RIZIN FF News
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.
RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura officially signs with the UFC: "I will definitely get the belt"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asaukra is officially heading to the UFC. The 30-year-old has been viewed as one of the greatest Japanese fighters on the planet for years now. For the unaware, Kai Asakura has been competing in the RIZIN ring since late 2017 and holds victories over the likes of Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi. In December, the bantamweight earned a knockout victory over former Bellator champion Juan Archuleta.
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.
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 champion Juan Archuleta calls for rematch with Bellator's Patchy Mix: "Only guy to beat him"
Josh Evanoff - December 29, 2023
RIZIN bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta is ready for a rematch with Bellator titleholder Patchy Mix. ‘The Spaniard’ is slated to make the first title defense of his bantamweight title reign this Saturday. In the co-main event of RIZIN 45, Juan Archuleta will face former titleholder Kai Asaukra. If he can get through the Japanese fighter this weekend, he hopes to meet Patchy Mix in the near future.
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.
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.
Nate Diaz teases move to RIZIN in latest social media post
Josh Evanoff - January 5, 2023
It appears that we may soon have an answer as to where Nate Diaz is fighting next. The Stockton native has been out of action since his clash with Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September. Prior to the bout, it was revealed that it was the last of Diaz’s contract with the promotion. The fan-favorite was originally slated to face Khamzat Chimaev, but the bout was scrapped after ‘Borz’ missed weight.
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.