Ex-champ Kleber Koike enters ‘last shot’ for RIZIN title with eyes on PFL, MVP merger

Former RIZIN featherweight champion Kleber Koike is treating his main event clash against Kyoma Akimoto at RIZIN 54 on Tuesday as his final opportunity to earn a title shot and reclaim the 145-pound belt. The promotion has officially confirmed that the winner will challenge for the featherweight title next, with current champion Razhabali Shaydullaev set to defend against A.J. McKee Jr. on September 10 in a bout that will also feature the inaugural PFL featherweight championship on the line.

The 37-year-old Brazilian, who has built his entire career in Japan and fights under the Japanese flag, expressed enthusiasm about RIZIN's merger with the PFL and MVP, which he believes creates new opportunities for competition at the highest level. "This is my last shot," Koike told MMA Fighting, acknowledging his age and the limited time remaining in his career. "I'm closer to the end than I am to the beginning, so let's give it everything we have."

Koike lost his RIZIN title to Shaydullaev in 2025 but has positioned himself back in title contention with a December victory over Vugar Karamov. He believes McKee will defeat Shaydullaev, predicting the champion's best opportunity comes in the opening round. Should McKee win in September, Koike's timeline for a title shot on New Year's Eve may shift, potentially forcing a matchup against a PFL roster member instead.

Regarding Akimoto, the 20-year-old striker impressed recently by defeating Patchy Mix with aggressive striking. However, Koike views the young contender as inexperienced at the highest level of competition. "He's a tough kid on a good run, but he's never fought anyone at my level on the ground or in MMA," Koike said. "That's where the difference is. Experience will prevail in this fight." Koike recently returned from Brazil, where he spent nine years away, using the trip to reset physically and mentally for his title pursuit.