RIZIN Fighting Federation has announced a pair of women’s bouts for its year-end shows in Saitama, Japan next month.
At Friday’s RIZIN press conference, RIZIN FF executive Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara and General Manager Nobuhiko Takada were on hand to announce a pair of key bouts for its December cards. Along with further details on the return of Mirko Cro-Cop, it was announced that KING Reina (Reina Miura) would meet former UFC fighter Cindy Dandois at the promotion’s December 29 show. Additionally, at the promotion’s New Year’s Eve event, Shinju Auclair would face Chelsea LaGrasse in a rematch of an amateur bout several months back.
It’s a big move for Dandois (8–3), after a curious misfire in the UFC. The 33-year old appeared in that promotion in April, losing to Alexis Davis in a unanimous decision at UFC Nashville. Following the loss, she was cut from the promotion — an odd move given it was her only appearance with the company, and given the UFC’s relative need for fresh flood in the women’s divisions. Nevertheless, Dandois, who had previously fought for Invicta FC and M-1, was in need of a new home.
At least for now, she has two. Dandois already has a bout set at Cage Warriors 89 at the end of November. Then in December, she’ll be facing the undefeated KING Reina (7-0) in her RIZIN debut. The bout will mark Reina’s seventh of 2017. Splitting her time between RIZIN FF and DEEP, the Japanese fighter has defeated Shayna Baszler, Jazzy Gabert, and Crystal Stokes among others this year.
Also announced Friday was a bout between Shinju Auclair and Chelsea LaGrasse. LaGrasse will be making her professional debut at the event. The American went 3-0 as an amateur, however, and owns a win over opponent Auclair via a DQ earlier in 2017.
Shinju Nozawa-Auclair (1-0) made her professional debut for RIZIN in July, defeating Sheena Brandenburg. On December 31, she’ll get an opportunity to avenge her loss to LaGrasse.
The RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand Prix Second Round/Final Round Cards currently look as follows:
Second Round (December 29):
Bantamweight GP Quarter Finals
