Olympic Bronze Medalist Natasha Kujutina Dominates Mika Hamasaki at RIZIN LANDMARK 13
FUKUOKA, Japan — In a clash of elite grappling pedigree and veteran experience, Olympic judoka Natasha Kujutina sent a thunderous message to the RIZIN women’s super atomweight division on Sunday, April 12. Kujutina secured a decisive first-round submission victory over former champion Mika Hamasaki at RIZIN LANDMARK 13, held at the Marine Messe Fukuoka A Hall.
The bout, contested under RIZIN MMA rules at 49.0kg, served as a high-stakes return for Hamasaki, who stepped back into the ring after an absence of approximately one year and five months. But, the veteran found herself overwhelmed by the strength and technical precision of Kujutina, a Rio Olympics bronze medalist in the women’s 52kg judo category and the current LFA women’s strawweight champion.
From the opening bell, the contrast in momentum was evident. Hamasaki, fighting from a southpaw stance, attempted to establish her range with sharp left straights. Kujutina, however, refused to be kept at bay, pressing forward aggressively and pinning Hamasaki against the cage. After a brief break due to a low blow from Kujutina, the Russian fighter quickly regained control, utilizing a combination of punches to set up a takedown that shifted the fight’s trajectory.
Once the fight hit the canvas, the battle became a chess match of high-level grappling. Hamasaki, known for her submission prowess, attempted to lock in an armlock from the bottom. Kujutina displayed impressive composure, neutralizing the threat and landing short, consistent ground-and-pound to wear down the former champion.
The end arrived in the final minute of the round. Kujutina successfully bypassed Hamasaki’s guard, transitioning into a knee-on-belly position to maintain dominant control. With only seconds remaining in the first frame, Kujutina isolated Hamasaki’s right arm and transitioned seamlessly into a clinical armbar. The lock was tight, forcing Hamasaki to tap out at 4:54 of Round 1.
For those unfamiliar with the nuances of the super atomweight division, the “armbar” (or 腕十字 – ude-juji-gatame) is a foundational submission that requires precise hip placement and shoulder isolation. Kujutina’s execution was a textbook display of how Olympic-level judo transitions can be adapted to the MMA cage to create an inescapable trap.
A Bold Claim for the Throne
The victory was not merely about the win on the record; it was a calculated audition for a title shot. In her post-fight address, Kujutina wasted no time in targeting the current RIZIN women’s super atomweight champion, Seika Izawa.
“I came here and said I would win and I did,” Kujutina told the Fukuoka crowd. “Now, please give me the championship. I aim for to be the RIZIN champion. Please let me challenge for the title next.”
Kujutina also engaged the audience by introducing her nickname, “Kuja,” leading the crowd in a “1, 2, 3 Kuja!” chant, signaling her intent to become a focal point of the promotion’s female divisions.
Commentator Go Kosaka praised the performance, noting that Kujutina proved she possesses both the technical ability to achieve dominant positioning and the finishing instinct to close the fight. By dismantling a former two-time champion in a “one-sided game,” Kujutina has positioned herself as the most formidable contender in the 49kg weight class.
Fight Summary: Kujutina vs. Hamasaki
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | RIZIN LANDMARK 13 in FUKUOKA |
| Result | Natasha Kujutina def. Mika Hamasaki |
| Method | Submission (Armbar) |
| Time | Round 1, 4:54 |
| Weight Class | Super Atomweight (49.0kg) |
| Venue | Marine Messe Fukuoka A Hall |
For Hamasaki, the loss is a tough pill to swallow after a long road back to RIZIN. At 44 years old, the pioneer of the division faced a younger, physically dominant athlete who blended world-class judo with an aggressive MMA style. While Hamasaki showed flashes of her trademark tenacity in the half-guard, she was unable to overcome Kujutina’s pressure.
The victory cements Kujutina’s status as a dual-threat athlete, holding the LFA strawweight title while now knocking on the door of RIZIN’s gold. With the champion Seika Izawa now squarely in her sights, the promotion faces a compelling narrative: a battle between the reigning queen and an Olympic medalist on a warpath.
The next official move rests with RIZIN management, who must now decide if Kujutina’s dominant performance earns her an immediate shot at the belt. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the potential title fight booking.
Do you consider Natasha Kujutina is the rightful next challenger for Seika Izawa? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
