Luiz Gustavo knocks out Ilhom Nazimov to win lightweight title at Rizin 53

"Luiz Gustavo captured Rizin lightweight gold on Sunday. After close to eight years on the roster, Luiz Gustavo's dream of becoming a Rizin Fighting Federation world champion was at last realized on Sunday at Rizin 53 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. Gustavo brutally knocked out Ilhom Nazimov in the first round to become the new Rizin lightweight champion in his 12th fight for the promotion."

"Early on, Nazimov cut off the ring very well and prevented Gustavo from using any lateral movement. Nazimov landed two spinning back kicks to Gustavo's upper body and seemed to be comfortable in the striking exchanges. That changed soon after, however, as Gustavo landed a thunderous right hook that sent Nazimov crashing to the mat. Gustavo immediately pounced on his downed foe and bounced his head off of the canvas with four follow-up punches for the knockout victory at the 2:08 mark of Round 1."

"It might not take too long to find out who will be Gustavo's first title challenger. During an intermission, former lightweight champ Roberto Satoshi de Souza - who stopped Gustavo in just 21 seconds at Rizin 48 - was announced to be making his return to action this summer. De Souza's title reign ended on New Year's Eve when he was knocked out by Nazimov. However, with de Souza holding a quick win over new champion Gustavo, a rematch could be the route that Rizin pursues in the coming months."

Luiz Gustavo became the new Rizin lightweight champion after nearly eight years on the promotion’s roster. He knocked out Ilhom Nazimov in the first round at 2:08, delivering a right hook that sent Nazimov to the mat and then four follow-up punches to secure the victory. Nazimov initially controlled the early exchanges by cutting off the ring and limiting Gustavo’s lateral movement, landing spinning back kicks and appearing comfortable in striking. Gustavo’s decisive counter changed the fight’s direction quickly. Roberto Satoshi de Souza, a former lightweight champion who previously stopped Gustavo in 21 seconds, was announced to return this summer, with a rematch possibility after de Souza’s title reign ended when he was knocked out by Nazimov.

Read at Sherdog