RIZIN will return to the Tokyo Dome with a spectacular event featuring the first round of a heavyweight grand prix, the highly anticipated debut of Bellator veteran Danny Sabatello, and the comeback of former UFC title contender John Dodson.
The Japanese fight organization unveiled the initial six competitors for the 8-man heavyweight tournament scheduled for May 4th. These fighters include Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin, and Marek Samociuk. The final two participants and the tournament bracket are yet to be announced by the promotion.
The event, named RIZIN Otoko Matsuri, will mark Sabatello`s first appearance under the RIZIN banner as he faces Shinobu Ota. Additionally, John Dodson will have a rematch against Takaki Soya, whom he previously defeated in a bare-knuckle boxing match in Japan nearly a year prior.
In a statement, Sabatello expressed his enthusiasm about fighting in Japan, calling it a long-held dream. He emphasized his ambition to become the RIZIN bantamweight world champion in an exciting and dominant fashion, highlighting his aggressive fighting style and intent to utilize knees effectively under RIZIN`s rules.
Sabatello further asserted his exciting fighting style, aiming to mentally and physically break his opponents. He specifically targeted Shinobu Ota as his first challenge, vowing to defeat him decisively and fulfill a past promise to make a statement in Japan.
Current RIZIN Otoko Matsuri fight card is listed below.
