Akebono vs. Sapp at RIZIN NYE card to be Shoot Boxing rules
Akebono: “I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.”
RIZIN FC has announced that a rematch between Bob Sapp and Akebono will be included on the NYE show.
Akebono, 46, is 1-8 as a kickboxer. His one win was a over decade ago. He has not competed in kickboxing in nine years. His MMA record is worse, at 0-4. His last MMA fight was a submission loss, to Giant Silva, in 2006.
Sapp, 42, is on a 12 fight losing streak in MMA. He has gone 1-13 in kickboxing in the last decade.
The bout will be held under Shoot Boxing rules.
I have been seeking advice about what rules the highly anticipated rematch should be held under,” explained RIZIN boss Nobuyuki? Sakakibara, as transcribed by Mike Skytte for MMASucka. “(Shoot Boxing founder and CEO, Cezar Takeshi) introduced me to the idea where both fighters will be able to maximize their potential.”
According to the press release, Sapp expressed appreciation for the match up.
It has been a while since I last fought on NYE,” he said. “And very excited. And to be facing my nemesis once again. Last time we fought, we made history, and that was a great honor. I would like to aim for making history again, and I assure you it will be an exciting fight.
Akebono’s reported words were even more heartfelt.
I have been living with grief and defeat for the past 12 years,” it began. “I have carried a thought of redemption deep inside and got the offer at the perfect timing. I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.
The RIZIN boss also discussed the kickboxing that has been added to the card.
The new K-1 has become popular in such a rapid rate,” said Sakakibara. “And I am happy that they are going to be sending their top, young talent to our ring. We would like to match both K-1 representatives up with tough opponents.
The weekend will also feature K-1 action with Hiroya Kawabe vs.AkiyoWickyNishiura on Tuesday, Dec. 29, and TakeruSegawa vs. Yang Ming on December 31.
Nam Jin Jo suffered a knee injury, so Shoot Boxe Academy’s Felipe Efrain from fight Yuki Motoya. Yuichiro Nagashima vs. Andy Souwer, and Asen Yamamoto vs. Kron Gracie will also be on the December 31st card.
The three-day fight expo will begin Dec 29 and include amateur MMA and a grappling tournament.
RIZIN general manager Nobuhiko Takada teased at an Akebono vs. Sapp trilogy bout.
I am just too excited,” he said. :One of the reasons is that the fight card is near complete, but more so because of the fact that we will be able to kick of our event on the day where people watch television the most. It needs to be a festivity. We put together various fights for a wide audience. We would like to continue to promote the greatness of this event.
The ratings for (Akebono vs. Sapp) was unreal. And that same fight will be coming back. There are many opinions about this fight, but that is what makes it so exciting. Many fighters will be motivated to gather all the attention which will lead to better performance. This fight has many meanings behind it … If Akebono wins, maybe next year?
