Mikuru Asakura vs. Kleber Koike Decision Controversy | The 'Reasons for Victory' Seen Through RIZIN and ONE Rules
Introduction: The Background of the Super RIZIN.4 Decision Controversy
The Mikuru Asakura vs. Kleber Koike fight held at Super RIZIN.4.
The decision went to Mikuru Asakura, but a controversy over the judgment continued among fans after the match.
The reason why Asakura, who appeared to be on the defensive, won instead of Kleber, who seemed to be attacking the whole time.
The background to this lies in the evaluation method of the RIZIN rules.
In this article, we will compare RIZIN and ONE rules, organize why the impressions of the decision were divided, and explain why Asakura was able to win under RIZIN rules.
Chapter 1: RIZIN Rule Evaluation Method
The RIZIN rule decision is composed of the following three items.
Damage: 50%
Aggressiveness: 30%
Generalship: 20%
Although numbers are shown and it looks like an objective evaluation, in reality, there is the problem that the definitions of each are not clear and subjectivity easily enters the process.
1. Ambiguity of Damage (50%)
There is no standard for which to prioritize: external damage (bleeding, swelling) or internal damage (impact, slowing of movement).
In the Asakura vs. Kleber fight, evaluations were split on whether Kleber's attacks caused visually noticeable damage or whether Asakura's defense prevented him from being hurt.
2. Ambiguity of Aggressiveness (30%)
While attacking posture is evaluated, simply moving forward does not earn points.
Attacks that bring one closer to a finish are required, but there is no concrete standard for that 'degree of closeness,' and evaluations vary between judges.
Kleber frequently used forward movement and grappling, but because he did not reach a finishing position, his evaluation was limited.
3. Ambiguity of Generalship (20%)
The definition of 'initiative' is ambiguous, and interpretations differ on whether it is taken by the side with superior defense or the side initiating the attacks.
Asakura cut off Kleber's attacks with sweeps and takedown defense, and took the initiative through distance control. This influenced the evaluation.
Chapter 2: ONE Championship Scoring System
The ONE rule set does not use a point-based system, but rather adopts a priority-based system.
Evaluation Order
Near Knockdown
Near Submission
Damage
Striking & Ground Control
Takedowns/Defense
Aggression
Key Features
The order is fixed; if a difference is established in a higher-ranked criterion, lower-ranked ones are not considered.
It is easy to explain to the audience where the fight was won or lost, making the reasoning behind the decision transparent.
Evaluating the Asakura vs. Kleber fight under ONE rules:
Near Knockdown/Near Submission: None for either side
Damage: Nearly equal
Control/Defense: Asakura had the advantage
Aggression: Kleber had the advantage, but because it is lower in the hierarchy, it has little impact. As a result, an Asakura victory becomes clear.
Chapter 3: Why Impressions of the Decision Differ
The biggest factor for differing impressions of the decision is the difference in evaluation structure between RIZIN and ONE.
In the case of RIZIN
Although it is quantified, the criteria are ambiguous.
It is difficult to see from the outside which specific items caused the difference.
Even in the Asakura vs. Kleber fight, the reason why generalship favored Asakura is not intuitively clear from the footage alone.
In the case of ONE
The priorities and definitions are clear.
It is easy to explain at what stage the outcome was decided.
In the Asakura vs. Kleber fight, it can be explained that Asakura had the advantage in control and defense.
Chapter 4: Why Asakura could have won under RIZIN rules
While it appeared he was on the defensive, Asakura showed movements that broke the flow of the match at key moments.
Preventing Kleber's attacks with takedown defense
Reversing positions with sweeps
Maintaining initiative through distance control
These were reflected in the 20% generalship, and it was evaluated that he surpassed Kleber's aggressiveness.
Concluding Chapter: Summary
RIZIN rules are structured in a way that makes decision controversies likely because the criteria are ambiguous and subjective, even if they are quantified. ONE rules have fixed priorities, making it clear where the win or loss was decided.
The difference in this structure also divided the impressions of the decision in the Asakura vs. Kleber fight.
Detailed round-by-round decision analysis and comparisons using footage are explained in the video version. Please take a look.
https://youtu.be/rnONI6MQXQY?si=yhufTIOHII-BXBus