TLDR
- ORICON News apologized to Makoto Shinryu for a reporter’s question after his title loss at RIZIN 55
- Shinryu lost his flyweight belt to Tony Laramie by split decision on November 8
- The fighter thanked reporter Igarashi for drawing out his emotions despite his frustration
- ORICON’s editorial department said the question lacked respect for the athlete after the fight
- Shinryu vowed to continue fighting and promised to become champion again
Sources: middleeasy.com | fightbookmma.com | sherdog.com
ORICON News issued a public apology to Makoto Shinryu on November 9, one day after the fighter lost his RIZIN flyweight championship. The Japanese media outlet said a question from reporter Igarashi during the post-fight interview lacked proper respect and consideration.
Shinryu lost his title to Tony Laramie by split decision at RIZIN 55 in Chiba on November 8. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for Laramie, while one judge had it 29-28 for Shinryu.
HISTORY MADE. 🇨🇦
Tony Laramie is the new RIZIN Flyweight Champion — the first Canadian to ever hold a RIZIN belt.
Split decision over Makoto Shinryu. #RIZIN55 pic.twitter.com/1Iswt6j6m3
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) November 8, 2026
The apology came from ORICON’s editorial department through their combat sports social media account. The statement extended apologies to Shinryu, the people involved in the event, and those watching.
ORICON pledged to improve how their reporters ask questions to athletes in the future. The outlet did not announce any disciplinary action against reporter Igarashi.
Shinryu Responds With Gratitude
Shinryu shared ORICON’s apology and responded directly to the reporter on social media. He wrote that he was “incredibly frustrated” but thanked Igarashi for drawing out his emotions.
The former champion said he would never forget the day of his loss. He reaffirmed his intention to regain his position at the top of the division.
ORICON replied to thank Shinryu for his consideration despite the exchange coming so soon after his fight. The outlet again apologized for the question it described as lacking respect.
Earlier on November 9, Shinryu had posted separately about losing the belt. He described the emptiness of no longer having the championship he had fought so hard to win.
“The only thing that can fill this hole is martial arts, so I will keep going,” Shinryu wrote. He thanked his supporters and asked them to wait for his return.
Title Reign Ends After First Defense
Shinryu captured the flyweight championship from Hiromasa Ougikubo on June 6 in his hometown of Sendai. He won that rematch by unanimous decision.
The November 8 fight against Laramie marked Shinryu’s first title defense. His path to the belt included victories over Hiroya and Nkazimulo Zulu.
Shinryu had previously challenged Kyoji Horiguchi for the title on December 31, 2023. That fight ended in a second-round submission defeat before Shinryu eventually won the belt from Ougikubo.
Laramie becomes the first non-Japanese flyweight champion in RIZIN history. The Canadian fighter improved his RIZIN record to 5-1 with the victory.
After winning the title, Laramie agreed to face Yuki Ito in a rematch on December 31. Ito challenged Laramie in the ring following the fight.
The exchange between ORICON and Shinryu drew attention to how media outlets treat fighters immediately after difficult losses. Neither party has made additional public statements since their November 9 exchanges on social media.
