Unless you were up at the crack of dawn drinking Red Bull and eating cold pizza like in the golden era of watching Japanese MMA online, then chances are you missed RIZIN’s announcement.
The promotion announced via a live Youtube stream and a Periscope broadcast that Kazushi Sakuraba and Hideo Tokoro will face Wanderlei Sila and an TBD opponent currently named Mr. X on the April 17th card. …At the same damn time!
【RIZIN】ヴァンダレイ・シウバが桜庭和志&所英男とタッグマッチ対決https://t.co/PE8bBJW4y3#RIZIN #efight #rizinff #mma pic.twitter.com/Mnpr4pu8ZT
— eFight(イーファイト)格闘技情報 (@efight_twit) March 5, 2016
Sakakibara also added that, while they haven’t been determined yet, he wants the “most extreme grappling” rules in history. He said that they may allow palm strikes instead of closed fists. So, we’re basically getting a Pro Wrestling tag match with Pancrase rules. Insane.
The whole thing was like a lucid dream. Confirm to yourself that this is indeed reality by watching the full press conference below.
(The entire event will also be dedicated in the memory of Kevin Randleman. His family will be in attendance.)