RIZIN touched down in Kobe for the first time ever with RIZIN 16. And as per usual, the promotion delivered with plenty of great fights.<\/p>\n
The first of the final six bouts saw the fan favorite, Daron Cruickshank make his return to the RIZIN ring when he took on the rising lightweight, Tofiq Musayev.<\/p>\n
The first half of the opening round was essentially a kicking contest as each man traded to the legs and body. Musayev was the more active and powerful of the two. The fighters’ overall arsenals were utilized much more as the round wound down. Cruickshank was able to land some clean punches as did his opponent. A stiff spinning elbow would connect for Cruickshank but Musayev was unphased. Round ends with a superman punch attempt from the American.<\/p>\n
The pace increased instantly into the second frame as Cruickshank would land a spinning back fist early. They continued to trade an assortment of kicks for a good period of time before punching combos would be exchanged briefly. Cruickshank would rush in and buckle to the ground awkwardly with what seemed like an injury but he hid it well once getting back up. The replay would show that Musayev hit him with a short left. Musayev would then catch a teep kick and crack Cruickshank with a left hook forcing him to the ground. Ground and pound from Musayev and up kicks from Cruickshank would close out round two.<\/p>\n
Cruickshank rushed in again early into round three and ate more shots than he could land on each attempt. Musayev would start to do some heavy bodywork with punches and, of course, kicks. A single leg attempt would follow to no avail. A flashy spinning kick from Musayev would miss but he would make good on the attempt by hitting a big double leg. Cruickshank hopped up pretty soon after but wound up on his back again regardless. Musayev defended a kimura and kept on landing the heavy ground and pound. With one minute remaining, Cruickshank threw up a hail mary triangle but Musayev was wise to it and continued dropping bombs.<\/p>\n
Result: Musayev def Cruickshank via unanimous decision<\/p>\n
\nTofiq Musayev (15-3) turns his tear up to 11, outdueling a game Daron Cruickshank. The Azerbaijani edged this clash of scientific style with hard kicks, counters, and rock-solid grappling. Expect him to be a favorite in the lightweight grand prix. #RIZIN16<\/a> #RIZINFF<\/a> #RIZIN2019<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/lsJnjTizja<\/a><\/p>\n
— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) June 2, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n