Combat sports are full of Cinderella stories. Underdogs who win a championship are always cheered on by everyone. Japan has a long history of supporting people with that yamato-damashii (“Japanese spirit). On November 4, Chihiro Suzuki (12-3, 1 NC), a fighter that fans of Rizin didn’t think would be a champion, achieved the impossible. He won the Rizin featherweight championship and also the kickboxing champion. Here’s the story of his journey to becoming a rare two-sport champion.
Biography
Suzuki, 24, was born in Mitaka in Tokyo on May 14, 1999. Growing up in this neighborhood wasn’t easy. Born a “hafu,” (half-Japanese, half-foreigner), he is of mixed race that includes Peruvian, Spanish, and Russian. Growing up, he suffered a lot of bullying because he didn’t look like the other children. Other students told him “Go back to your country,” “Why can’t you speak Japanese,” and “Don’t touch me” he recalled in a previous interview.
He was enrolled in karate by his father to protect him from the school’s harsh environment. While in junior high school, he made the switch to MMA. The switch to MMA would be life-changing for him.
MMA debut
