RIZIN 19: Lightweight GP Participants Announced

A number of fights, and competitors have been announced for RIZIN 19.

RIZIN Fighting World GP 2019 will kick off on October 12, at the Edion Arena in Osaka. RIZIN’s CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced the 8 participants for the GP. Patricky Pitbull Freire (21-8), Johnny Case (26-6-1), Luiz Gustavo (9-1), Tatsuya Kawajiri (37-13-2), Tofiq Musaev (15-3), Roberto de Souza (9-0), Damien Brown (19-12) and Hiroto Uesako (16-7) will all be competing in the GP. Bellator MMA President Scott Coker previously spoke about working closely with RIZIN FF.

The matchups for the opening rounds are yet to be determined, however a drawing is scheduled next week, according to RIZIN’s press release. RIZIN Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka (24-3-1) will be making his first appearance after capturing the title after beating King Mo, and will be taking on Brazilian striker Fabio Maldonado (25-13).

UFC veteran Keita Nakamura (34-10-2) will be making his RIZIN debut against BJJ specialist Marcos Sauza (8-1) at RIZIN 19. After a shocking loss at the Madison Square Garden in June, Rena Kubota (8-3) makes her return against Canadian striker Shawna Ram (1-0).

Talking to the media, Jiri Prochazka said, “I’m really happy for this opponent. It’s a real challenge for me. I saw him one time, when he fought with Fedor Emelianenko and he showed a very good and tough fight. He’s a different type of opponent than I’ve ever had, but this is the right challenge for me. I want to win without compromise and to show all Japanese fans that my strategy is on the next level. I’m looking forward to Japan and RIZIN!”

Fabio Maldonado, who will be fighting Jiri said, “I am very happy to be able to fight in RIZIN. I am sure that the Japanese fans will love my style. Jiri is a very tough opponent and the perfect one for an epic battle”.

Rena, who lost her previous fight inside MSG said, “I am sorry to have disappointed you all in New York. I hit rock bottom but I am now back on track and ready to start climbing the ladder once again. I am nothing but grateful that RIZIN gave me an offer in my hometown Osaka, so I would like to show my hometown fans an exciting finish.”

Confirmed fights for RIZIN 19:

Jiri Prochazka vs Fabio Maldonado
Seo Hee Ham vs Miyuu Yamamoto
Marcos de Souza vs Keita Nakamura
Rena Kubota vs Shawna Ram

Light weight GP participants:

Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire
Johnny Case
Luiz Gustavo
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Tofiq Musaev
Roberto de Souza
Damien Brown
Hiroto Uesako

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