Nakatani vs. Hernandez

Junto Nakatani defeated Sebastian Hernandez by Unanimous Decision (115-113, 115-113, 118-110)

On December 27, 2025, Junto Nakatani made his long-awaited junior featherweight (122 lbs) debut against the rugged and relentless Sebastian Hernandez, delivering one of the most brutal and memorable fights of the year at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai in Riyadh.

Fought at Mohammed Abdo Arena, the bout quickly turned into a toe-to-toe war, with both fighters refusing to take a step back. Hernandez applied constant pressure, forcing Nakatani into prolonged exchanges at close range and testing him like never before.

Despite suffering heavy swelling around his right eye and being dragged into deep waters, Nakatani showcased his composure, timing, and championship experience to edge out a unanimous decision victory.

• Fight of the Year Contender: A non-stop, all-action battle praised for its intensity and grit
• Nakatani Tested: Hernandez’s durability and pressure exposed Nakatani to his toughest challenge to date
• Hernandez’s Heart: The Mexican contender earned widespread respect for his chin, output, and refusal to fade
• Scorecard Controversy: The 118–110 card drew criticism, with many observers believing the fight was far closer

The victory solidified Nakatani’s position at super-bantamweight and set the stage for a projected megafight with Naoya Inoue, while Hernandez emerged from defeat with enhanced credibility and fan support.