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
