RIZIN 27 had a lot of promise, and it turned out being an event that truly delivered.
The main event title fight showed a far closer fight than the first encounter between challenger Kanna Asakura and Ayaka Hamasaki. In the end Hamasaki’s experience and savvy led her to a split decision victory. There was a lot of back and forth here as Asakura showed herself as a far more capable opponent this time around.
It’s a bit of a heartbreaker, but this is Japan. A much more better second outing could get Asakura another bite at the apple down the line even if Hamasaki holds on to the title, so not all is lost.