RIZIN FF will be kicking off 2019 with their first event of the year in Yokohama, Japan on 21st April with RIZIN 15. Former UFC fighter Ulka Sasaki, who was scheduled to fight on the card had to pull out due to health issues, and has been replaced by yet another former UFC fighter, Justin Scoggins.

A light heavyweight clash between Karl Albrektsson and Christiano Frohlich, and two women’s flyweight bouts have also been announced for the event.

Young Swedish standout Karl Albrektsson (8-2) will be taking on promotion newcomer and Wanderlei Silva’s protégé Christiano Frohlich (10-4) in a light heavyweight match-up. With the promotion’s first ever light heavyweight title match taking place, the winner of this bout will most likely be considered one of the top contenders to challenge the belt.

RIZIN also looks to grow their women’s flyweight division by adding 2 fights. Judo ace Kana Watanabe (6-0-1) will be taking on Polish military fighter Justyna Haba (1-0) at RIZIN 15. In the other flyweight bout, Auclair (2-1) will be facing Mexican representative Saray Orozco (3-2).

Ulka Sasaki (22-6-2) has been forced to withdraw from his schedule fight against Kai Asakura (12-1) due to a visceral infection, and Justin Scoggins (11-6) has stepped in as a replacement.

Talking about her flyweight fight in the promotion, Judo ace Kana Watanabe said, “I was able to win my last fight in RIZIN in a great way and am glad I get the opportunity to show off my skills once again. Justyna fought like a seasoned veteran on her professional debut and showed solid skills and heart. But I plan to overwhelm her in this fight and show everybody my true ability (at RIZIN 15).”

Meanwhile, Justin Scoggins declared that he should’ve been booked on this card from the very beginning.

“I should have already been scheduled on this card. I signed with RIZIN to compete against the top martial artists and do it regularly. But, I’m happy to take the opportunity on short notice. The biggest factor in performing at this high level of competition is preparation. Fortunately I train consistently and have balanced out my nutrition well enough to stay close to fight weight. I fear no challenge, especially against a striker with sloppy technique.”

Confirmed fights for RIZIN 15 on April 21st in Yokohama, Japan.

Kyoji Horiguchi vs Ben Nguyen
King Mo vs Jiri Prochazka
Kai Asakura vs Justin Scoggins
Mikuru Asakura vs Luiz Gustavo
Damien Brown vs Koji Takeda
Satoru Kitaoka vs Roberto Satoshi Souza
Manel Kape vs Seiichiro Ito
Karl Albrektsson vs Christiano Frohlich
Kana Watanabe vs Justyna Haba
Shinju Auclair vs Saray Orozco