RIZIN Fighting Federation is set to deliver two thrilling events in May, highlighted by championship title defenses and the commencement of the highly anticipated Heavyweight Grand Prix.
RIZIN Otokomatsuri – May 4th, Tokyo, Japan
The May 4th event, RIZIN Otokomatsuri in Tokyo, will be headlined by a featherweight title clash. The reigning featherweight champion, Kleber Koike, will defend his belt against the undefeated Razhabali Shaydullaev. Koike is looking to maintain his championship reign after regaining the title in December, while Shaydullaev enters the bout with an unblemished record of 12 wins and no losses.
RIZIN Otokomatsuri will also feature a captivating lightweight showdown between popular Japanese fighters Chihiro Suzuki and Mikuru Asakura. Adding to the excitement, the event will host the opening round of the Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.
The Heavyweight Grand Prix will see former sumo wrestler Tsuyoshi Sudario making his tournament debut against Bellator veteran Jose Augusto. Another quarterfinal match will feature ex-KSW heavyweight Marek Samociuk facing Daniel James, who has experience in both Bellator and PFL. The remaining quarterfinal bouts include Islambek Baktybek Uulu versus Alexander Soldatkin, and Mikio Ueda against Shoma Shibisai.
RIZIN in Korea – May 31st, Seoul, South Korea
Later in the month, RIZIN will travel to South Korea for an event on May 31st. The main event in Seoul will showcase Roberto Satoshi, the 155-pound champion, defending his title against Won Bi Kim, a former competitor in Road to UFC. Fans can also look forward to the return of UFC veteran and RIZIN commentator Johnny Case, who is scheduled to face Juri Ohara in action.
