RIZIN is set to return to Tokyo Dome with a heavyweight grand prix featuring its first round, the debut of Bellator veteran Danny Sabatello, and the return of former UFC title contender John Dodson.
On Wednesday, the Japanese promotion announced the first six participants for the 8-man heavyweight tournament on May 4th: Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin, and Marek Samociuk. The final two fighters and tournament brackets are yet to be announced.
The event, named RIZIN Otoko Matsuri, will be Sabatello`s promotional debut, where he will face Shinobu Ota. John Dodson will also return to rematch Takaki Soya, nearly a year after his bare-knuckle boxing victory over Soya in Japan.
In a statement, Sabatello expressed his excitement about fighting in Japan, saying, “It’s been a dream of mine for years. But make no mistake, I’m not just here for a fight. I aim to become the RIZIN bantamweight world champion, and I`ll do it in the most spectacular way. RIZIN rules are the best, making fights thrilling, and for me, that means knee strikes to the head.”
Sabatello continued, “Every fight of mine is exciting. I don’t just break opponents mentally, I crush them physically. Shinobu Ota is my first target. I will break his spirit and completely destroy him. I promised years ago to come to Japan and knock him out. It’s time to deliver on that promise. Japan, get ready. And Shinobu, prepare yourself.”
