Chihiro Suzuki, after defeating Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull in a non-title match, anticipates increased popularity as Pitbull ascends in the UFC, while focusing on his upcoming RIZIN 50 bout and expressing willingness to join the UFC if fans support it, all while training with former rival Kleber Koike to improve his skills.
Chihiro Suzuki achieved a career-defining victory by knocking out Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull in July 2023. This non-title match win is expected to boost his popularity as Pitbull ascends the UFC rankings.
Pitbull, a former two-division Bellator champ with a win over Suzuki’s rival Kleber Koike, embarks on a new journey. On April 12, he faces Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, potentially a title eliminator bout. Meanwhile, Suzuki gears up for RIZIN 50 against Karshyga Dautbek, confidently predicting a bright UFC future for Pitbull.
“I think he’s going to do great,” Suzuki shared with MMA Fighting through an interpreter. “He’s got tremendous credentials and accomplishments.” Despite their past encounter, Suzuki acknowledges Pitbull’s potential success.
Suzuki’s RIZIN journey has been impressive, boasting an 8-2 record with one no-contest. He’s secured titles over Masanori Kanehara and Vugar Karamov. “The more Pitbull wins, the more my stock rises,” Suzuki noted. Success on a big stage naturally boosts value across competitive sports.
RIZIN fighters have transitioned to the UFC before, like Kai Asakura challenging for flyweight gold in 2024. Rumors swirl about Kyoji Horiguchi’s return to the promotion. Suzuki remains open to switching if it benefits all involved.
“It depends on the RIZIN fans,” Suzuki explained. If they wish to see him in the UFC, he’d consider it. But if they prefer him staying in RIZIN, that’s where he’ll remain.
Focused on his upcoming fight with Dautbek in Kagawa, Suzuki predicts a first-round knockout. “I’ve done it before,” he said confidently. Knocking out a world champion like Pitbull fuels his belief in repeating such feats.
In December, Suzuki lost a thrilling three-round war defending his 145-pound belt against Koike. He learned valuable lessons about ground game depth from that bout. To become a complete fighter, he sought training with Koike and Roberto Satoshi.
“I need to learn from the champion to beat the champion,” Suzuki emphasized. His immediate thought was to improve by learning from someone who had bested him.
Suzuki doesn’t dismiss the idea of a trilogy match with Koike but only after dealing with “international invaders” in RIZIN’s featherweight division. Initially unconcerned about fighting each other post-training, his perspective shifted as they bonded.
“We’re united against international fighters invading RIZIN,” Suzuki stated. They aim to fend off these challengers before considering another bout between them.
“If we must fight again,” he continued, “we’ll showcase real sportsmanship.” Amidst MMA’s trash talk and controversy culture, Suzuki believes there’s room to display respect and skill exchange between martial artists.