Gomi vs. Andy Souwer at RIZIN 11 on July 29
Takanori Gomi: “Me and Sakakibara can figure out money, but the best way to relieve stress is to knock somebody out in the ring.”
After a successful kickoff into the year 2018, RIZIN Fighting Federation has announced three more events:
RIZIN 11 on July 29;
RIZIN 12 on August 12; and,
RIZIN 13 on September 30.
On June 8th, RIZIN held a press conference at the RIZIN Headquarters in Nishiazabu Tokyo. Chairman General Manager Takada announced that Takanori Gomi vs. kickboxing ace Andy Souwer is set at 161lbs (73kg), under RIZIN Special MMA rules, 3 x 5 minute rounds, with no elbows above the neck, at RIZIN 11.
Gomi (35-15-1) is considered as the greatest Japanese fighter of all time, winning prestigious titles such as the Shooto Welterweight World title and PRIDE Lightweight title. However, the Fireball Kid did not have the best run in the UFC, and was released by the promotion after losing 5 fights in a row. After 13 years, the 39-year-old made his return to the NYE event, and faced the rising prospect Yusuke Yachi, in one of the most exciting fights that night. Despite being submitted and losing the fight, Gomi proved that he is still one of the most exciting fighters and one of the most loved fighters in Japan.
My new gym is taking off, I have no injuries and feel healthy. So I felt that I should just fight now instead of waiting until NYE,” said Gomi. I would like to finish this year with three consecutive wins. Me and Sakakibara can figure out money (laughs), but the best way to relieve stress is to knock somebody out in the ring.”
“I have been pretty active this year competing in exhibition matches, but I do feel that this division lacks in star power. So I felt that I needed to fight again. I felt like I lacked in Jiu Jitsu skills when I was in the UFC, so I have been working on my Jiu Jitsu now.”
“After I came back to Japan I feel more motivated in competing, and getting ready for each the fight. It is actually really nice to be able to compete at home, I don’t have to stress about travel, time difference, and all the other additional concerns that come with fighting internationally.
Andy Souwer (2-3 MMA), one of the most decorated strikers in the world with over 180 professional kickboxing fights under his belt, made his transition into MMA in 2015, under the RIZIN banner, where
he demolished his opponent in the first round. Souwer continued to face tough opponents under the Japanese promotion but has not matched the success of his debut fight, and suffered losses against Daron Cruickshank, Kazuyuki Mitaya, and Akiyo Nishiura. The Dutch ironman looks to readjust his MMA career by beating the Japanese striker.
I have been having a rough time with my MMA career, but being able to fight Gomi is very exciting,” said Souwer. He is for sure one of the best strikers in MMA. I have watched him fight back in the day, and his style of constantly going for the finish, is exactly what I do as well. I know this will be a great matchup so I hope to put on a fight that everybody will enjoy.’
RIZIN 11 confirmed fights
Kyoji Horiguchi vs Hiromasa Ogikubo
Kanna Asakura vs Rena Kubota
Jiri Prochazka vs Bruno Cappelozza
Saori Ishioka vs Miyuu Yamamoto
Takanori Gomi vs Andy Souwer
Doors open at 1:30 PM with Opening Ceremony at 3:00PM on Sunday July 29, 2018 at the Saitama Super Arena. International tickets can be purchased at www.stubhub.com starting June 10th.
