ROAD FC flyweight contender Jae Hoon Lee (or spelled Jae Hun Lee) is officially set to make his RIZIN debut. On May 22, RIZIN held a press conference announcing the lineup for RIZIN Landmark 15 in Hiroshima, scheduled for July 18. Among the matchups revealed, Lee will face Tatsuki Shinozuka in a 57kg bout, marking a major milestone in his young career.
A Rising Prospect Coming Off Injury
Lee turned professional in ROAD FC in 2022 and has compiled a 3–1 record. He delivered a standout performance at ROAD FC 074, scoring a clean KO over Shin Woo Lee last September. However, a hand injury forced him into a long recovery period.
Now fully healed, Lee steps directly onto one of Japan’s biggest stages.
In an interview with Rank5, Lee expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“Fighting on a world‑class stage still doesn’t feel real,” Lee said. “I’m truly thankful to RIZIN and ROAD FC for giving me this chance. Since I’m fighting in RIZIN, I’ll show the level and the kind of exciting fight that will make Japanese fans remember me.”
Shinozuka Brings Diverse Striking Experience
Lee’s opponent, Tatsuki Shinozuka, enters the matchup with a diverse striking background. After competing in boxing and kickboxing, he transitioned to MMA and made his RIZIN debut as a kickboxer in 2023, earning a victory. In 2024, he also fought under BKFC, through RIZIN’s partnership, scoring a first‑round KO in bare‑knuckle boxing.
The matchup pits Lee’s well‑rounded MMA base against Shinozuka’s explosive striking pedigree.
Tension Builds After Press Conference Moment
During the press conference, Shinozuka stepped on a photo of Lee — a moment that immediately drew attention. Lee responded sharply.
“I saw his livestream earlier where he said he’d beat me up,” Lee said. “But on fight day, he’ll be the one getting beaten up.”
Lee didn’t hold back when assessing Shinozuka’s MMA readiness.
“He’s basically an MMA newborn who falls over if you tap him. I’m not worried. Shinozuka is easy money.”
Regarding the photo‑stepping incident, Lee made his feelings clear.
“I’ll print out his photo and step on it the same way. I don’t understand why he’s doing that alone,” Lee said. “Let him do whatever he wants for now. In the fight, I’ll be the one stepping on Shinozuka.”
Lee Promises a Complete, Fan‑Friendly Performance
Lee emphasized that he intends to show a fully developed MMA skill set.
“I’m going to fight as a well‑rounded fighter — striking, wrestling, everything,” he said. “I’m preparing impactful offense in every area, and I’ll show it.”
He also delivered a message to fans.
“I’ll prepare hard so I don’t disappoint the people supporting me. I’ll deliver the most exciting, explosive fight of the night. Expect a version of me that’s 180 degrees different from my last fight.”
HanPunch Prediction
Lee enters Hiroshima with momentum, hunger, and a point to prove. Shinozuka’s striking is dangerous, but his MMA foundation remains shallow. Lee’s grappling, balance, and ability to mix phases give him clear paths to control the fight.
HanPunch predicts Jae Hoon Lee by TKO in Round 2. Expect pressure, clinch breaks, and a decisive finishing sequence.
Where to Watch Rizin 15
You can watch replays and video-on-demand (VOD) of RIZIN 15 on the official RIZIN.TV streaming platform or the TrillerTV pay-per-view archive.
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