Luis Gustavo wins RIZIN lightweight title with first-round knockout of Ilhom Nazimov

RIZIN 53 crowned a new lightweight champion as Luis Gustavo knocked out Ilhom Nazimov in the first round to capture the title. The event featured multiple finishes, including Ryo Takagi knocking out Kaiven Lee in round one, and Shinobu Ota submitting Yuto Hokamura with an arm triangle in the second round. Ryan Cafaro secured a third-round guillotine victory over Koyomi Matsushima, while Daiki Tsubota submitted Genji Umeno with a triangle choke in round one. Several other fights went to decision, including Keito Oyama defeating Katie Perez by unanimous decision. The card also featured several kickboxing bouts that went the distance, with winners including Yushi, Hinata Kitano, and Shota all earning unanimous decisions.