Rizin: Hiromasa Ougikubo Believes Its Flyweight Division Can Rival UFC's

At 38, Hiromasa Ougikubo continues to defy expectations, proving that age is merely a number as he remains one of the world's top flyweights. After securing both the Rizin flyweight title and winning the RFF 125-pound Grand Prix, Ougikubo shared his secret to sustained success in a highly demanding sport.

"Adapting my training methods to my age is key to my longevity," Ougikubo explained. "For instance, I've significantly reduced my sparring sessions during fight camps – by almost half compared to my younger days. This minimizes wear and tear and damage to my body. I also prioritize extensive stretching, preventing the cumulative impact of practice and sparring."

Ougikubo's impressive achievements also include winning the Rizin bantamweight Grand Prix in 2021. Reflecting on the significance of claiming RFF Grand Prix championships across multiple weight divisions, he stated:

"When I won the bantamweight Grand Prix in 2021, bantamweight wasn't my natural weight class. So, being able to secure significant titles in my true weight class (flyweight) truly validates everything I've strived for throughout my career. It feels like a definitive conclusion to a chapter."

Ougikubo Asserts, "Rizin flyweight division is no less than the UFC’s flyweight division"

Jokingly referencing the absence of a marriage proposal after his RFF NYE 2025 grand prix victory, unlike his 2021 triumph, Ougikubo light-heartedly commented:

"Of course, there wasn't a proposal this time. While I wanted to bring my family into the ring after the fight, it didn't happen. However, the final bout against Yuki Motoya was an incredible contest. We both left everything in the ring, going head-to-head, toe-to-toe. It was a spirited, gritty fight, and winning such a challenging encounter means a great deal to me. But, above all, having that belt around my waist was the ultimate reward."

Considering the monumental moment of his win in his natural weight category at Japan's celebrated New Year’s Eve event, Ougikubo expressed his aspirations:

"It was an undeniable great moment and a significant accomplishment. My immediate goal is to continue elevating the prestige of the Rizin flyweight belt. As champion, I aim to establish Rizin’s flyweight division as a direct competitor to the UFC’s flyweight division. I want to ensure that people recognize and understand that the level of competition in Rizin's flyweight division is every bit as strong as the UFC's."