Roberto de Souza

Japanese mixed martial artist

Roberto de Souza

Born| Roberto Satoshi de Souza
(1989-09-19) September 19, 1989 (age 35)
São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality| Japanese
Brazilian (expatriate)
Height| 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight| 156 lb (71 kg; 11 st 2 lb)
Division| Lightweight
Reach| 73 in (185 cm)
Style| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Wrestling, Judo
Fighting out of| Iwata, Japan
Team| Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu
Rank| Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Years active| 2013–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total| 20
Wins| 17
By knockout| 6
By submission| 10
By decision| 1
Losses| 3
By knockout| 2
By decision| 1
Notable relatives| Marcos Yoshio de Souza (brother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Roberto de Souza Medal record

Men's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Representing  Brazil
World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2012 California | 76kg
| 2014 California | 76kg
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2012 Abu Dhabi | 76kg
| 2014 Abu Dhabi | 76kg
| 2015 Abu Dhabi | 76kg
European Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2012 Lisbon | 76kg
Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2014 Tokyo | 76kg
| 2015 Tokyo | 76kg
Representing  Japan
World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2017 California | 76kg
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2016 Abu Dhabi | 76kg
Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship
| 2016 Tokyo | 82kg

YouTube information
Channel|

* ホベルト サトシ ソウザ Roberto Satoshi Souza

Years active| July 8, 2021-–present
Genre| entertainment
Subscribers| 21 thousand[1]
Total views| 1,945,507[1]

* * *

Last updated: December 24, 2022

Roberto Satoshi de Souza (ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ, Roberuto Satoshi Souza, born September 19, 1989) is a Japanese-Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of Rizin Fighting Federation, where he is the current Rizin Lightweight champion.

## Background

[edit]

Roberto Satoshi de Souza was born on September 19, 1989, in Sao Paulo, Brazil to a Brazilian father and Japanese mother and began practicing martial arts with his father at a young age, starting with Judo and later progressing to Jiu-Jitsu. He quickly gained success in the junior divisions of BJJ, winning multiple championships including the World Championship in both his weight category and the open weight category. However, after 2006, the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship was held in California, US and Roberto struggled to secure sponsorships to compete abroad, leading to a temporary absence from the sport. He returned in 2009 and had a successful run for the world title. Roberto later visited Japan to see his brother Mauricio, who had opened an academy there, and decided to stay permanently. To make ends meet, he worked in factories before eventually being able to make a living through competing and teaching Jiu-Jitsu. On May 1, 2011, Roberto received his black belt from his father, Adilson de Souza, who died from an illness shortly after the ceremony.[2][3][4][5]

He is married to a fellow Japanese Brazilian, Yuri Suzuki de Souza, and has two daughters.[4]

## Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappling

[edit]

In July 2006, he won the Sao Paulo jiu-jitsu championship in two classes, blue belt medio class and absolute class. In September 2007, he came to Japan following his older brothers Mauricio Dai Souza and Marcos Yoshio Souza, and moved to Hamamatsu City ,Shizuoka Prefecture at the age of 18. When he first came to Japan, he worked as a factory worker while practicing and teaching at a bull terrier martial arts gym with his two older brothers.[6][7]

On December 2, 2007, Satoshi participated in the DEEP X 02 Real King Tournament in the 76 kg class, winning the championship after defeating Takayuki Muramatsu, Kei Ouchi, and Sotaro Yamada in successive rounds.

In June 2009 and 2010, Satoshi won the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the purple and brown belt Lightweight categories, respectively.

On October 10, 2010, the subject participated in the DEEP X 06 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Super Tournament in the 75 kg class, defeating three black belt holders, Kei Ochi, Tetsuya Kondo, and Koji Shimazaki to win the championship.

In May 2011, Satoshi was awarded a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by their father.

In April 2012, Satoshi won the gold medals at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black belt Lightweight, defeating Davi Ramos and Lucas Lepri.[8][9]

Facing Jake Shields on November 22, 2014, at Metamorphis 5, Satoshi drew with Shields as time expired,[10] before returning at Metamoris 6 on May 9, 2015, where he faced Clark Gracie and drew once again due to time expiration.

In June 2017, the subject faced Lucas Lepri in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship black belt lightweight final, but withdrew due to a shoulder injury and finished as runner-up.

On June 9, 2018, Satoshi participated in QUINTET FIGHT NIGHT in TOKYO as part of "TEAM HALEO", defeating Daisuke Nakamura, David Garmo, and Yoshihiko Matsumoto before going to a timed daw with Masahiro Iwasaki.[11] On October 5, 2018, the subject participated in QUINTET.3 as part of "TEAM SAKURABA", drawing with Gordon Ryan of TEAM ALPHA MALE.[12]

## Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

He made his mixed martial arts debut on October 20, 2013, at the Real Fight MMA Championship 3 in China, before winning his sophomore performance against Doo Je Jung in December 2014 via rear-naked choke. On December 5, 2015, he faced Ryuki Ueyama in the first round of the REAL.3 super lightweight (74.2 kg) throne decision tournament, winning by arm-triangle choke. On March 12, 2016, he faced Yuta Kaneko in the semi-finals of the REAL.4 Super Lightweight Championship Tournament and won by TKO via ground and pound. On June 12, 2016, he faced Pat Ayuyu in the final of the REAL Super Lightweight Tournament, successfully winning the title and the tournament via first round armbar submission.[13]

### Rizin Fighting Federation

[edit]

After winning two bouts under the Arzalet banner via first round rear-naked chokes, Satoshi made his Rizin FF debut on April 21, 2019, when he faced Satoru Kitaoka at Rizin 15, winning by TKO in the second round via ground and pound.[14]

On July 28, 2019, he faced Mizuto Hirota at Rizin 17 and won by knockout in the first round. During his post-fight mic performance , he yelled, "This is not UFC, this is RIZIN! "[15]

On October 12, 2019, he faced Johnny Case in the Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal at Rizin 19. He received an eye-poke in his left eye, and was tapped out 75 seconds after the start of the match. It was the first loss of his career.[16]

On August 9, 2020, he faced Yusuke Yaji at Rizin 22 and won by first round TKO stoppage.[17]

Satoshi faced Kazuki Tokudome at Rizin 27 on March 21, 2021. After getting taken down, he quickly submitted Tokudome via triangle choke in the first round.[18]

On June 13, 2021, he faced RIZIN Lightweight World Grand Prix Champion Tofiq Musayev for the inaugural Rizin Lightweight Championship at Rizin 28 . In the 1st round, he won the ippon with a triangular choke and succeeded in winning his first title. During the national anthem before the bout, he chose Kimigayo instead of the Brazilian national anthem.[19]

On December 31, 2021, he rematched the challenger Yusuke Yaji in the RIZIN lightweight title match at Rizin 33.  He made his first successful defense of the throne .[20]

On April 17, 2022, in the RIZIN lightweight title match of Rizin 35, he rematched the challenger Johnny Case for the first time in about two and a half years, and won in the first round via reverse triangle armbar. Succeeded in his revenge and successfully defended the title for the second time.[21]

Satoshi faced former Bellator Featherweight World Champion A. J. McKee in a non-title bout at Bellator MMA vs. Rizin on December 31, 2022.[22] Although there were many submission attempts made by de Souza, McKee had more offense and won the bout by unanimous decision.[23][24]

Satoshi faced Spike Carlyle in a non-title bout at Rizin 42 on May 6, 2023.[25] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[26]

Replacing an injured A.J. McKee, de Souza faced former Bellator Lightweight World Champion Patricky Pitbull in the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Quarter-Final as part of Bellator MMA x Rizin 2 on July 30, 2023.[27] He lost the bout by a leg kick technical knockout.[28]

Satoshi fought Keita Nakamura in a non-title bout in the main event of RIZIN Landmark 9 on March 23, 2024.[29] He won the fight by corner stoppage in the first round after dropping Nakamura with a head kick.[30]

Souza defended the RIZIN FF lightweight title against Luiz Gustavo at RIZIN 48 on September 29, 2024.[31] He won the bout via technical knockout 21 second into the first round.[32]

## Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

### Mixed martial arts

[edit]

* Rizin Fighting Federation
* Rizin Lightweight Championship (One time, current)
* Three successful title defenses
* Real Fight Championship
* RFC Super Lightweight Champship

## Mixed martial arts record

[edit]

Professional record breakdown  20 matches | 17 wins | 3 losses

|
|

By knockout | 6  | 2
By submission | 10  | 0
By decision | 1  | 1
Res.  | Record  | Opponent  | Method  | Event  | Date  | Round  | Time  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

|  | Vugar Karamov  |  | Rizin 49 | December 31, 2024 |  |  | Saitama, Japan  | Defending the Rizin Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 17–3  | Luiz Gustavo  | TKO (punches)  | Rizin 48 | September 29, 2024 | 1  | 0:21  | Saitama, Japan  | Defended the Rizin Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 16–3  | Keita Nakamura | TKO (corner stoppage)  | Rizin Landmark 9 | March 23, 2024 | 1  | 1:43  | Kobe, Japan  | Non-title bout.
Loss  | 15–3  | Patricky Pitbull | TKO (leg kick)  | Bellator MMA x Rizin 2 | July 30, 2023 | 3  | 0:49  | Saitama, Japan  | Catchweight (161 lb) bout. Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win  | 15–2  | Spike Carlyle | Decision (unanimous)  | Rizin 42 | May 6, 2023 | 3  | 5:00  | Tokyo, Japan  | Non-title bout.
Loss  | 14–2  | A. J. McKee | Decision (unanimous)  | Bellator MMA vs. Rizin | December 31, 2022 | 3  | 5:00  | Saitama, Japan  | Non-title bout.
Win  | 14–1  | Johnny Case | Submission (reverse triangle armbar)  | Rizin 35 | April 17, 2022 | 1  | 3:32  | Chōfu, Japan  | Defended the Rizin Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 13–1  | Yusuke Yachi  | Submission (triangle choke)  | Rizin 33 | December 31, 2021 | 2  | 3:30  | Saitama, Japan  | Defended the Rizin Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 12–1  | Tofiq Musayev | Submission (triangle choke)  | Rizin 28 | June 13, 2021 | 1  | 1:12  | Tokyo, Japan  | Won the inaugural Rizin Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 11–1  | Kazuki Tokudome | Submission (triangle choke)  | Rizin 27 | March 21, 2021 | 1  | 1:44  | Nagoya, Japan  |
Win  | 10–1  | Yusuke Yachi  | TKO (punches)  | Rizin 22 | August 9, 2020 | 1  | 1:52  | Yokohama, Japan  |
Loss  | 9–1  | Johnny Case | TKO (punch)  | Rizin 19 | October 12, 2019 | 1  | 1:15  | Osaka, Japan  | 2019 Rizin Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win  | 9–0  | Mizuto Hirota | KO (punches)  | Rizin 17 | July 28, 2019 | 1  | 3:05  | Tokyo, Japan  |
Win  | 8–0  | Satoru Kitaoka | TKO (punches)  | Rizin 15 | April 21, 2019 | 2  | 3:56  | Yokohama, Japan  | Lightweight debut.
Win  | 7–0  | Baek Seung-dae  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | Arzalet Fighting 4  | November 24, 2018 | 1  | 1:06  | Seoul, South Korea  | Catchweight (164 lb) bout.
Win  | 6–0  | Thiago Oliveira  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | Arzalet Fighting 2  | October 21, 2017 | 1  | 3:00  | Curitiba, Brazil  |
Win  | 5–0  | Pat Ayuyu  | Submission (armbar)  | Real Fight Championship 5  | June 12, 2016 | 1  | 1:54  | Tokyo, Japan  | Won the RFC Super Lightweight Championship.
Win  | 4–0  | Yuta Kaneko  | TKO (punches)  | Real Fight Championship 4  | March 12, 2016 | 1  | 2:06  | Tokyo, Japan  |
Win  | 3–0  | Ryuki Ueyama | Submission (arm-triangle choke)  | Real Fight Championship 3  | December 5, 2015 | 1  | 2:13  | Yokohama, Japan  |
Win  | 2–0  | Jung Doo-je  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | Real Fight Championship 1  | December 23, 2014 | 1  | 1:05  | Tokyo, Japan  |
Win  | 1–0  | Nuerla Murati  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | Real Fight MMA Championship 3  | October 20, 2013 | 1  | 2:37  | Beijing, China  | Super Lightweight debut.

[33]

## See also

[edit]

* List of current Rizin FF fighters
* List of male mixed martial artists

## Footnotes

[edit]

1. ^ a b "About ホベルト サトシ ソウザ Roberto Satoshi Souza". YouTube.
2. ^ "Roberto Satoshi | BJJ Heroes". Retrieved 2022-12-24.
3. ^ "ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ - RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION オフィシャルサイト". jp.rizinff.com. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
4. ^ a b "柔術界の至宝・ホベルトサトシソウザの経歴と戦績紹介！結婚していて美人な嫁がいる？所属している格闘団体REALとは？". エンタメ&漫画BLOG (in Japanese). 2019-02-13. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
5. ^ "【REAL01】国内MMAデビュー、ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ 「打撃? 驚かせることはできる」". MMAPLANET. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
6. ^ "ホベルト・ソウザ インタビュー". ブルテリアブログ (in Japanese). 13 June 2010. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
7. ^ "【RIZIN】サトシが捧げたトロフィー～日系ブラジリアンに柔術の道を開いた坂本健氏とボンサイ柔術の絆". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
8. ^ "ブラジリアン柔術ニュースブログ ブラジルブログ:【ワールドプロ2012】ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ、１回戦～準決勝まで - livedoor Blog（ブログ）". btbrasil.livedoor.biz. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
9. ^ "ブラジリアン柔術ニュースブログ ブラジルブログ:【ワールドプロ2012】ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ、決勝戦 - livedoor Blog（ブログ）". btbrasil.livedoor.biz. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
10. ^ "【Metamoris05】シークレットマッチはサトシ×ジェイク・シールズ。サトシがシールズの猛攻を防ぎ切る". MMAPLANET. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
11. ^ 格闘技情報を毎日配信！, eFight 【イーファイト】 (10 June 2018). "【クインテット】柔術軍団カルペディエムが優勝、チーム所英男は一回戦敗退". eFight【イーファイト】格闘技情報を毎日配信！ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-12-24.
12. ^ "【Quintet03】ゴードン・ライアンが3人抜きでアルファメール、決勝進出". MMAPLANET. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
13. ^ "【REAL】サトシがスーパーライト級王者戴冠 元プロ野球選手・野村貴仁が対戦相手公募". スポーツナビ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-12-24.
14. ^ Eddie Mercado (April 21, 2019). "Rizin FF 15 results and video: Prochazka TKO's King Mo to win title, Horiguchi bombs on Nguyen". bloodyelbow.com.
15. ^ "【RIZIN】朝倉未来が矢地祐介に完勝、堀口戦に向け石渡と扇久保が勝利、サトシが廣田をTKO、川尻勝利、北岡敗れる＝『RIZIN.17』全試合詳報". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
16. ^ Peter Carroll (October 12, 2019). "Rizin 19 results: Jiri Prochazka blasts through Fabio Maldonado, Kai Asakura overwhelms Ulka Sasaki". mmafighting.com.
17. ^ 格闘技情報を毎日配信！, eFight 【イーファイト】 (9 August 2020). "【RIZIN】サトシ・ソウザが覚醒＆復活のTKO勝利、矢地祐介はジークンドー発揮ならず". eFight【イーファイト】格闘技情報を毎日配信！ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-12-24.
18. ^ Anderson, Jay (21 March 2021). "RIZIN 27: Ayaka Hamasaki Retains, Roberto Satoshi Dominant". Cageside Press. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
19. ^ "【RIZIN】朝倉未来が失神一本負け！ クレベルが三角絞め極める。那須川vs.3人、ライト級王座戦サトシがムサエフを極めて王者に！ バンタム級GP朝倉海、井上直樹らが勝利". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
20. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-12-31). "RIZIN 33: "Satoshi" Souza Taps Yachi, Ougikubo Wins Bantamweight Grand Prix". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
21. ^ "【RIZIN】サトシがケースに腕十字、牛久が斎藤を返り討ちで王座防衛、伊澤が浜崎を降し新王者に、高阪が引退試合で極真・上田にTKO勝ち！ 浅倉が連敗止める。カーライルが武田を..." ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
22. ^ Farah Hannoun (October 26, 2022). "Rizin vs. Bellator New Year's Eve matchups announced: A.J. McKee headlines over Patricio Freire". MMAjunkie.com.
23. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-12-31). "A.J. McKee Fends Off Late Surge by Roberto de Souza, Bellator Goes 5-0 at Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
24. ^ Segura, Danny (2022-12-31). "Rizin FF vs. Bellator results: A.J. McKee edges champ Roberto de Souza, secures 5-0 sweep for Team Bellator". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
25. ^ "【ＲＩＺＩＮ】再起戦に臨むサトシ・ソウザはＫＯ予告「いい試合を見せて勝ちます」". tokyo-sports.co.jp. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
26. ^ "【RIZIN.42】ホベルト・サトシ・ソウザ、ベラトール強豪に判定勝ちも涙の土下座 「大晦日、ごめんなさい」". article.auone.jp. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
27. ^ Wells, Matthew (July 26, 2023). "Major changes to Bellator X Rizin 2: A.J. McKee out; Patricky Freire faces RIZIN champ; Patricio 'Pitbull' added". MMA Junkie. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
28. ^ "Bellator x Rizin 2 results: Patricky Freire uses vicious leg kick to stop Roberto de Souza in grand prix quarterfinal". MMA Junkie. 2023-07-30. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
29. ^ Rogers, Kian (5 February 2024). "Elite BJJ Black Belts To Compete At RIZIN Landmark 9". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
30. ^ Blackett, Todd (24 March 2024). "Roberto Satoshi De Souza Rebounds With Quick Finish In RIZIN Landmark 9 Results". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
31. ^ Williams, Jackson. "Roberto Satoshi De Souza To Defend Title Against Luiz Gustavo At RIZIN 48". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
32. ^ "RIZIN 48 Sees Roberto De Souza Defend Gold, Naoki Inoue Claim It". Cageside Press.
33. ^ Sherdog.com. "Roberto de Souza". Sherdog.