RIZIN FF News
Taisei Sakuraba opens up on decision to face 41-fight veteran in RIZIN debut: "It's going to be definitely a challenge"
Josh Evanoff - December 30, 2024
Taisei Sakuraba hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps at RIZIN: Decade later this week. The young ‘Saku Jr.’ will make his MMA debut on RIZIN’s end-of-the-year show later this week. The bout will be Taisei Sakuraba’s first in the ring, but he’s no stranger to combat sports. His father is the legendary PRIDE fighter and UFC Hall of Famer, Kazushi Sakuraba. ‘The Gracie Hunter’ fought anyone and everyone, often accepting fights against opponents larger, and more experienced than himself.
Kyoji Horiguchi intends to prove that he's the best flyweight on the planet in RIZIN Decade return: "That's my goal"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
RIZIN flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi wants to prove that he’s the best in the world. ‘The Typhoon’ hasn’t been seen in the ring since a bantamweight clash with Sergio Pettis in June. In a rematch of their Bellator 272 classic which saw ‘The Phenom’ score a knockout win, Kyoji Horiguchi dominated. After 15 minutes of action, he moved his unbeaten streak to five by unanimous decision.
Ryan Garcia suffers wrist injury, postpones boxing return against RIZIN kickboxer Rukiya Anpo
Josh Evanoff - December 16, 2024
Ryan Garcia’s return to the boxing ring at RIZIN 49 will have to wait. ‘KingRy’ hasn’t been seen in action since his clash with fellow star Devin Haney in April. While the bout was the first time the two met in a professional boxing match, they had faced off six times in the amateurs. The two split the series 3-3, but Ryan Garcia entered their pro fight a massive underdog. However, he wound up dominating ‘The Dream’ in New York.
Dana White open to signing more RIZIN fighters despite Kai Asakura's loss at UFC 310: "I would love to do it"
Josh Evanoff - December 9, 2024
UFC President Dana White is open to working with RIZIN after Kai Asakaura’s debut over the weekend. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, the former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion made his promotional debut. In the main event of UFC 310, Kai Asakura met longtime flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja. With ‘The Cannibal’ having beaten most of the top ten, Dana White gave the Japanese star a title shot in his debut.
Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Sergio Pettis 2 announced for RIZIN 47 in June
Josh Evanoff - April 19, 2024
Kyoji Horiguchi will get the chance to avenge a loss to Sergio Pettis later this summer in RIZIN. ‘The Typhoon’ is fresh off a rematch with Makoto Takahashi at RIZIN 45 in December. That fight was his second in a row with the Japanese fighter, previously fighting to a no-contest in July that ended in an eye poke. In the second bout, Kyoji Horiguchi wasted no time, securing a second-round submission victory.
Former RIZIN fighter and one-time Royce Gracie opponent Akebono Taro passes away at 54
Josh Evanoff - April 11, 2024
Former RIZIN and K-1 fighter Akebono Taro has passed away at the age of 54. The early 2000s were the Wild West in regard to MMA. Over in Japan, that was especially the case. While freakshow fights still go on today, they were never as prevalent as they were two decades ago. One man who competed in multiple of those bouts, is former Sumo champion, Akebono Taro.
RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara meets with Dana White, teases announcement: "Stay tuned!"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2024
It seems that RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara and UFC executive Dana White have something cooking. In recent weeks, Dana White has been seen with a variety of fellow combat sports promoters. Names such as Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, BKFC’s David Feldman, and more, have been seen meeting with the UFC boss. Now, fans can add RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara to that list.
Kyoji Horiguchi reportedly eyes UFC return weeks after winning RIZIN flyweight title
Josh Evanoff - January 11, 2024
RIZIN flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi reportedly plans to return to the UFC. ‘The Typhoon’ is fresh off his return at RIZIN 45 in December. There, Kyoji Horiguchi fought Makamoto Takahashi, in a rematch of their July bout. Their first bout for the vacant Bellator flyweight title ended after just seconds, due to an eye poke. Due to the Scott Coker company being bought out by the PFL, they instead ran it back for RIZIN gold this time around.
RIZIN's Nobuyuki Sakakibara open to PFL co-promotion after Bellator sale: "Doors always open"
Josh Evanoff - December 28, 2023
RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara is open to working with PFL and Donn Davis, but it will take some time. The annual New Year’s event for RIZIN is slated for this weekend. Headlined by Kyoji Horiguchi’s rematch against Makoto Takahashi, the card also features high-profile names such as Juan Archuleta, Kai Asakura, John Dodson, and more. While a fun event, this year’s event will look radically different than last year’s.
RIZIN's Nobuyuki Sakakibara confirms talks with Anderson Silva for retirement bout: "We're always open"
Josh Evanoff - December 22, 2023
RIZIN executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara is down to welcome Anderson Silva to the ring in the future. ‘The Spider’ has been out of action since he clashed with Jake Paul well over a year ago. Facing off in the main event of a Showtime pay-per-view, Anderson Silva suffered a unanimous decision loss. ‘The Spider’ made a great account of himself in the bout, but an eighth-round knockdown from Paul sealed the defeat.
Gabi Garcia announces return to MMA after five-year hiatus: "I am the one who holds the crown"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2023
Former jiu-jitsu world champion Gabi Garcia is targeting a return to the cage. The 37-year-old had a lot of interest when she made her MMA debut back in 2015. A multiple-time jiu-jitsu champion, Garcia quickly signed to RIZIN. Given her stature at 6’2″ and 209 pounds, there weren’t many destinations for her to sign otherwise.
Report | Manny Pacquiao set to take on Kota Ibushi in Japan
Susan Cox - February 3, 2023
Manny Pacquiao is set to take on Kota Ibushi in Japan. Yes, a recent report from Tokyo Sports indicates that the Boxing Hall of Famer, Pacquiao is set to match up with Kota Ibushi in his debut with the Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN.
A.J. McKee reveals the samurai warrior armor he wore during Bellator vs. RIZIN event cost six-figures
Josh Evanoff - January 3, 2023
Bellator lightweight contender A.J. McKee had quite the night in Japan last Saturday. Over the weekend, Bellator and RIZIN held their first co-promotional event. While the two promotions have had a talent-sharing program for years, Saturday was their first event featuring both brands. Names such as Patricio Pitbull and Kyoji Horiguchi fought on the card against RIZIN’s competitors.
VIDEO | Johnny Case has hilarious weigh-in with naked Nobumitsu Osawa for Bellator vs. RIZIN event
Josh Evanoff - December 30, 2022
The Bellator vs. RIZIN weigh-in show had a hilarious moment earlier today. The two organizations are slated to put on a co-promoted event tomorrow night in Japan. The card is set to feature some of the biggest stars from Bellator, such as Patricio Pitbull and A.J. McKee. In return, RIZIN will send their best, in the form of champions such as Roberto de Souza to compete against them.
Photo | Incredible Samurai poster revealed for Bellator vs. RIZIN New Year's Eve event
Josh Evanoff - October 26, 2022
Bellator and RIZIN are going all out for their New Year’s Eve event in Japan. The two promotions have had a partnership since 2015. For the most part, that partnership has just led to fighters crossing over between promotions. For example, Bellator lent future champion, Patricky Pitbull, to RIZIN for their 2019 lightweight Grand Prix.
Bellator vs. Rizin event slated for New Year's Eve in Japan
Harry Kettle - October 25, 2022
Bellator MMA have announced another crossover event with Rizin, which is set to take place on New Year’s Eve. Over the course of the last few years, Bellator has made an effort to branch out and work with a series of different promotions. While it’s unlikely they’ll be able to strike any kind of cross-promotional deal with the UFC, there are certainly other companies that are more than willing to partake.
Floyd Mayweather not worried ahead of return to RIZIN against Mikuru Asakura: "I'm special"
Josh Evanoff - June 16, 2022
Undefeated professional boxer Floyd Mayweather isn’t stressing ahead of his return against Mikuru Asakura. ‘Money’ retired from the sport of boxing following a 2017 knockout of Conor McGregor. Sitting at 50-0 in his professional career, Mayweather has cemented his place as one of the greatest to ever put on the gloves. However, while he’s retired from pro contests, he’s not retired from exhibitions.
Floyd Mayweather set to return to RIZIN FF, faces Mikuru Asakura
Cole Shelton - June 14, 2022
Floyd Mayweather will be returning to Japan to fight for RIZIN FF. Mayweather who fought kickboxing phenom Tenshin Nasukawa and knocked him out under the RIZIN FF banner in December of 2019, has struck another deal with the promotion. RIZIN FF announced that Mayweather will take on MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura in an exhibition boxing match in September.