There’s nothing like seeing a superb grappler grow to be a harmful striker in MMA.
That has been the case with RIZIN light-weight champion Robert “Satoshi” de Souza since he entered the game in October 2013. Nevertheless, he took issues to a complete new degree along with his first-round TKO of Keita Nakamura at RIZIN Landmark 9 final month (March 23, 2024).
The BJJ wizard Satoshi wanted lower than two minutes to place away his formidable and seasoned foe. Nakamura — an 11-fight UFC veteran (36-12-2, 1 NC general) — had solely been completed twice earlier than his encounter with the RIZIN champion, the earlier TKO of the 2 being 16 years outdated. No grappling engagements have been even hinted at on this battle for Satoshi. A newly reinvented and comfortable-looking striker, Satoshi channeled his inside Charles Oliveira for the matchup.
“I labored so exhausting,” Satoshi informed MMA Mania on BROADENED HORIZIN. “I used to be so targeted for this. I do know lots of people thought he was going to beat me within the placing, however I skilled so exhausting for this. I skilled with my placing coach [RIZIN featherweight champion] Chihiro Suzuki, he helped me rather a lot on this. He coached me for my kicks and I do know he’s a southpaw, which is completely different, however I skilled so exhausting with the kick on the within, the pinnacle kick.
“That is humorous, however I watched a variety of Charles Oliveira’s battle with Beneil Dariush. Within the time I give the kick is slightly bit identical when Charles Oliveira provides the kick to Dariush, too. I skilled for this to get a shock for everyone. I feel lots of people assume I simply do one, two, or three punches and go to takedown. This time, I skilled for this.”
The ending sequence from Satoshi wasn’t equivalent to the previous UFC champion’s first-round stoppage of Dariush at UFC 289 final 12 months (watch highlights), however it was equally as spectacular. The 34-year-olds can draw a variety of parallels from one another because of their related strengths, and relating to kicks particularly, there’s no worry when one thing will get caught and results in floor warfare.
Nakamura acted as Satoshi’s rebound victory after a troublesome brief discover third-round TKO loss to Patricky “Pitbull” Freire final July. In 2024, the Sao Paulo, Brazil native hopes to rack up as many title defenses as he can. That probably begins with one other all-action matchup in opposition to his fellow countryman and always-dangerous Wanderlei Silva protege, Luiz “Killer” Gustavo.
“I feel it’s Luiz Gustavo,” Satoshi stated. “He deserves it. 4 fights gained [in a row]. I don’t know although. I feel in his final battle he damage his hand so I don’t know if he can prepare quickly. As a result of he bought damage, possibly Patricky, however Patricky’s within the match in PFL now. That makes it exhausting, too. Then I consider A.J. [McKee] as a result of he’s in Bellator and PFL, he’s not within the match.
“Within the RIZIN guys, I feel it’s Gustavo. He’s a superb striker, gonna be a enjoyable march, and for me, it’s gonna be a pleasant battle, too.”
Watch the total episode within the video embedded above, or hearken to it on Spotify.
