Rizin Flyweight Division Can Compete with UFC, Claims Champion Hiromasa Ougikubo

At 38, Hiromasa Ougikubo continues to defy age, firmly establishing himself among the world's top flyweights. Having recently secured both the Rizin flyweight championship and the RFF 125-pound Grand Prix title, Ougikubo shared his secret to maintaining such a high level of performance and longevity in the sport:

"Adapting my training methods according to my age is key to my sustained career. For instance, my sparring sessions during fight camps have been reduced by almost half compared to my younger days. This minimizes the wear and tear and damage to my body, preventing cumulative stress from practice and sparring. I also prioritize extensive stretching."

Ougikubo's impressive career also includes a victory in the Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix in 2021. Reflecting on the significance of winning Grand Prix championships in different weight categories, he commented:

"Winning the bantamweight Grand Prix in 2021 was significant, even though bantamweight isn't my natural division. However, securing major titles in my own weight class truly validates my career achievements and brings a sense of completion to my journey."

Hiromasa Ougikubo: "Rizin Flyweight Division is On Par with UFC's"

Ougikubo humorously noted the absence of a marriage proposal, a memorable moment that followed his 2021 Rizin Fighting Federation Grand Prix victory, after his recent RFF NYE 2025 Grand Prix win:

"Unlike last time, there was no proposal. I had hoped to bring my family into the ring post-fight, but it didn't materialize. Nevertheless, the final bout against Yuki Motoya was truly exceptional. We left everything in the ring, going head-to-head, toe-to-toe, and fighting with immense spirit. Winning such a tough, gritty battle meant a great deal to me. But ultimately, securing that championship belt around my waist was the most significant achievement."

Considering flyweight (125 pounds) his natural division, and participating in Japan's iconic New Year's Eve show, a deeply traditional event, Ougikubo commented on the immense significance of his victory on such a grand platform:

"It was undoubtedly a monumental moment and a significant accomplishment. Moving forward, my ambition is to elevate the prestige of the Rizin flyweight belt. As champion, my ultimate goal is to establish Rizin's flyweight division as a legitimate competitor to the UFC's. I want to ensure that everyone recognizes the Rizin flyweight division's competitive caliber is absolutely on par with the UFC's."