RIZIN`s highly anticipated return to the Tokyo Dome will feature the first round of a prestigious heavyweight grand prix tournament, the debut of former Bellator fighter Danny Sabatello, and the comeback of ex-UFC title contender John Dodson.
The Japanese fight organization unveiled on Wednesday the initial six competitors for the eight-man heavyweight tournament scheduled for May 4th. These fighters include Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin, and Marek Samociuk. RIZIN is expected to announce the final two participants and the tournament bracket soon.
This event, named RIZIN Otoko Matsuri, will be Sabatello`s first appearance under the RIZIN banner, where he will face Shinobu Ota. Additionally, Dodson is set for a rematch against Takaki Soya, approximately one year after defeating him by decision in a bare-knuckle boxing match in Japan.
“I am incredibly excited to finally compete in Japan,” Sabatello expressed in a released statement. “Fighting here has been a long-held dream. Make no mistake – I`m not just coming to participate; I am here to become the RIZIN bantamweight world champion, and I intend to achieve this in the most spectacular fashion. RIZIN`s rules are unparalleled; they guarantee exciting fights. For me, this means unleashing devastating knee strikes.”
“Every fight I engage in is a spectacle. I don’t just break my opponents mentally; I shatter them physically. My immediate focus is Shinobu Ota. I am determined to crush his spirit and utterly destroy him. I declared years ago that I would come to Japan and knock him out. Now it’s time to fulfill that promise. Prepare yourselves, Japan, and Shinobu – brace for impact.”
See the current fight card for RIZIN Otoko Matsuri below.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely