“RIZIN CEO Confirms Negative Drug Tests for Asakura and Hiramoto Amid Controversy, Promises Stricter Anti-Doping Measures”[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7aotwosuNY[/embed]

On September 5, RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara held a press conference in Tokyo with three of RIZIN’s ring doctors to announce that both competitors in the main event of the RIZIN.3 event on July 28 at Saitama Super Arena, LMS (Last Man Standing) title match between Mikuru Asakura and Ren Hiramoto, tested negative in doping tests. The results came from the US-based SMRTL (Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory), which handles WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) tests, and were received the morning of the 4th, the day before the conference.
Sakakibara promised to strengthen the doping testing system going forward, stating, “Until now, we have taken a relatively benevolent view, but we will impose stricter penalties.” He warned Hiramoto, saying, “Is it true you bought (the drugs) but didn’t take them? I find that hard to believe. There’s a saying, ‘Do not correct your hat beneath a tree,’ and as soon as you obtained substances that could lead to doping violations, you are already in violation of the rules of other sports. I want him to reflect deeply on this.” Regarding Asakura, he stated, “The fact that we tarnished a fight that involved his retirement is ultimately my responsibility as the promoter. We should have been more vigilant about doping awareness,” and apologized.
(An explanation by Kazuo Isayama, RIZIN’s medical director, regarding doping testing has been published in a separate article.)

　　

Background of the Mikuru Asakura vs. Ren Hiramoto Doping Controversy

Mikuru Asakura (left) and Ren Hiramoto during the weigh-in for RIZIN.3

During the RIZIN press conference on August 21, CEO Sakakibara stated, “There have been various discussions on social media concerning the allegations against Hiramoto. In cases of RIZIN title matches and tournaments, there is a thorough doping examination for all fighters. The results are what matter. The results will come out next week. Both Hiramoto and Asakura have provided urine samples which were sent to an American testing facility.”
On the 28th, Hiramoto’s training partner Yukinori Akazawa admitted in a post on X that the audio of a phone conversation discussing the intake of drugs and injections, which was leaked by an anonymous account on the 20th, was a call between himself and Hiramoto, and he testified that he received advice from Hiramoto regarding doping methods prior to the fight against Asakura. Furthermore, on the 29th, Akazawa uploaded images claiming to provide evidence of Hiramoto transferring payment for the drugs, which stirred controversy.

On September 2, Hiramoto held a press conference with two lawyers and denied the doping allegations, stating, “I did not use the supplements purchased from Akazawa.” He explained, “I received a call from Akazawa, and because I have a trusting relationship with him, I thought it would be rude not to respond, so I went along with what was said.” He also added that he sustained a knee injury during training in Ireland and was advised by a physical trainer to get an injection, which he did in July after returning to Japan.

Summary of CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara’s Remarks at the September 5 Press Conference

The doping tests for both Asakura and Hiramoto have returned negative results.
We will fundamentally review the doping rules going forward. We will discuss with experts and tighten the testing system. I would like to incorporate random testing and blood tests in the future. I aim to reach out to all combat sports organizations in Japan to establish a higher overall standard.
I believe some athletes and stakeholders may lack knowledge about doping, so I plan to hold seminars.
Until now, we have taken a relatively benevolent stance, but we will impose stricter penalties. I will also consult with experts on what the appropriate penalties should be.
In any case, this has caused a stir in society, so we will enforce fines and regulations more strictly. We will learn from various domestic professional sports standards and feedback this into combat sports.

As the saying goes, “Do not correct your hat beneath a tree,” Hiramoto is already in violation of the rules of other sports due to obtaining substances that could lead to doping violations. I want Hiramoto to reflect on this deeply. I spoke with Hiramoto, and he has expressed regret about his actions that caused misunderstandings. I would like him to undergo a blood test by New Year’s Eve and confirm a negative result before discussing his participation on that day. While Hiramoto’s candid remarks are appealing, the doubts surrounding this situation originated with him. I hope he can use this as a reason to reflect on the controversy he has sparked and change his code of conduct.
Ultimately, the fact that Mikuru Asakura’s fight, which was supposed to be his last, has been tarnished falls on my shoulders as the promoter of RIZIN. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Mikuru Asakura for how this has turned out. I also wish to apologize to the doctors, staff, reporters, and fans. I believe we should have heightened our awareness surrounding doping.

This is a challenge presented to us in RIZIN’s 10th year, and as we aim for the next 10 years, we want to actively address this issue and transform it into an opportunity for people to say, “That issue was the catalyst for change.”
Starting from RIZIN.48 on September 29, we will address any improvements that can be made.

＜Below, Q&A session＞

(What was Mikuru Asakura’s reaction upon hearing the test results?) Asakura was calm and seemed to be indifferent, not sounding like he had complaints.
(Regarding Hiramoto’s morality in purchasing suspicious drugs and receiving injections) As the organizer, it’s difficult to say, but, well, it’s suspicious. One could naturally think “Is it really true that you bought (the drugs) but didn’t take them?” Asakura fans and people involved with Asakura could understandably think, “That’s really suspicious. He’s definitely taken them.” But extending the conversation further would only lead to an endless debate, and we can only judge by the rules currently set.
(Is there a physical confirmation regarding the supplements Hiramoto purchased?) We have no authority to verify this as it was not contracted. I would like to strengthen awareness regarding the doping policy in the future rules.
(Are there plans to take action against Akazawa or the anonymous account?) I have known about Akazawa, but I have never met or spoken with him. However, I have no interest in taking action, saying, “Don’t mess with me.”
(What is the timeline for introducing new doping standards?) Aiming to make the New Year’s Eve event the first competition under the new policies, I want to concretize these measures.

　　

Ren Hiramoto Apologizes Again on X

On the night of the same day as Sakakibara’s press conference, Hiramoto posted on X, stating, “I truly apologize for causing concern to fans and inconveniences to related parties due to this incident. I will strive to be more aware as a professional athlete going forward.”

RIZIN’s Kazuo Isayama, Medical Director, explains doping testing: “90% of WADA samples are urine. WADA believes urine tests are sufficient.” “Taking blood before a match involves very high risk.” “Hair testing is not included in WADA’s list of tests.”