integrated Open Finger Gloves (OFG) rules into the division starting in 2023, creating a parallel variant for bouts emphasizing grappling and clinch work alongside striking. The inaugural RISE OFG Super Lightweight title was contested on August 26, 2023, at RISE World Series 2nd Round, where YA-MAN (Ren Sugiyama) defeated Hiroto Yamaguchi to claim the belt. YA-MAN defended the OFG title in subsequent matches, including a high-profile loss to Miguel Trindade on March 29, 2025, at RISE El Dorado 2025, which highlighted the variant's role in cross-promotional exchanges.[27][84]Lightweight
The RISE Lightweight Championship at 63 kg was introduced in late 2010 as part of the promotion's efforts to broaden its competitive divisions, aligning with RISE's overall growth in popularity during the early 2010s through increased events and broader media exposure on platforms like Abema TV.[16] This period saw the division attract a mix of Japanese and international talent, elevating its profile within Japan's kickboxing landscape.[85] Yuki of Real Deal became the inaugural champion by defeating Koji Yoshimoto at RISE 73 on December 19, 2010, holding the title for over two years with one successful defense before losing it in early 2013.[86] The 2010s featured several notable reigns emphasizing technical kicking prowess, including that of South Korean fighter Lee Sung-hyun, who claimed the belt in a high-profile upset and made at least one defense, showcasing precise footwork and strategy that influenced the division's style.[87] Hiroshi Mizumachi followed as champion, capturing the title around 2014 and defending it before dropping it to Fukashi Mizutani at RISE 112 on July 30, 2016.[88] These reigns highlighted endurance-based bouts at 60-65 kg, distinguishing the lightweight class by prioritizing sustained technical exchanges over raw power.[89] Entering the 2020s, the championship underwent a vacancy in 2022, with Naoki Tanaka winning the vacant title in January that year and securing defenses against international challengers Jaroenchai Liongym and Taiju Shiratori, which helped solidify the division amid RISE's expanding global outreach.[90] Tanaka's reign ended when Kan Nakamura dethroned him via majority decision at RISE 167 on April 21, 2023, marking Nakamura's first world-level title.[89] Nakamura has since made successful defenses, including a knockout victory over Yuki Kasahara in a 2025 World Series semifinal bout that underscored the promotion's integration of tournament formats.[18] Pre-2025 cross-promotion bouts enriched the division, such as Nakamura's clashes with fighters from K-1 and GLORY affiliates, fostering rivalries that boosted visibility through joint events and shared talent pools.[36]Super Featherweight
The RISE super featherweight division, contested at 60 kg, serves as a vital transitional class that bridges the speed and power of lightweight with the high-intensity exchanges characteristic of featherweight, often preparing fighters for stardom in lower divisions through rigorous competition.[9] Introduced in 2011 to spotlight emerging talents in this weight range, the division quickly became a proving ground for prospects honing their skills for broader RISE success.[91] The title's evolution gained momentum with notable changes and defenses between 2020 and 2024, underscoring the class's growing competitiveness. South Korean kickboxer Chan Hyung Lee unified and captured the vacant title on November 23, 2017, at RISE 121, defeating Japan's Koudai Nobe by unanimous decision in the main event after a series of unification bouts.[92] Lee held the belt through a period of inactivity due to external commitments, returning for his first defense against Japan's interim champion Kazuma at RISE 160 on July 29, 2022, where he secured a fourth-round TKO victory via three knockdowns in a dominant performance.[93] Lee's second defense came against surging contender Hyuma Hitachi at RISE 164 on January 28, 2023, retaining the title via unanimous decision over six grueling rounds in a war of attrition that highlighted the division's endurance demands.[94] The reign ended on January 14, 2024, at RISE 175, when Japanese veteran Taiga Kawabe dethroned Lee by unanimous decision in a five-round slugfest, earning praise for his pressure fighting and marking a generational shift in the weight class. Kawabe vacated the title on January 21, 2025, to pursue opportunities in mixed martial arts, leaving the RISE Super Featherweight Championship vacant as of November 2025.[95][96] Significant cross-influences from women's divisions have shaped the super featherweight landscape, with female RISE competitors like those in adjacent flyweight and bantamweight classes inspiring technical adaptations in striking precision and footwork among male fighters.[42] Overall, the division's preparatory role is evident in how champions and contenders, such as those transitioning from super featherweight bouts, have fueled featherweight stars through shared training regimens and collaborative events, enhancing overall talent development in RISE.[75]Featherweight
The RISE featherweight division, contested at 57.5 kg, has produced some of the promotion's most dynamic and high-profile matchups, emphasizing technical striking and endurance in a weight class bridging lighter developmental categories and elite competition.[97] Tenshin Nasukawa emerged as a cornerstone figure in the division during the late 2010s, capturing the RISE World Featherweight Championship through his victory in the 2019 RISE World Series -58 kg Tournament final against Shiro via unanimous decision.[98] Nasukawa, undefeated in kickboxing at 42-0, defended the title in high-stakes bouts, including a rematch with rival Shiro at RISE Eldorado 2021, where he secured a unanimous decision win in a five-round war that highlighted their intense rivalry built on contrasting aggressive styles.[99] This feud, spanning multiple encounters, drew massive crowds and underscored Nasukawa's precision kicking and Shiro's relentless pressure, elevating the division's global appeal.[100] Following Nasukawa's transition to professional boxing in 2023, the title landscape shifted, with Keisuke Monguchi claiming the RISE Featherweight Championship on August 28, 2022, and holding it through successful defenses, including against top contenders in 2023.[101] Monguchi's reign featured gritty defenses that tested his Muay Thai-influenced clinch work against aggressive Japanese prospects.[102] In October 2024, Haruto Yasumoto dethroned Monguchi via unanimous decision in the main event of RISE 182, a high-paced, back-and-forth battle hailed as a fight-of-the-year contender for its non-stop exchanges and Yasumoto's late-round surge.[97] Nasukawa's influence extends through affiliates like his younger brother Ryujin Nasukawa, who has risen as a featherweight contender with a 13-fight winning streak, including victories in collaborative events.[36] The division's prominence surged in 2025 via the GLORY x RISE "Last Featherweight Standing" tournament, a landmark 24-man grand prix co-promoted across six events starting June 21, blending RISE's Japanese stars with GLORY's international talent to determine a unified champion.[103] This partnership, featuring opening-round bouts at RISE World Series 2025 Yokohama and concluding qualifiers at GLORY 102, intensified rivalries and exposed RISE fighters to global styles, culminating in heightened stakes for the world title.[34]Bantamweight
The RISE bantamweight division, contested at a limit of 55 kg, showcases fighters who leverage their smaller frames for exceptional precision in striking, particularly emphasizing devastating knee attacks in the clinch to control range and inflict damage, in contrast to the featherweight division's reliance on diverse, long-range kicking techniques. The RISE World Bantamweight Championship was introduced in 2023 to crown the promotion's top talent at 55 kg on the global stage. Shiro (Shiro Matsumoto of BeWELL Kickboxing Gym) became the inaugural champion on March 26, 2023, at RISE ELDORADO 2023, stopping Thailand's Dieselrek Wor. Wanchai via third-round knockout with a signature high kick after a tactical battle that highlighted Shiro's superior footwork and timing.[104] Shiro's first official defense came after an aborted attempt against Japan's Toki Tamaru (TEAM 3K) on March 17, 2024, at RISE ELDORADO 2024, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental head clash in the first round, preserving Shiro's reign without a verdict.[105] The rematch on September 10, 2024, at RISE World Series 2024 Yokohama unfolded as a high-stakes technical chess match, with Shiro edging out Tamaru by unanimous decision (49-47 x3) over five rounds through consistent pressure and counterstriking, though the fight drew criticism for its lack of fireworks.[106] Extending his reign into 2025, Shiro made his second successful defense against former Krush Super Bantamweight Champion Masashi Kumura on August 2, 2025, at RISE World Series 2025 Tokyo (co-promoted with GLORY), overwhelming Kumura with three knockdowns en route to a dominant unanimous decision (50-44 x3) that underscored his evolution as a complete striker.[36] As of November 2025, Shiro holds the title undefeated in world championship bouts, embodying the division's demand for meticulous technique amid intense international competition; the weight class's adjacency to super flyweight allows occasional crossover appeal for versatile lower-weight contenders.[40] Key bouts from the 2010s and 2020s in the broader bantamweight landscape, predating the world title, include Tenshin Nasukawa's 2015 knockout of Yuta Murakoshi to claim the RISE Japan Bantamweight Championship at age 16, signaling the division's rise in prominence, and Masahiko Suzuki's 2018 unanimous decision victory over Nasukawa to begin a five-year reign marked by gritty defenses like his 2020 war with Rui Ebata. These encounters established the class's reputation for high-level technical exchanges, paving the way for the world title's inception.[107]Super Flyweight
The RISE Super Flyweight division, contested at 53 kg, has become a showcase for agile strikers who prioritize speed, precise combinations, and evasive footwork over brute force, allowing for high-volume exchanges and technical mastery in bouts. This emphasis on mobility has elevated the class since its introduction, drawing fighters capable of seamless transitions between striking ranges and contributing to RISE's reputation for exciting lower-weight action.[108] The inaugural RISE Super Flyweight championship bout occurred on November 2, 2018, at a Tokyo event, where Toki Tamaru defeated Azusa Kaneko by decision to claim the title and establish the division's competitive foundation.[109] Tamaru, known for his versatile Muay Thai-influenced style, defended the belt successfully against challengers like Jin Mandokoro in May 2019, retaining it via unanimous decision in a closely contested five-rounder that highlighted the division's tactical depth.[110] However, on September 4, 2020, Kazuki Osaki dethroned Tamaru with a unanimous decision victory, capturing the title and ushering in an era of dominant performances by speed-oriented contenders.[109] Osaki also secured the concurrent ISKA World Oriental Rules Flyweight title on April 21, 2023, illustrating the division's overlap with adjacent classes.[109] Post-2020 title changes reflected the division's intensity, with Osaki mounting an impressive reign marked by key defenses. In October 2022, he retained against Kazane in their rematch via unanimous decision, overcoming a resilient challenger in a five-round war that solidified his status as a pound-for-pound talent.[111] A pivotal non-title clash came on August 26, 2023, during the RISE World Series 54 kg tournament semifinals, where Tamaru reclaimed momentum by defeating Osaki via majority decision (30-29, 30-29, 29-29), ending Osaki's 19-fight win streak in a bout praised for its technical brilliance.[108][112] By March 2024, Tamaru held the RISE Super Flyweight title alongside the Flyweight crown, exemplifying the division's integration with the 51 kg class, where versatile athletes like him compete across both to maximize opportunities and refine hybrid skills.[113] Osaki regained the title later in 2024, defending it against Jin Mandokoro in a grueling five-round decision that earned acclaim as a potential fight of the year for its back-and-forth aggression.[114] On October 22, 2024, Osaki vacated the belt to challenge for the newly created RISE World Super Flyweight championship, paving the way for the division's global elevation.[115] The world title's inaugural defense occurred on May 11, 2025, at RISE Fire Ball Nagoya, where Osaki demolished Corey Nicholson via fifth-round knockout (punches at 1:24), securing the vacant crown and affirming the rise of elite agile strikers in RISE's expanding international framework.[41][116] This victory, part of Osaki's broader accolades including ISKA honors, underscores the super flyweight's role in bridging Japanese domestic excellence with worldwide competition.Flyweight
The flyweight division in RISE, encompassing the 50-52 kg range for male competitors, represents the promotion's lightest professional weight class, emphasizing speed, technical precision, and high-volume striking in compact frames. Introduced in 2015 to accommodate emerging lighter talents previously competing in amateur circuits like NJKF, the division featured its inaugural bouts as non-title matches, allowing fighters to showcase endurance in three-round formats against super flyweight crossovers.[117] Early appearances highlighted the class's potential for rapid exchanges, with prospects like Yugo from FLY SKY GYM drawing attention for their transitional skills from sub-50 kg amateur rules.[117] The division's formal evolution accelerated in the early 2020s, culminating in the establishment of the RISE Flyweight Championship (-51.5 kg) through a four-man tournament in 2022, addressing the growing demand for dedicated lightest-weight title contention. The inaugural final at RISE 162 on October 30, 2022, pitted former super flyweight champion Toki Tamaru against undefeated prospect Riku "God Left" Kazushima in a grueling five-round endurance test, where Tamaru's pressure fighting was countered by Kazushima's counterstriking, ultimately resulting in Tamaru's unanimous decision victory after 15 minutes of sustained action.[118][119] Tamaru, who had vacated his super flyweight title in 2020 to pursue multi-division opportunities, exemplified early crossovers between the adjacent classes, bridging the 51.5 kg limit with super flyweight's 53 kg boundary through shared training regimens and stylistic adaptations. His reign, however, remained defense-free as he vacated the belt in September 2023 to target bantamweight progression.[120] Subsequent 2020s developments underscored the division's dynamism and appeal to young phenoms, with the vacant title contested at RISE 172 on October 29, 2023, between Kazushima and challenger Tenshi Matsumoto in another five-round battle that tested cardiovascular limits through relentless leg kicks and body work, ending in Kazushima's unanimous decision win to claim the championship.[121] Kazushima's tenure featured non-title bouts against international foes like Khunsuk PetchyindeeAcademy, further honing the division's reputation for attrition-style defenses amid RISE's global outreach.[122] The class saw its latest shift on November 23, 2024, at RISE 183, when 18-year-old Ryujin Nasukawa, younger brother of RISE legend Tenshin Nasukawa, captured the title via first-round knockout against Kazushima, signaling a generational handover and injecting fresh hype into the 50-52 kg bracket's future.[123] This rapid champion turnover, coupled with crossover influences from super flyweight, has positioned flyweight as a proving ground for RISE's next wave of technical strikers.Women's divisions
The RISE Queen Championship serves as the promotion's premier open-weight title for women, established on November 23, 2011, when Rena Kubota defeated Erika Kamimura via third-round TKO to become the inaugural champion.[124] This title has featured prominent reigns, including Kubota's initial defense streak and later notable champions like Hinata Terayama, who won the 2020 Queen of Queens Tournament—a single-elimination event that boosted visibility for top female talent across weight classes.[125] To expand its women's roster, RISE introduced weight-specific championships starting in 2019 with the Atomweight (-46 kg) and Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) divisions, both crowned through tournaments that highlighted emerging Japanese prospects like Momi Furuta in atomweight.[51] The Flyweight (-52 kg) title followed in 2021, with early defenses showcasing international competition, such as Tessa de Kom's successful reign beginning in 2023.[51] In 2023, the Bantamweight (-55 kg) division was added via a four-woman tournament at RISE 168, where Yuka Murakami emerged as the first champion before Seina claimed the belt later that year.[51] Post-2020, women's divisions experienced marked growth in participation and event prominence, driven by initiatives like the all-women's RISE Girls Power series, which culminated in the first female-only Korakuen Hall card in 26 years on August 14, 2021, headlined by Terayama.[125] This period saw increased fighter depth, with key reigns such as Arina Kobayashi's eight defenses in mini flyweight from 2023 to 2025, solidifying her as a dominant force before her upset loss to Mei Miyamoto at RISE FireBall in May 2025.[126] Koyuki Miyazaki's 13-fight win streak and multiple atomweight title defenses further exemplified the rising competitive level.[52] In 2025, women's divisions gained mainstream attention through high-profile crossovers, including WWE superstar IYO SKY (Masami Odate) facing STARDOM's Mayu Iwatani in the main event of RISE World Series 2025 Final on November 2, drawing record viewership and bridging professional wrestling with kickboxing.[127] Additional highlights included de Kom's second flyweight title defense against Manazo Kobayashi at RISE 189 in June and ongoing tournaments that continued to elevate female athletes.[43]Tournaments
GLORY RISE collaborations
The collaboration between RISE and GLORY Kickboxing began with a partnership announcement on January 5, 2022, enabling cross-promotion and fighter exchanges between the two organizations.[128] This initial agreement laid the groundwork for minor crossovers, including the extension of the partnership in January 2024, which introduced unified rankings, standardized rules, and an 8-man featherweight Grand Prix held on December 21, 2024, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.[129] The 2024 event featured fighters from both promotions competing for prestige and potential title implications, marking the first significant inter-promotional tournament but on a smaller scale compared to subsequent initiatives.[9] The partnership escalated in 2025 with the announcement of the "GLORY x RISE: Last Featherweight Standing" tournament on March 13, 2025, a landmark 24-fighter single-elimination event divided equally between 12 GLORY representatives and 12 from RISE, all competing at the 65 kg (featherweight) limit.[21] Structured across six events to build anticipation and showcase international talent, the tournament commenced on June 21, 2025, at the BUNTAI Yokohama arena in Japan during the co-branded GLORY 101 and RISE World Series 2025 Yokohama, where opening-round bouts eliminated half the field, including notable victories such as RISE's Hiroki Kasahara defeating Lompetch BeastGym by unanimous decision.[130] Subsequent rounds progressed at events like GLORY 102 x RISE Tokyo on August 2, 2025, advancing fighters including GLORY's Denis Wosik and RISE's Yura Kono via decisions and knockouts.[36] By November 2025, the tournament had reached the second round, highlighted by intense matchups at the RISE World Series 2025 Final on November 2, 2025, where Kasahara again advanced after dropping Taiju Shiratori twice in an extra round to secure his progression.[131] Other key advancements included GLORY's Berjan Peposhi outpointing Aitor Ibanez at GLORY 104 on October 11, 2025, underscoring the tournament's role in elevating cross-promotional rivalries.[132] As of November 2025, the competition remains ongoing, with remaining rounds leading to a 4-man one-night finale designed to crown the ultimate featherweight champion, unifying recognition across both promotions and potentially influencing RISE's featherweight title lineage by granting the victor a mandatory defense opportunity against the RISE champion.[21] This collaboration has significantly boosted RISE's global visibility, fostering deeper integration of talent pools and setting precedents for future joint title stakes.[133]World Series events
The RISE World Series is an annual kickboxing tournament format introduced by the promotion in 2019, designed to showcase elite competition across multiple weight classes through a series of qualifiers and elimination rounds leading to grand prix finals.[134] The structure emphasizes high-stakes bouts, often featuring both Japanese and international fighters, with tournaments spanning several events to determine champions in divisions such as strawweight, flyweight, and lightweight categories.[135] This multi-stage approach builds anticipation, culminating in a final event where titleholders are crowned via unanimous decisions, knockouts, or other decisive outcomes.[82] The inaugural 2019 edition kicked off with a first-round event in March and concluded in September at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, where Tenshin Nasukawa defeated rival Shiro by unanimous decision to claim the 58 kg tournament crown.[135] In the same final round, Taiju Shiratori secured the 61 kg title, highlighting the series' early focus on rising Japanese stars in compact three-round formats extendable by one round.[136] These victories established the World Series as a premier platform for RISE's lightweight and super featherweight talents. Subsequent iterations refined the format, incorporating broader international participation and larger prize pools, such as the ¥10 million offered in 2023.[85] The 2023 series featured qualifiers across three rounds, ending in December with Chadd Collins delivering a major upset by outpointing favored Thai fighter Petchpanomrung Kiatmoo9 via unanimous decision in the bantamweight grand prix final.[137] Toki Tamaru also emerged victorious in the 54 kg division, defeating Kumandoi Petchyindee by unanimous decision, underscoring the tournament's competitive depth.[82] In 2025, the World Series progressed through key qualifiers, including the Yokohama event on June 21 at BUNTAI Yokohama, where Ryujin Nasukawa captured the inaugural ISKA K-1 World strawweight title against Hamada Azmani by unanimous decision, while Kan Nakamura and Pengjie Yuan advanced in the -61.5 kg bracket.[18] The series concluded with the Tokyo Final on November 2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, where Nakamura defeated Yuan by unanimous decision over four rounds to win the -61.5 kg tournament.[10] Additional finals saw Yura knock out Sumiya Ito in the first round at 66 kg (146 lbs), resulting in two tournament victories that refreshed divisional landscapes.[10] Over time, the World Series has evolved from its 2019 origins by integrating more global matchups and extended round structures, solidifying its role as RISE's flagship competitive showcase.[138]Dead or Alive tournaments
The Dead or Alive tournaments in RISE represent a high-stakes, single-elimination kickboxing series designed as a survival-style competition, where participants battle through multiple bouts in one night under standard RISE rules—three three-minute rounds with one- or two-round extensions as needed—to crown a champion and often determine title challengers.[139] Originally launched in 2003 as an end-of-year event focused on the welterweight division (-70 kg), the format emphasized intense, do-or-die matchups within kickboxing parameters, without deviations to no-rules elements.[140] After a hiatus following 2007, the series was revived in 2017, expanding to lightweight (-55 to -63 kg) and super flyweight (-53 kg) classes, maintaining its reputation for showcasing emerging talents in rapid, high-pressure brackets.| Year | Event | Weight Class | Champion | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | RISE 121 (Tokyo, November 23) | -57 kg (lightweight) | Taiki Naito | Ext. R4 KO (left straight) vs. Kohei Kodera (0:58) |
| 2020 | DEAD OR ALIVE Yokohama (Yokohama, October 11) | -63 kg (welterweight) | Kento Haraguchi | R1 KO (punches) vs. Naoki Tanaka (2:54)[139] |
| 2020 | DEAD OR ALIVE Osaka (Osaka, November 1) | -55 kg (lightweight) | Shiro | Unanimous decision vs. Taiju Shiratori (final; three-round bracket)[141] |
| 2021 | World Series Yokohama (Yokohama, September 23) | -53 kg (super flyweight/lightweight adjacent) | Kazane | Decision vs. Shiro (final; four-man semifinal bracket integrated into event)[142] |