RIZIN is preparing to host a heavyweight grand prix tournament and the debut of Danny Sabatello, a Bellator veteran, at their upcoming event in Tokyo Dome. In addition, former UFC title contender John Dodson is set to make his return to the ring.
On Wednesday, the Japanese fight promotion revealed the initial six fighters who will compete in the 8-man heavyweight tournament on May 4th. The announced participants are Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin, and Marek Samociuk. The final two athletes and the tournament bracket structure are yet to be announced by the organization.
The event, titled RIZIN Otoko Matsuri, will be significant as it marks Sabatello`s first appearance under the RIZIN banner. He is scheduled to face Shinobu Ota. Furthermore, John Dodson will have a rematch against Takaki Soya, nearly a year after his previous victory over Soya in a bare-knuckle boxing match held in Japan.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sabatello stated in a release, “I’m incredibly excited to finally compete in Japan. It has been a long-held dream of mine. However, let me be clear – I`m not just here to participate. My goal is to become the RIZIN bantamweight world champion, and I intend to achieve this in the most spectacular and entertaining way possible. RIZIN rules are the best in the world; they ensure exciting fights. For me, this means I can utilize knees to deliver devastating blows.”
He further added, “Every fight I am in is guaranteed to be exciting. I aim to break my opponents both mentally and physically. Shinobu Ota is my immediate target. I am determined to crush his spirit and completely dismantle him. Years ago, I declared my intention to come to Japan and knock him out. Now, it`s time to make good on that promise. Get ready, Japan, and Shinobu – prepare yourself.”
Check out the currently announced fight lineup for RIZIN Otoko Matsuri below.
