As RISE announces this year's edition of ELDORADO for March 29, the main attraction of the card will undoubtedly be the clash between top Featherweights in {Kento Haraguchi} and {Lee Sung-Hyun}. Both of them recently lost to divisional king {Petchpanomrung}. However, the Japanese star is also coming off his first career stoppage loss against {Miguel Trindade}, while the Korean veteran pulled off an impressive upset in the same tournament, dropping {Berjan Peposhi} twice to take the decision in a thrilling Fight of the Year contender. The more experienced Lee will likely be in a better mental state heading into the fight as Haraguchi looks down the barrel of a possible third consecutive loss.
Ryujin Nasukawa vs. Kumandoi
After a 5-0 breakout year for the 18-year-old {Ryujin Nasukawa}, he starts the year strong, taking on his brother {Tenshin Nasukawa}'s former opponent {Kumandoi}. The top Thai fighter is no stranger to RISE, having defeated top 55 kg kickboxer {Shiro}, then lost by decision to {Toki Tamaru} in the final of the RISE 54 kg tournament. This time, however, will be at a more comfortable 52 kg for Kumandoi, and the hardest test in Nasukawa's career to date.
RISE 61.5 kg Tournament
Despite the loss of {Taiga} who recently announced his move to MMA, this will be one of the best tournaments in the division's short history, featuring {Yuki Kasahara} vs. {Panuwat}, {Hyuma Hitachi} vs. Shakhriyor Juraev, {Yuan Pengjie} vs. {Rida Bellahcen}, and {Kan Nakamura} vs. {Chan Hyung Lee}.
Yuki Kasahara vs. Panuwat TGT
One of the most intriguing matchups in the first leg of the tournament. The 23-year-old Shootboxing ace Kasahara has been 8-1 since 2023, though his level of competition has been severely lacking. The Shootboxer recently lost to Sonrak Fairtex in ONE, in contrast to the backfoot specialist Panuwat - perhaps Kasahara's toughest opponent to date, - who has been high on a 3-fight win streak, with his latest win a close decision against a ranked {Chan Hyung Lee}. This will be the most well-matched fight in the opening of the tournament as both fighters are in or near the top 10 of the division.
Yuan Pengjie vs. Rida Bellahcen
A battle of dark horses. RISE-regular Yuan Pengjie has fought twice in the promotion, both times going to razor-thin decisions against promotional top dogs {Kan Nakamura} and {Hyuma Hitachi}. His opponent, Enfusion champion Rida Bellahcen is one of the best kickboxers of the 61kg division in Europe with recent wins over {Matthew Daalman} and {Ayoub Bourass}. While he has shown to be able to fight against taller fighters like Daalman, Yuan's bouncy style and deceptively hard hands will be a first for the Moroccan fighter and may land the Enfusion star in deep trouble.
Fights announced
Kento Haraguchi vs. Lee Sung-Hyun – 65 kg
Taiju Shiratori vs. Yutaro Asahi – RISE 65 kg title fight
Ryujin Nasukawa vs. Kumandoi – 52 kg
YA-MAN vs. TBA – OFG (Open Finger Gloves/4oz) fight
Shiro vs. Deokjae Yoon – 55 kg
Yuan Pengjie vs. Rida Bellahcen – 61.5 kg Tournament Quarter Final
Hyuma Hitachi vs. Shakhriyor Juraev – 61.5 kg Tournament Quarter Final
Yuki Kasahara vs. Panuwat TGT – 61.5 kg Tournament Quarter Final
Kan Nakamura vs. Chan Hyung Lee – 61.5 kg Tournament Quarter Final
Ryunosuke Hosokoshi vs. GUMP – 61.5 kg Tournament Reserve Fight
Source: beyondkick.com