Aoki Returns to RIZIN After 11 Years for Asakura Showdown on Sept. 10

Shinya Aoki, a former ONE Championship lightweight champion, is returning to RIZIN for the first time in 11 years to face Mikuru Asakura on September 10 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The 71 kg catchweight bout headlines a stacked card that includes a historic dual-title featherweight match between RIZIN champion Razhabali Shaidulloev and former Bellator champion AJ McKee. Aoki’s comeback comes after his ONE contract expired in May 2026.

Aoki’s Emotional Return After 11 Years Away

Aoki last competed in RIZIN on December 29, 2015, when he faced Kazushi Sakuraba. Since then, he spent over a decade with ONE Championship, where he won the lightweight title in 2013 and defended it twice before losing to Eduardo Folayang in 2016. At the July 20 press conference, Aoki said, “I’m ashamed but I’m coming back. I want to finish things properly.” He added that he initially planned to retire from ONE but felt compelled to continue. “I want to do this without regrets,” he stated.

The Asakura Matchup and Weight Class Details

The fight is set at 71 kg under RIZIN MMA rules for five minutes per round across three rounds. Asakura, a former THE OUTSIDER champion, requested the weight class and told RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakihara that he would accept any opponent the promotion chose. Sakakihara explained that Aoki’s ONE contract expiration was awaited before the formal offer was made on July 17. The bout echoes a 2015 RIZIN opening-night classic between Aoki and Sakuraba at 78 kg, suggesting the promotion views this as a legacy moment for the veteran fighter.

Historic Dual-Title Featherweight Championship

The main event features RIZIN featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev facing former Bellator champion AJ McKee in a dual-title unification bout. The match will be contested under RIZIN rules at 66 kg for five minutes per round. Sakakihara said the bout represents an opportunity to elevate RIZIN’s presence in North America. McKee will earn substantial fight money despite Japan’s weak yen, though Sakakihara expressed confidence that fan attendance will justify the cost. If Shaidulloev wins and remains undefeated, his profile could rise enough to attract UFC interest.

Full Card and Venue Details

The event, officially titled “ANGEL CHAMPAGNE presents Super RIZIN.5 Osaka Super Comeback Festival,” takes place September 10 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. Eight fights are confirmed, with additional bouts expected. Other notable matchups include Ren Hiramoto facing Karshyga Dautbek at 66 kg, and Yuki Motoya versus Roberto Satoshi Souza at 71 kg. Fighter Chiyoji Suzuki withdrew due to a rib fracture requiring two and a half months recovery. General ticket sales began July 12.

Final Thoughts

Aoki’s return signals RIZIN’s confidence in attracting legacy matchups that blend nostalgia with competitive intrigue. For investors in combat sports media, the dual-title format and international star power suggest strong viewership potential on September 10.

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