RIZIN Fighting Federation is set to host two thrilling events in May, highlighted by championship bouts and the commencement of the heavyweight grand prix tournament.
On May 4th in Tokyo, RIZIN Otokomatsuri will see featherweight champion Kleber Koike defend his belt against the undefeated Razhabali Shaydullaev. Koike regained the title in December with a victory over Chihiro Suzuki, while Shaydullaev boasts a perfect 12-0 professional record.
RIZIN Otokomatsuri will also showcase a highly anticipated lightweight clash between Japanese stars Chihiro Suzuki and Mikuru Asakura, along with the opening round of the prestigious heavyweight grand prix.
The heavyweight grand prix will feature former sumo wrestler Tsuyoshi Sudario facing Bellator veteran Jose Augusto in his tournament debut. Another quarterfinal match will pit ex-KSW heavyweight Marek Samociuk against Daniel James, who has experience in both Bellator and PFL. The remaining quarterfinal pairings are Islambek Baktybek Uulu versus Alexander Soldatkin and Mikio Ueda against Shoma Shibisai.
Three weeks later, on May 31st, RIZIN will venture to South Korea for an event headlined by lightweight champion Roberto Satoshi Souza defending his title against Won Bi Kim, a former participant in Road to UFC. Additionally, UFC veteran and RIZIN commentator Johnny Case will return to the ring to face Juri Ohara.
Here are the confirmed fight cards for both events:
RIZIN Otokomatsuri — May 4 in Tokyo, Japan
RIZIN in Korea — May 31 in Seoul, South Korea
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely