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Shohei Nose delivered a dramatic comeback victory over former Shooto bantamweight champion Shoji Saito, scoring a third-round technical knockout to win the Shooto Bantamweight Survivor Tournament Revival 2026.
Nose secured the victory at Lemino Shooto.9 on October 19 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The decisive finish came at 2:56 of the third round, earning the Japanese fighter the tournament title and a reported ¥2 million prize.
The final pitted Nose of Master Japan Fukuoka against Saito of Fight Farm, who entered the contest as the tournament’s top-ranked bantamweight and a former world champion. Their championship clash delivered a hard-fought contest before Nose found the finish in the closing stages.
Shohei Nose rallies to defeat Shoji Saito
Saito entered the final with a strong run through the tournament. The former Shooto world bantamweight champion had defeated Shinebaatar Bat-Erdene in the opening round before earning a unanimous decision victory over unbeaten prospect Riku Nakajima in the semifinals.
Nose also demonstrated his finishing ability on the road to the final. In the opening round, he submitted John Ornido with a kimura in the first round, highlighting the grappling skills that have become a major part of his game. The final, however, required a different kind of performance.
Facing a former champion with significant experience at the highest level of Shooto, Nose had to navigate a competitive fight before turning the contest in his favour. He eventually stopped Saito with ground strikes at 2:56 of the third round to secure the tournament victory.
The result was particularly significant given the quality of the opposition. Saito had entered the final ranked No. 1 in the Shooto bantamweight division, while Nose was ranked No. 5.
Nose’s ability to overcome the higher-ranked contender marks an important achievement in his career and strengthens his position in the Japanese bantamweight scene.
A ¥2 million prize awaits the tournament winner
The Survivor Tournament Revival 2026 began in February and culminated in the October 19 final. The winner was set to receive ¥2 million, adding a substantial reward to the sporting significance of the contest.
For Nose, the victory represents the payoff for a tournament campaign that required him to overcome multiple opponents and deliver when the stakes were highest.
His path to the final featured a first-round submission, while the championship bout showcased his ability to finish a fight with strikes. That combination gives the 29-year-old a notable result to build on as he pursues further opportunities in Shooto.
The tournament also provided a platform for established contenders and emerging talent to compete for a significant prize and strengthen their standing within the promotion.
What is next for Shohei Nose?
Nose’s victory over Saito gives him momentum in Shooto’s bantamweight division, although his next opponent and any immediate title implications have not been confirmed in the available official results.
Saito, meanwhile, will need to regroup after falling short in the final. His previous championship experience and victories throughout the tournament remain important parts of his record, but the defeat hands Nose the biggest result of this particular competition.
The outcome also reinforces the depth of Japan’s domestic MMA scene, where promotions such as Shooto continue to develop fighters through tournaments and divisional competition.
With the Survivor Tournament Revival 2026 now concluded, Nose can look ahead to his next challenge after producing a decisive finish against one of the division’s leading names.
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