Anticipation is building as Japanese mixed martial arts promotion RIZIN FF has formally announced the complete lineup of opening-round bouts for its highly anticipated Flyweight Grand Prix, alongside key second-round matchups for the Heavyweight Grand Prix. These crucial tournament fights are slated to take place at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, as part of the Super RIZIN 4 event scheduled for July 27th.
The 125-pound Flyweight Grand Prix draw, a pivotal moment in the division`s landscape, was streamed live from Japan, revealing the five compelling contests that will kick off the tournament journey. A notable entry is UFC veteran Jose Torres, who will face Hiromasa Ougikubo. Torres made a successful RIZIN debut late last year, while Ougikubo is no stranger to tournament success, having claimed the RIZIN Bantamweight Grand Prix title in 2021 with impressive victories over top contenders.
The bracket also features undefeated prospect Alibek Gadzhammatov, known for his knockout power, taking on Takaki Soya. Soya enters the tournament following a significant decision victory over former UFC title challenger John Dodson, signaling his readiness for elite competition. Another intriguing pairing sees Nkazimulo Zulu, who recently challenged for the RIZIN belt, meet Yuki Ito in a bid to advance.
Former title contender Makoto Shinryu is set to face Erson Yamamoto, adding another high-stakes encounter to the flyweight bracket. Rounding out the initial phase of the tournament, the vastly experienced Yuki Motoya, with over 20 RIZIN appearances to his name, will test his mettle against Hiroya, an opponent currently riding a two-fight win streak and looking to continue his momentum.
Moving up the scales, the heavyweight division tournament also progresses. RIZIN confirmed two heavyweight quarter-final matchups for the event: former Bellator competitor Jose Augusto is scheduled to clash with Marek Samociuk, while Mikio Ueda faces Alexander Soldatkin, a fighter with experience on Dana White`s Contender Series.
Beyond the tournaments, Super RIZIN 4 features a prominent main event rematch between former featherweight champion Kleber Koike and Mikuru Asakura. However, a planned featherweight title defense, which was expected to feature champion Razhabali Shaidulloev, has been removed from the card. The promotion cited an inability to secure a suitable opponent in time for the title bout, a reminder of the inherent logistical challenges in coordinating high-level combat sports events.
With the Grand Prix matchups now set and a compelling main event in place, Super RIZIN 4 promises a night of intense action and significant implications for the future of RIZIN`s flyweight and heavyweight divisions at the historic Saitama Super Arena.
