Learn about the demand for a Naoya Inoue vs Nakatani rematch called for by Nakatani after Inoue won the first fight.
Inoue defeated Nakatani by UD on points at the Tokyo Dome in Japan last weekend in a massive fight.
It was well received in the West and the East.
In Japan alone it set a new record for pay per view sales for a combat sports event of more than 500,000 buys in Japan alone.
Shattering the myth that DAZN failed to convince people with a few years ago that pay per view is dead with their famous now flopped ad saying as much.
Pay per view is alive and well if the right price point and right fight.
Here’s what we know about demand for a rematch:
- Inoue says it’s possible: “If there’s enough demand, I think a second fight is possible”
- First fight was May 2, 2026: Inoue won by unanimous decision: 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 at Tokyo Dome
- Sold out 55,000: Tokyo Dome was sold out with 55,000 fans
- Smashed PPV record: Set new all-time Japanese combat sports PPV record, 500,000+ buys in Japan
- Grossed $47M+: Event worth around 10 billion yen, roughly $47M, biggest in Japanese combat sports
- Competitive but cautious: Report said fight “didn’t leave fans asking for more” — long cautious stretches
- Momentum swing in round 10: Accidental head clash cut Nakatani as he was surging, letting Inoue reset
- DuBoef sees rematch case: Top Rank president: “I could see a rematch… it was that compelling”
- Ring poll favored Bam: 73% of fans wanted Inoue vs Jesse Rodriguez, not Nakatani, before the fight
- Inoue has other options: Says his slate is “blank” and is considering 126 lbs or Bam Rodriguez in 2027
If Naoya Inoue pursues the Jess ‘Bam’ Rodriguez fight though the rematch will be on hold — we think he’ll go after the Bam fight.
Who knows what fights will happen though for either Nakatani or Inoue this year.
One thing is for sure, they delivered a great little scrap in Japan last weekend.
Well done.
