In Brief
- Danny Sabatello (19-4-1) retained his Rizin bantamweight title by knocking out Jinnosuke Kashimura (12-6) in the third round, in just 40 seconds, at Rizin Landmark 15 in Hiroshima.
- It marked the second successful defense for the American champion, who is now eyeing a place in Rizin history with a fourth title defense in a single year.
- Stunned by a right hook, Kashimura remained unconscious and was carried out of the cage on a stretcher.
- Sabatello announced his intention to defend his title again at Super Rizin 5, on September 10 in Osaka.
Danny Sabatello delivered one of the finest performances of his career on Saturday in Hiroshima, Japan, retaining his Rizin Fighting Federation bantamweight title against Jinnosuke Kashimura at Rizin Landmark 15. Long pegged as a one-dimensional wrestler, the American this time dominated both on the ground and on the feet, before ending the fight with a brutal knockout in the third round.
The first round was not an easy one for the champion, though. Kashimura (12-6, 2-2 in Rizin) took the initiative with a head kick followed by a left hook, before attempting a takedown that backfired: Sabatello reversed the position to end up on top. The Japanese challenger then worked his way out with a reverse triangle choke, briefly trapping the champion, who eventually broke free without giving up the position.
Back on the feet, Sabatello (19-4-1, 5-0 in Rizin) dropped Kashimura with a right hook before looking for the finish with soccer kicks and punches, though he could not close it out before the end of the first round. A Bellator and PFL veteran before joining Rizin, the American showed in that standup exchange a side rarely associated with his usual style, better known for ground control.
The second round followed a similar pattern, with Kashimura again attempting a reverse triangle choke on the ground, this time anticipated by the champion, who managed to stand back up. When the Japanese fighter pulled guard, Sabatello stayed on top, hammering his opponent’s ribs and face while denying him any opening for a submission.
Kashimura tried once more to bring the fight to the ground in the third round, but Sabatello refused to take the bait, forcing his opponent back to his feet. That is when the champion landed what he himself called the best punch of his eight-year professional career: a massive right hook that sent Kashimura, unconscious, collapsing backward. The KO was officially recorded at 40 seconds into the third round. Kashimura had to be carried out of the cage on a stretcher.
After his win, Sabatello expressed his ambition to become the first fighter to make four title defenses in a single year within Rizin, and announced his intention to get back on the scale quickly to fight at Super Rizin 5, in September, an event that will also host the historic double-title fight between AJ McKee and Razhabali Shaidulloev.
In the co-main event, featherweight Karshyga Dautbek (19-3, 1 NC) defeated Kyohei Hagiwara (9-12, 1 NC) after a cautious first round, with both men taking four minutes before a decisive exchange turned the fight.
FAQ
How Did Danny Sabatello End the Fight Against Kashimura?
With a devastating right hook landed 40 seconds into the third round, after dominating most of the standup and ground exchanges.
What Is Danny Sabatello’s Record After This Win?
His record now stands at 19 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw, including a perfect 5-0 run since joining Rizin.
What Is Next for the Champion?
Sabatello wants to defend his title again at Super Rizin 5, on September 10 in Osaka, to become the first fighter to make four title defenses in Rizin in a single year.
