TOKYO – Rizin FF officials recently held a press conference to announce the card for Rizin LANDMARK 5 in Yoyogi. In addition to CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara, 12 of the 20 fighters competing on the card were present at the venue where 100 fan club members were invited.
At the beginning of the press conference, CEO Sakakibara announced that the previously announced date of Rizin LANDMARK 5 in Yoyogi had been changed from April 30th (Sun) to April 29th (holiday, Saturday).
Regarding the reason for this, CEO Sakakibara said, “(On April 30), other organizations will be holding tournaments in Japan, and the athletes’ second camp will participate in both tournaments, so in order to balance with the others, we moved the schedule forward by one day. In order to avoid overlapping competitions and to reduce the stress of athletes and seconds as much as possible, it was moved forward by one day. I am grateful to the production staff who will be working a midnight shift to this decision.”
CEO Sakakibara added, “These upcoming events will be a grand sum of what Rizin has been doing for the past 8 years. We will be introducing 2 new venues to Rizin, both events were renovated for the Tokyo Olympics, and are very excited to bring Rizin to such prestigious venues.”
Aside from the date adjustment and new venues, CEO Sakakibara informed the press about upcoming announcements. “Rizin 42 fight announcements will be held early next week. Juan Archuleta from Bellator is confirmed to participate in the May 6th event.”
The marquee matchup of the double main events initiated the comments from the fighters side. Holding the mic, former Featherweight Champion Ushiku briefly said, “This fight is a fight between 2 different styles so that’s what makes it intriguing. It will be a great fight. I’m more used to the cage.”
Afterwards, former title challenger Asakura said, “It’s been a while since I’ve fought MMA. I’ve boxed and am confident that I have gotten stronger. I will guarantee a knockout within the 2nd round. I have no damage from the Mayweather fight so I feel good. I’ve been working grappling the most. I like the cage because it’s easier to defend takedowns.” Regarding the co-main event, Asakura did not mince his words. “Hiramoto has no chance against Saito. He’s not even on my radar.”
The battle between the two former title challengers holds heavy title implications in 2023.
Yutaka Saito, who will be returning to the fight after losing the title match in April last year, will face Ren Hiramoto, who is currently winning two consecutive MMA matches.
Saito held the microphone and said, “It’s been a while since my last fight. I feel healthy mentally and physically. This is the best card that has been put together for the Rizin LANDMARK series and I will do my best to put on the fight of the night. The cage has a different fight style. But it’s easier to follow due to less official’s interference.”
Interestingly, Hiramoto called a man in a suit over to his seat and used him as an interpreter, explaining, “I got knocked the fuck out yesterday so I am not allowed to speak. Please let the translator speak for me. His name is Precious.”
Precious went on to elaborate, “I want to apologize today. I have talked massive shit to hype a fight, but sometimes I go too far. I had no idea Asakura Mikuru would sue me. So for my next fight I will be a good boy. Saito, let’s put on a good fight!”
At the end, Hiramoto said in his own voice, “Thank you all. I know I’m getting better and the Saito fight will be fireworks. I’m not going to speak for this fight. I will show my skills in the fight. He’s a great well rounded fighter but I don’t see myself losing to him. The cage will make my Karate stand out more.”
Will the inaugural Featherweight King Saito show the difference in power and experience, or will Hiramoto continue his winning streak?
