RIZIN FF News
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.
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.
Floyd Mayweather reveals payday for his exhibition match in RIZIN: "It's always a few million a minute"
Cole Shelton - September 21, 2022
Floyd Mayweather will be getting paid when he faces MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura in a boxing exhibition match at RIZIN 38 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on September 25. The fight will only be nine minutes, and even though it is short and an exhibition, Mayweather still got a hefty purse for it. He has said he wants to work smarter and not harder for his money and he’s doing just that as he revealed he is making a few million every minute.
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.
Pros react after Sergio Pettis sleeps Kyoji Horiguchi with spinning backfist
Chris Taylor - December 3, 2021
Tonight’s Bellator 272 event was headlined by a highly anticipated title fight featuring Sergio Pettis taking on Kyoji Horiguchi. Pettis (21-5 MMA) was looking to earn his first career title defense when he took on former champion Horiguchi (29-3 MMA) this evening.
Kyoji Horiguchi gets immediate title shot in return to Bellator, challenges Sergio Pettis
Drake Riggs - October 20, 2021
RIZIN bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi is set to attempt to reclaim the title he never lost. Bellator announced on Wednesday that their newest Bellator 135-pound champion in Sergio Pettis has his next challenger. Pettis will defend against the RIZIN titlist in Horiguchi on Dec. 3 at Bellator 272 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Kyoji Horiguchi joins Bellator roster, expected to still compete in Japan
Drake Riggs - September 9, 2021
Kyoji Horiguchi is taking new steps forward in his storied career. It was revealed Thursday to BJPenn.com that the current RIZIN bantamweight champion has joined the Bellator roster. RIZIN, Bellator President Scott Coker, and Horiguchi himself announced the news via social media.
Dana White on working with RIZIN in future: 'I'm not saying I would but I'm not saying I wouldn't'
Drake Riggs - June 14, 2021
UFC President Dana White and RIZIN FF Founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara go way back. During the rise of the UFC in the early 2000s, PRIDE FC was doing its thing over in Japan. 15 years later and two most prolific MMA bosses reunited recently.
Rule changes and lightweight title fight announced for RIZIN 28
Drake Riggs - May 31, 2021
RIZIN 28 is the return to the Tokyo Dome for the great sport of MMA and Japan’s premier organization. The centerpiece of the next two RIZIN events is undeniably the big 16-man bantamweight Grand Prix tournament. The action begins with four opening round bouts on this first June 13 card while things conclude on the 27th in Osaka at RIZIN 29. But first, there needs to be some rounding out for the big show in PRIDE’s old stomping grounds.