Two literally big fights added to July 30 RIZIN event
Two additional fights are added to the highly anticipated RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GP 2017 – Summer event, scheduled to take place on July 30th.
Two additional fights are added to the highly anticipated RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GP 2017 – Summer event, scheduled to take place on July 30th at the Saitama Super Arena. A heavyweight fight between Amir Aliakbar and Tyler King, and a light heavyweight fight between two prospects Teodoras Aukstuolis and Karl Albrektsson will add weight and depth to the relatively light fight card.
Previously announced bouts include high profiled fights for the RIZIN GP 2017 including former UFC title contender Kyoji Horiguchi (19-2) vs Japanese fan favorite Hideo Tokoro (34-29-2), and former UFC standout Anthony Birchak (13-4) vs DEEP Bantamweight Champion Takafumi Otsuka (22-13-2).
RIZIN GP 2016 runner up Amir Aliakbari (6-1) made his successful return to the RIZIN ring in April when he stopped Geronimo Dos Santos by TKO at 3:34 in the first round. The former wrestling world champion is now looking for his second straight win, after suffering a loss against Mirko Crocop in the RIZIN GP 2016 finals. His opponent Tyler King (12-5), a Bellator, WSOF and CES veteran started his professional career as an NFL athlete playing in teams such as Chargers, Rams, and Jaguars. The Boston native has a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu and has 7 wins by submission.
Teodoras Aukstuolis (10-4) made is RIZIN debut in spectacular fashion with a highlight reel knockout when he entered the first ever RIZIN GP in 2015. The Lithuanian ended up becoming a regular for the promotion and entered the open weight GP held in 2016, where he fell short in the opening round. The 25-year-old has since fought in KOK, coming back with a 1st round submission victory and is looking to secure his spot in the RIZIN roster once again. Karl Albrektsson (5-1) made a great promotional debut by defeating Fedor Emelianenko’s protégé in a 15-minute battle when he extended his undefeated streak to five. The Swedish native entered the open weight GP in 2016 and tasted his first defeat in the opening round. The 23-year-old prospect looks to redeem himself in the RIZIN ring.
With these 2 fights announced, the fight card stands with 9 fights for the July 30th event.
Confirmed bouts:
[Bantamweight GP opening round Bracket A]
Kyoji Horiguchi vs Hideo Tokoro
Anthony Birchak vs Takafumi Otsuka
Keita Ishibashi vs Khalid Taha
Tenshin Nasukawa vs Kizaemon Saiga
Miyuu Yamamoto vs Cassie Robb
Satoru Kitaoka vs Yusuke Yachi
KING Reina vs Seini Draughn
RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2017 Bantamweight Tournament Opening round – SUMMER Doors open at 12:30 pm, Opening Ceremony at 2:00 pm on July 30th at the Saitama Super Arena. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.stubhub.com