Laramie Becomes First Non-Japanese Rizin Flyweight Champion

Tony Laramie became the first non-Japanese flyweight champion in Rizin history after surviving a bloody main event against Makoto Takahashi at Rizin 55 in Chiba on Sunday. The Canadian outgrappled the defending titleholder across three grueling rounds to claim a split decision, according to Sherdog.

Takahashi dropped Laramie with a right uppercut inside 30 seconds, but the challenger recovered to secure a takedown and threaten two rear-naked chokes from back control. The defending champion, known as Shinryu, escaped the submission attempts and landed knees and stomps while Laramie hunted for an armbar.

Laramie Survives Cuts to Secure Historic Title

A standing elbow in the final round opened a second gash along Laramie's hairline, sending blood across the canvas and forcing a doctor stoppage. Laramie reportedly pleaded to continue and was cleared to finish the fight. He controlled Takahashi on the mat for the final two-plus minutes and landed right hands. Two judges scored the bout 29-28 for Laramie, while one had it 29-28 for Takahashi.

Laramie improved to 14-3 overall and 5-1 in Rizin, while Takahashi fell to 23-6-1. The new champion could defend against Yuki Ito on New Year's Eve if his cuts heal in time — Ito defeated Laramie by decision in March 2025.

In the co-main event, Kyrgyz prospect Yrysbek Tilenov earned a unanimous decision over former bantamweight champion Naoki Inoue to secure a title shot against Danny Sabatello next month in Nagoya. Tilenov weathered a knockdown in the second round before grounding Inoue and controlling the final stanza with hammerfists from top position.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Tony Laramie makes Rizin history in bloody split decision at Rizin 55