RIZIN’s upcoming Otoko Matsuri event on May 4, 2025 just got a lot more interesting.
In an announcement issued on Wednesday, RIZIN officials revealed that their heavyweight grand prix would be featured at the event, with a number of names announced. In addition, fights involving Danny Sabatello and John Dodson, among others, were confirmed.
The 2025 Heavyweight Grand Prix is set to feature eight fighters, six of which were introduced on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, Japanese heavyweight and RIZIN regular Tsuyoshi Sudario (9-3) is among them. A former sumo wrestler, Sudario is coming off a stoppage win over Hisaki Kato at RIZIN Landmark 10.
Shoma Shibisai (10-3), who competed under the Bellator banner at one of their Japanese shows, and who also featured in a special rules bout against former UFC heavyweight champ Josh Barnett, will also take part. Mikio Ueda (4-2) is the final Japanese fighter named, while KSW’s Marek Samociuk (7-4), on a three-fight win streak, will represent Poland. A Russian fighting out of Germany, Alexander Soldatkin (14-5), who lost on the Contender Series in 2023, is also in the grand prix. Finally, LFA and Bellator vet Jose Augusto (10-4, 1NC), a former light heavyweight, will represent Brazil.
The remaining two names have yet to be revealed, as have any potential match-ups.
Bookings confirmed on Wednesday, however, see former UFC title challenger and current BKFC flyweight champ John Dodson (24-14) returning to MMA, as he takes on Takaki Soya (12-6-1) in a rematch of their bareknuckle fight, which Dodson won last year.
Bantamweight Danny Sabatello (14-4-1) makes his RIZIN debut opposite Shinobu Ota (7-4), a former Olympic wrestler. Our sympathies to Sabatello’s translator ahead of this one.
Also announced on Wednesday, Erson Yamamoto faces Daichi Tomizawa, while Joe Hiramoto meets Toki Tamaru. Both of those bouts are scheduled at flyweight (57kg).
