RIZIN announces heavyweight grand prix, debut opponent for Danny Sabatello
RIZIN’s return to Tokyo Dome will include the first round of a heavyweight grand prix, the debut of Bellator veteran Danny Sabatello, and the return of former UFC title contender John Dodson.
The Japanese promotion revealed Wednesday the first six names that will be featured on the 8-men heavyweight tournament on May 4: Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin and Marek Samociuk. The company has yet to reveal the final two athletes and the brackets.
The event, titled RIZIN Otoko Matsuri, will mark the first promotional appearance of Sabatello, taking on Shinobu Ota, while Dodson rematches Takaki Soya almost a year after winning a decision over him in a bare-knuckle boxing match in Japan.
“I want you all to know how excited I am to finally fight in Japan,” Sabatello stated in a release. “It’s been a dream of mine for years. But don’t get it twisted — I’m not here just to beat people up. I’m here to become the RIZIN bantamweight world champion, and I’ll do it in the most entertaining way possible. RIZIN rules are the best in the world — they make fights exciting. And for me, that means I get to smash skulls with knees.
“Every one of my fights is exciting. I don’t just break people mentally — I crush them physically. My first target is Shinobu Ota. I’m going to break his will and destroy him completely. Years ago, I said I’d come to Japan and knock him out. Time to make good on that promise. Get ready, Japan. And Shinobu — brace yourself.”
Check the current RIZIN Otoko Matsuri lineup below.
- Danny Sabatello vs. Shinobu Ota
- John Dodson vs. Takaki Soya
- Erson Yamamoto vs. Daichi Tomizawa
- Joe Hiramoto vs. Toki Tamaru
- Heavyweight Grand Prix: Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin and Marek Samociuk