Tag: RIZIN

JMMA Monday: Reflecting on ‘TRIGGER’ with J. Christian Gary

RIZIN kicked off its 2022 schedule last week with their second-ever "TRIGGER" card. It's the second time that RIZIN has run what is meant to be the second tier of their programming. I have likened it before to UFC's "Fight Night" cards, in relation to the numbered events that they do as well. In the … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Reflecting on ‘TRIGGER’ with J. Christian Gary →

RIZIN TRIGGER 2nd Live Coverage

RIZIN's 2022 schedule will begin on Wednesday night with their second-ever "TRIGGER" event. From the Ecopa Arena in Shizuoka, Japan, the promotion will present 13 fights inside their new MMA cage. Wednesday's card is set to be headlined by featherweights Kleber Koike and Ulka Sasaki. While Sasaki is still finding his footing in the division, … Continue reading RIZIN TRIGGER 2nd Live Coverage →

Kyohei Hagiwara vs. Satoshi Yamasu Among Eight Fights Announced For RIZIN 34

RIZIN announced eight fights for their first numbered event of 2022 on Wednesday. The fights are now attached to RIZIN 34, which will take place on March 20th at the Maruzen Intec Arena in Osaka, Japan. The most promoted fight out of the eight-fight pack announced this week was a featherweight bout between Satoshi Yamasu … Continue reading Kyohei Hagiwara vs. Satoshi Yamasu Among Eight Fights Announced For RIZIN 34 →

JMMA Monday: Ren Hiramoto Feels Ready For The Spotlight Again

Ren Hiramoto's MMA debut didn't go how he wanted it to. There we some parts of it that were optimal: It was in RIZIN on New Year's Eve, providing the biggest stage possible for a fight in Japanese MMA. It also came against Kyohei Hagiwara, who Hiramoto had publicly feuded with in the weeks building … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Ren Hiramoto Feels Ready For The Spotlight Again →

RIZIN Announces Ren Hiramoto’s Return For March 6th “LANDMARK” Card, Eight More Fights Set For “TRIGGER” Show

Former K-1 Japan kickboxer Ren Hiramoto will search for his first MMA victory next month, facing Chihiro Suzuki in the main event of a RIZIN card. The matchup was part of a trio of fights that were announced for RIZIN's second "LANDMARK" card Wednesday. The fights are scheduled to take place on March 12th, with … Continue reading RIZIN Announces Ren Hiramoto’s Return For March 6th “LANDMARK” Card, Eight More Fights Set For “TRIGGER” Show →

JMMA Monday: Ulka Sasaki’s Balance of Art and Sport

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. MMA is in a different position compared to a lot of other sports. While many sports are solely focused on wins and losses, MMA can be more than that. The sport is … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Ulka Sasaki’s Balance of Art and Sport →

Ulka Sasaki To Face Kleber Koike At February 23rd RIZIN ‘TRIGGER’ Event

Former UFC fighter Ulka Sasaki will return to action next month, facing Kleber Koike as part of RIZIN's second "TRIGGER" event. The featherweight bout is set to headline a card that will take place on February 23rd from the Ecopa Arena in Fukuroi, Shizuoka, Japan. Koike has been an unstoppable force since joining RIZIN, picking … Continue reading Ulka Sasaki To Face Kleber Koike At February 23rd RIZIN ‘TRIGGER’ Event →

JMMA Monday: Musayev’s Move, LDH Investing In MMA, And More

Welcome to another issue of JMMA Monday. This is a weekly blog series that discusses the big and small stories around Japanese MMA. This week's blog is split into two parts. The first half will see us discuss the recent news around Tofiq Musayev, and the second half will talk about Shooto Japan. Another One … Continue reading JMMA Monday: Musayev’s Move, LDH Investing In MMA, And More →