Kleber Koike Erbst Defeats Chihiro Suzuki Atop Title Tripleheader at Rizin 49 'Decade'

Kleber Koike Erbst regained the Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight championship on December 31, 2024, defeating Chihiro Suzuki by unanimous decision in Saitama, Japan.

Despite facing early strikes from Suzuki, Koike took control by showcasing his grappling skills, sweeping into dominant positions and threatening with submission attempts throughout the fight.

Judges favored Koike after he demonstrated superior grappling and striking, with a particularly impressive performance in the third round, ultimately leading to a decisive unanimous decision victory.

This victory marks a significant comeback for Koike, who had previously been stripped of the title due to a weight miss, solidifying his status in the featherweight division.

Read at Sherdog