Tag: rizin ff

John Dodson calls for a Rizin FF bout with Kyoji Horiguchi: “I want to be the champion, and he has to be my stepping stone”

John Dodson, Kyoji HoriguchiJohn Dodson has his eyes set on hia next opponent following his impressive win at Rizin 40. Dodson, once a title contender in the UFC, wants to meet Kyoji Horiguchi of Japan for his next fight. Since Dodson and Horiguchi have both settled under the Rizin banner, the two crossing paths seems imminent. 38-year-old John […]

John Dodson, Kyoji Horiguchi

John Dodson has his eyes set on hia next opponent following his impressive win at Rizin 40.

Dodson, once a title contender in the UFC, wants to meet Kyoji Horiguchi of Japan for his next fight. Since Dodson and Horiguchi have both settled under the Rizin banner, the two crossing paths seems imminent.

38-year-old John Dodson left MMA fans in awe as he knocked out opponent Hideo Tokoro in just less than two minutes into their flyweight fight.  It was a scintillating knockout finish for the veteran Dodson, and following the fight, his eyes are dead set on Horiguchi next.

John Dodson on Waiting to Fight Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi, a former Bellator and Rizin FF champion, has been rumored to be matched up with Dodson in the past, and Dodson believes now is the time to make it happen:

“I’ve been trying to fight Horiguchi for the last two years,” Dodson told reporters at the post-fight press conference.

 “When I got released from the UFC, they gave me Horiguchi as a future opponent coming into Rizin, but then the borders were shut down (due to the pandemic), and they wouldn’t let me come over here…” – (H/T MMA Junkie)

“Then he got signed to Bellator, so it’s been like a back-and-forth thing. I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to really test my abilities against the former champion of Rizin. I want to be the champion, and he has to be my stepping stone to become it.”

Kyoji Horiguchi is one of the most accomplished Japanese MMA fighters of all time. Going into a potential fight, Dodson recognizes that he probably won’t be the fan favorite. This fact doesn’t affect him at all, and Dodson embraces being the “villain”:

“I don’t care, I can be the villain of any story. But at the same time, I’m going to come out the hero.”

John Dodson’s recent knockout of Tokoro was his 2nd MMA victory of the year in just as many bouts. The 38-year-old veteran is 2-1 in MMA since leaving the UFC, and he looks for this potential fight with Horiguchi to continue his momentum. Will John Dodson get his desired matchup with the Japanese MMA legend Horiguchi? Fans will have to eagerly wait for fight news.

Watch | Former UFC contender John Dodson scores a first-round KO win in RIZIN debut against Hideo Tokoro

John Dodson Rizin TokoroThe MMA veteran and former top-ranked UFC contender John Dodson made an impressive debut in RIZIN earlier today. The US-born athlete made quick work of the DREAM and RIZIN veteran Hideo Tokoro. Dodson only needed one minute and forty-three seconds of fight time to finish the bout via knockout. John Dodson wins via KO in […]

John Dodson Rizin Tokoro

The MMA veteran and former top-ranked UFC contender John Dodson made an impressive debut in RIZIN earlier today. The US-born athlete made quick work of the DREAM and RIZIN veteran Hideo Tokoro. Dodson only needed one minute and forty-three seconds of fight time to finish the bout via knockout.

John Dodson wins via KO in RIZIN debut

‘The Magician’ John Dodson made his RIZIN debut in the competitive flyweight division at 125 lbs. The 5’3″ fighter humorously listed himself as 6’2″ on the TV broadcast. He is a long-time veteran of MMA collecting a record of 23-13 between the UFC, XMMA, King of the Cage, and several other organizations. Most notably, he has faced fighters such as Merab Dvalishvili, John Lineker, Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and two bouts against ‘Mighty Mouse’ Demetrious Johnson. Currently, Dodson is on a two-fight win streak having both of his 2022 MMA fights, plus a BKFC bout he won via KO.

Hideo Tokoro is a Japanese-born submission grappling athlete. In his 22-year-long career, he has fought from flyweight to heavyweight. Tokoro was a staple of the DREAM organization where he was known as one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. Over his impressive career, he has put together a record of 35-32 against notable fighters such as Kyoji Horiguchi, Masakazu Imanari, Joachim Hansen, Abel Cullum, Brad Pickett, Ivan Menjivar, and UFC 1 winner Royce Gracie, plus even grappled against Wanderlei Silva.

With this notable win, the Jackson-Wink-trained John Dodson is likely to continue climbing the ranks of MMA around the globe. Yesterday on Instagram he promised fireworks, and today he delivered.“It’s time for the real fun to begin. Tomorrow night is nothing but fireworks.”

Manny Pacquiao announces that he will box for RIZIN FF in 2023: “Excited to fight a Japanese fighter.”

Manny Pacquiao RIZIN 1The Filipino-born boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has just announced that he will be coming out of retirement for a bout with RIZIN in 2023. The 44-year-old boxer put together an incredible 62-8 record over his 26-year-long career in professional boxing, making his debut at just the age of 16. His last bout was a loss […]

Manny Pacquiao RIZIN 1

The Filipino-born boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has just announced that he will be coming out of retirement for a bout with RIZIN in 2023.

The 44-year-old boxer put together an incredible 62-8 record over his 26-year-long career in professional boxing, making his debut at just the age of 16. His last bout was a loss in 2021 against Yordenis Ugás for the WBA Super Welterweight title. More recently, Pacquiao took on three exhibition boxing bouts in Korea in 2022.

Manny Pacquiao will box for RIZIN in 2023

During the Bellator vs. RIZIN and RIZIN 40 New Years Eve event hosted in Tokyo, Japan, Manny Pacquiao stood at the center of the ring next to PRIDE and RIZIN founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara. The two announced that Pacquiao will face a Japanese opponent in the RIZIN ring in 2023.

Manny Pacquiao said:

“A few months ago, I was here as a guest and today I have a very exciting announcement tonight. I have agreed with Rizin to fight next year, the date will soon be announced and also my opponent that Rizin will choose. I’m open and excited to fight a Japanese fighter.” [Transcript courtesy of MMA Junkie]

RIZIN is certainly no stranger to ‘legends’ boxing fights. In two matches the Japanese MMA organization has hosted Floyd Mayweahter Jr. exhibition boxing bouts. Mayweather faced kickboxing great Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 and former RINGS champion Mikuru Asakura in 2022. The US-born 50-0 boxing great walked away with a victory in both matches.

Later in 2023, a former Mayweather opponent, Manny Pacquiao will set foot in the RIZIN ring. The specifics remain to be seen but it will likely be an exhibition bout.

Juan Archuleta on Bellator vs. Rizin crossover fight vs. Soo Chul Kim: “I plan on taking this guy’s soul.”

Juan ArchuletaJuan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF. Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s […]

Juan Archuleta

Juan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF.

Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s Alex Lerman to discuss what this opportunity means to him, preview his Bantamweight Feature Bout on the card with Kim, and offer up his insight on recent MMA judging controversies.

On competing at such a unique event like Bellator vs. Rizin, Archuleta said:

“I’m super honored, super grateful man. Not only are we making history in MMA, but I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do which is fight in Japan. So, I’m super excited, stoked and blessed all at the same time.”

Before getting into the fight, Archuleta spoke on some of his hobbies and how he spends his time outside the gym:

“When I’m not training, I’m training, when I’m not in camp, I’m training and I’m coaching. But no, I like to spend time with my family, I like farming; I actually have my own farm in Northern California in Humboldt. We grow cannabis, heirloom vegetables, and I like to hunt, fish, dive, and vacation, and you know, just being an extremist.”

Archuleta certainly takes on an interesting lifestyle outside of fighting to go with his impressive career inside the cage.

Juan Archuleta on matchup with Soo Chul Kim

Going into this fight, Juan Archuleta looks to improve his win streak to two after defeating Enrique Barzola in October via Unanimous Decision. When asked about what to expect from his opponent Kim this time around, Archuleta stated:

“(Kim is) very similar to my last opponent where Barzola was well rounded, we put on a high pace fight, and I’m looking forward to be doing that this fight as well In Japan, where they really appreciate martial arts… To have a worthy enough opponent that’s gonna put his offense together as well as mine, I’m super excited.”

Archuleta continued and offered an interesting perspective on how he wanted to win this fight. On this subject, Archuleta continues:

“I want to spend as much time in that ring as I can because I don’t know if I’ll ever be back there again, so I plan on taking this guy’s soul. I want to go out there and either make him quit or just show 15 minutes of dominance… just being in that ring as long as I can showing pure dominance.”

As opposed to many fighters, Archuleta isn’t specifically looking for a finish but added that if the opportunity presented itself, he wouldn’t say no. Archuleta also had comments to add about fighters that do specifically look for finishes:

“Well, that’s insecurities right, that’s guys who aren’t sure about themselves, guys who don’t love the sport that are just doing it for fame and fortune. This is what I do, this is what I’m passionate about… To go out there an compete, that’s where I’m the most happy and most calm at… going inside of the cage and spending as much time as I can in there.”

Archuleta on Recent MMA Judging Controversies

Making headlines across MMA media, recent judges’ decisions have been the center of controversy. In the fight between Danny Sabatello and Raufeon Stots, one judge scored it 50-45 for Sabatello despite overwhelming consensus that Stots clearly won the fight. Soon after, at UFC 282, Paddy Pimblett was awarded a Unanimous Decision victory over Jared Gordon which sparked controversy as well.

Archuleta had many thoughts to offer on the recent state of MMA judging:

“You can’t be pissed off at the judges when they give their opinion on who wins a fight, they’re judges, like that’s what they’re supposed to do… I don’t know why people get so offended or butthurt… If you’re a martial artist, you got to do your homework on who’s judging you. You can’t just say this judging is so inconsistent, well yeah so is martial arts… Different judges have different interpretations on who wins a fight, and you can’t take that away from them.”

This interview with Archuleta was extremely interesting, unique, and refreshing to hear a perspective that differs from the majority of fighters and fans. MMA fans around the world, tune in and watch Bellator vs. Rizin to see Juan Archuleta take on Soo Chul Kim in the Bantamweight Feature bout on New Year’s Eve.

Watch the entire interview below for the entirety of Archuleta’s comments:

How do you think Juan Archuleta will fare on NYE!?

Kyoji Horiguchi on Bellator vs. Rizin super-fight: “I’m ready to show how I fight in front of the Japanese fans.”

Kyoji HoriguchiKyoji Horiguchi (30-5) is set to take on Hiromasa Oigikubo (25-6-2) in the flyweight feature bout at Bellator vs. Rizin on December 31st. The historic event will feature a crossover between the two promotions, taking place at none other than the famous Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Leading up to the fight, Horiguchi took […]

Kyoji Horiguchi

Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5) is set to take on Hiromasa Oigikubo (25-6-2) in the flyweight feature bout at Bellator vs. Rizin on December 31st.

The historic event will feature a crossover between the two promotions, taking place at none other than the famous Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Leading up to the fight, Horiguchi took the time to speak with Lowkick MMA’s Alex Lerman about what this fight means to him, how he sees himself getting his hand raised at the end, and his future regarding Bellator and Rizin.

On fighting in Japan in front of his home country and fans, Horiguchi said:

“I’m ready to show how I fight in front of the Japanese fans.”

Horiguchi trains at talent-filled, high-level gym American Top Team in South Florida and recently bought a house there in 2019. When asked about his favorite part about living in America so close to his gym, Horiguchi responded:

“Because (it’s) very convenient, and also Florida has good fishing spots. I love fishing… bass fishing, any fishing.”

Moving on to the highly anticipated bout, Horiguchi was asked about his expectations for the fight against Oigikubo. Kyoji continued:

“I want a finish, doesn’t matter submission or KO. I want to try to finish him… I’ve improved my skills a lot everywhere, and I can fight this fight everywhere.”

Kyoji Horiguchi on his future at either promotion

Kyoji Horiguchi has fought for both Bellator and Rizin over the course of his experienced career. Given the circumstances of this crossover event and his history, Kyoji was asked about what the future would hold regarding which promotion he would fight for. Horiguchi had a very insightful answer to this, stating:

“I have no idea right now, but I want to keep fighting for Bellator and Rizin because they have a good friendship, you know. Other promotions don’t have this.”

To conclude the conversation with Horiguchi, he was asked who he would like to see in the cage next as an opponent, given the result of this bout against Oigikubo does go Kyoji’s way. Horiguchi was quick to answer:

“I’m focused on this fight, but I want to rematch Sergio Pettis and Patchy Mix.”

The two Bellator stars Pettis and Mix remain on the mind of Horiguchi. But like Kyoji said, his focus is on getting a finish on December 31st vs. Hiromasa Oigikubo in Japan. This can’t-miss, historic crossover event between Bellator vs. Rizin will be an event that all combat sports fans should tune into. Watch for the Feature Flyweight Bout, as Kyoji Horiguchi looks to add another win to his impressive record.

Watch the full interview with Kyoji Horiguchi here:

Jake Paul eyes professional fight with Floyd Mayweather, wants to take his undefeated boxing record

Jake PaulJake Paul remains confident of securing a Floyd Mayweather fight but is insistent that the bout should be a professional contest. Jake Paul is set to take on MMA legend Anderson Silva later this month on October 29, at the Dessert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arizona. For many, this challenge alone would be enough to […]

Jake Paul

Jake Paul remains confident of securing a Floyd Mayweather fight but is insistent that the bout should be a professional contest.

Jake Paul is set to take on MMA legend Anderson Silva later this month on October 29, at the Dessert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arizona. For many, this challenge alone would be enough to focus on at once but Paul still continues to attempt to set up future fights.

The 25-year-old has been recently campaigning to be selected as Mayweather’s next opponent and Paul seems confident of his chances.

“I think he [Floyd Mayweather] would [fight me] if it was an exhibition for sure,” Paul told MMA Fighting. “The thing is I want it to be a real pro bout and take his undefeated record, which I don’t think he’ll risk.

“But I just think that makes the fight three times as big, three times as hyped. That’s what I’m aiming for.”

Mayweather recently fought on a Rizin FF show in Japan, where he took on Mikuru Asakura, knocking him out in the second round. Following that, the 45-year-old would quickly announce he would be taking on the Youtuber, ‘Deji’ in Dubai on November 13. in another exhibition bout.

Jake Paul reacts to Floyd Mayweather’s recent win

Paul was critical of Mayweather’s opponent, taking to Twitter to react to his fight against Asakura, telling Mayweather that he wanted his 0.

“It’s 2022, Floyd Mayweather is ruining his legacy fighting no-name guys, wasting his fan’s money, wasting his fan’s time,” Paul said on Twitter. “He doesn’t even know the names of the guys he’s fighting … to make some money to pay his tax bills.

“Floyd, I will fight you. And you know that’s one of the biggest fights to make in boxing. I weigh 175, you weigh 165 — we can get that done, make a couple $100 million.” (H/T MMAFighting)

“I definitely think there’s a fight for us in the future,” Paul said. “Whether it’s (an) exhibition or not, we’ll figure that part out.”

Who would win, Jake Paul or Floyd Mayweather?