Chiharu Prepares for Hiroaki Suzuki | RIZIN 55 Documentary
Fighting NEXUS featherweight champion Chiharu prepares for the biggest opportunity of his MMA career in RIZIN's Preparation documentary series. The 25-year-old Japanese prospect makes his promotional debut against veteran striker Hiroaki Suzuki at RIZIN 55 on November 8, 2026. This behind-the-scenes feature follows Chiharu's journey toward the Japanese promotion after seven consecutive professional victories.
The matchup is part of a major RIZIN Fighting Federation card at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY, headlined by Makoto Shinryu's flyweight championship defense against Tony Laramie.
Chiharu's preparation for his RIZIN debut against Hiroaki Suzuki
Chiharu enters RIZIN with a 7-1 professional MMA record, having recovered from a disqualification loss in his August 2023 debut to win seven straight fights. Five of those victories came by stoppage.
His most recent appearance was a first-round submission of Masahiro Takasu on July 3, 2026, at NEXUS MANIA. Chiharu secured a rear-naked choke at 2:52 to claim the vacant Fighting NEXUS featherweight championship.
The victory also brought his long-standing ambition of competing in RIZIN closer to reality. After winning the belt, Chiharu publicly appealed to promotion president Nobuyuki Sakakibara, who was watching from ringside. His first RIZIN appearance was subsequently confirmed against Suzuki.
Chiharu's fighting background is particularly interesting. He began studying judo at age 10 before developing his striking under former Shooto world champion Rambaa Somdet M16. He later competed in underground fighting events before establishing himself in professional MMA.
His recent performances have demonstrated a more complete game than his aggressive reputation might suggest. Alongside knockout victories, Chiharu has shown an ability to attack submissions and transition from clinch exchanges into dominant grappling positions.
In an October interview, he discussed the work he has put into clinch control, takedowns and back takes. Those skills could prove important against an established striker like Suzuki.
Hiroaki Suzuki: An experienced test for the NEXUS champion
Hiroaki Suzuki enters the November 8 contest riding three consecutive RIZIN victories. The veteran, known as "Kaibutsu-kun," has extensive experience in kickboxing and MMA and has increasingly found himself facing younger prospects attempting to establish their names.
For Chiharu, Suzuki represents a substantial step up in competition. The matchup is scheduled for three five-minute rounds at 66 kg under RIZIN MMA rules.
Although both fighters are comfortable exchanging strikes, Chiharu's judo background and developing submission game add another dimension to the contest. Suzuki's experience and ability to withstand pressure make him a difficult opponent for a newcomer hoping to make an immediate impression.
The fight also reflects a wider theme surrounding RIZIN 55: emerging fighters attempting to establish themselves against established names on the Japanese MMA scene.
RIZIN 55 preview: Shinryu vs. Laramie and the supporting card
The event's main attraction is the flyweight championship fight between Makoto Shinryu and Tony Laramie.
Reigning champion Makoto Shinryu makes his first title defense against Canadian challenger Tony Laramie. The championship contest is scheduled for three five-minute rounds at 57 kg.
The bantamweight division also features several notable matchups. Former RIZIN champion Naoki Inoue faces Yrysbek Tilenov in a 61 kg contest, while Ryuya Fukuda meets Soo Chul Kim in another important bantamweight fight.
At lightweight, South Korea's Kyung Pyo Kim takes on Kazakhstan's Nurkhan Zhumagazy. Their 71 kg matchup adds international competition to a card otherwise heavily focused on Japan's domestic talent.
RIZIN 55 takes place on Sunday, November 8, at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
For international viewers less familiar with the promotion, MMAtown's guide to RIZIN and Japanese MMA explains its distinctive rules and fighting format.
Chiharu's Preparation documentary provides a closer look at a fighter reaching a significant turning point. Having established himself as a champion in Fighting NEXUS, he now has the opportunity to test his skills against Suzuki on one of Japan's biggest MMA stages.