MMA Star Remains In Critical Condition A Week After Slam KO Loss

Ben King

Japanese mixed martial artist Sho Sekihara remains hospitalized in critical condition following a slam knockout at RIZIN.55 on November 8, 2026. The 33-year-old flyweight underwent two emergency surgeries for an acute subdural hematoma and has yet to regain consciousness, according to an official statement from RIZIN released four days after the event.

The incident occurred during Sekihara’s bout against Takumi Hamada, former Pancrase Flyweight Champion, at Lara Arena Tokyo Bay. The match ended in the third round when Sekihara was lifted and slammed headfirst onto the canvas. He absorbed additional ground strikes before the referee stopped the contest at 4 minutes and 56 seconds, awarding Hamada a technical knockout victory.

Medical personnel immobilized Sekihara’s head and removed him from the venue on a stretcher. He was transported directly to Chiba Prefectural General Emergency Medical Center, where surgeons performed the first operation. While the initial procedure appeared successful, his condition rapidly deteriorated the following morning, necessitating a second surgery.

“He lost consciousness due to an acute subdural hematoma and underwent emergency surgery at the Chiba Emergency Medical Center near the venue. The surgery was completed, and he managed to survive, but his condition suddenly deteriorated the following morning, requiring another operation. His condition remains critical, and his prognosis is still uncertain,” RIZIN stated on their official website.

The situation carries particular weight given Sekihara’s medical history. In May 2022, he sustained a similar injury following a match in the DEEP organization, which also resulted in a life-threatening subdural hematoma.

After extensive treatment and rehabilitation, he returned to competition in May 2024, 726 days after the previous incident, and strung together three consecutive victories.

By August 2025, Sekihara had notched a decision win over former Pancrase champion Daichi Kitakata and competed in six total matches for DEEP. His comeback had been regarded as remarkable within the MMA community, making the current situation all the more concerning.

Sekihara’s father, Masamichi Sekihara addressed supporters through RIZIN’s channels. “We have received warm support and encouragement from many people. Through this, I truly realize how much love my son has received,” he said.

“My son is still surviving even after the match ended. I keep telling him, ‘You’re the man who never gives up.’ Please, everyone, pray for my son to regain consciousness as soon as possible. If you could convey your thoughts to RIZIN, the organization my son loved and for which he wanted to compete no matter what, it would be greatly appreciated.”

RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara had initially indicated during the post-event press conference that Sekihara’s life was not in immediate danger. However, the subsequent deterioration and need for a second surgery altered that assessment considerably.

The organization has requested that fans and media avoid spreading unverified information regarding Sekihara’s condition. They pledged to provide updates if his symptoms stabilize and progress is observed.

Sekihara holds a professional record of 14-6-0 and competes out of Reversal Gym Tokyo Standout. He last weighed in at 125.7 lbs (57 kg) for the flyweight division. His career has spanned multiple Japanese promotions, with RIZIN representing what his father described as the organization he most wanted to compete for.

Ben King