Lysin’s return to Tokyo Dome includes the first round of the heavyweight Grand Prix, the debut of Bellator veteran Danny Sabatello and the return of former UFC title candidate John Dodson.
Japan’s promotion revealed the first six names to be featured in the 8-man heavyweight tournament on May 4th: Tsuyoshi Dalio, Sibisai, Mikioueda, Jose Augus, Alexander Soldatkin and Marek Samosiuk. The company has yet to reveal its last two athletes and brackets.
The event, entitled Rizin Otoko Matsuri, shows Sabatello’s first promotional appearance, taking on Shinobu Ota, and Dodson will rematch Takakichoya after winning his decision in a naked knuckle boxing match in Japan.
“I want you all to know how excited I am to finally compete in Japan,” Sabatello said in the release. “It’s been my dream for years. But don’t twist it. I’m not to beat people here. I’m going to be the world champion of the Lysin bantamweight division. I’ll do it in the most entertaining way possible. The Lysin rules make the fight exciting.
“All my fights are exciting. I don’t just break people mentally – I will crush them physically. My first target is Shinobu. I will break his will and destroy him completely. Years ago, I will knock him out.
Check out the current Rizin Otoko Matsuri lineup below.
- Danny Sabatello vs. Shinobu Ota
- John Dodson vs. Takaki Soya
Erson Yamamoto vs. Daichi Tomizawa
- Joe Hiramoto vs. Toki Tamaru
Heavyweight Grand Prix: Tsuyoshi Sudario, Shoma Shibisai, Mikio Ueda, Jose Augusto, Aleksandr Soldatkin and Marek Samociuk