In the early days of MMA one could fight in a gi, in boxing atire or even wear wrestling shoes. But as time has gone the outfit was standardized – and for good reason. However one Rizin fighter thought that this was a fluke and that perhaps he’d be the one to infuse new life in fighting in a gi.
The first time a Gi has ever been worn in RIZIN! ?
Shinya Kumazawa (@kuma08_HERO) is ready!
Buy the PPV ➡️ https://t.co/JhhgpzcDIT#RIZIN #MMA #RIZIN32 #格闘技 #RIZINFF pic.twitter.com/1zoF8mQiTv
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) November 20, 2021
The fighter in question is Shinya Kumazawa. At age 40 he has a fighting record of 6 wins and 11 losses. As if that wasn’t a good tell about the state of his mma math capabilities… Take a look what transpired during his fight against Tanner Lourenco.
So awesome. The gi backfired BAD for Kumazawa tonight https://t.co/SVSDYvVveD
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) November 20, 2021
Naturally the MMA community on twitter was delighted:
First time someone wore a gi in RIZIN… and he made a good case for that being the last time #RIZIN32
— Jack Wannan (@JackWannan) November 20, 2021
Guy making his debut wins with a gi choke lmfao what even is Rizin https://t.co/p45Mp7GhKm
— Vinsanity (@beefcake_180) November 20, 2021