Didn’t have the stamina to stay up for the first part of RIZIN’s New Years Eve two part tournament?
Don’t sweat it. We got everything that you need to know to fake the hardcore funk.
Bantamweight Grand Prix Quarter Finals
- Kjoyi Horguchi vs. Gabriel Oliveira
Horiguchi lit up Oliveira with the quickness. Oliveira was dropped regularly, and after the third knockdown, even the referee had enough. Afterward, the normally reserved Guchi called out Manel Kape and said he’d tear his shit up. Amazing.
- Ian McCall vs. Manel Kape
McCall/Kape started fast and furious but ended abruptly with McCall seeming to cut his head by sliding along the RIZIN ring ropes. The ref stopped the fight to have the cut looked at. The endless stream of blood puring off McCall’s brow forced doctors to call off the fight. Ian McCall continues to have the worst luck in MMA history.
- Shintaro Ishiwatari vs. Kevin Petshi
Ishiwatari hit the Frenchman Petshi with the cleanest counter right hook of the year. A career making highlight.
- Takafumi Otsuka vs. Khalid Taha
Otsuka will fight Shintaro Ishiwatari on the 31st after his comeback submission victory over Khalid Taha. That matchup will be a rematch between the King of Pancrase and DEEP champions. Watch Otsuka snatch victory from Taha with a slick guillotine.
Other Notable Fights
After the cancellation of Gabi Garcia and Shinobu Kandori, because Garcia missed weight by 26 pounds, Gabi was forced to bow to the Japanese audience and ask for their forgiveness. Naturally, she blamed “blood in her nose”. Makes sense.
Cindy Dandois took King Reina’s name from the ranks of the undefeated via split decision in a lackluster affair.
Anthony Birchak continues to struggle in RIZIN after dropping a split decision to Korean fighter Je Hoon Moon.
Anthony Birchak vs Jae Hoon Moon #RIZIN pic.twitter.com/SsxdjJsYdB
— The Fight Nation (@TheFightNation) December 29, 2017
Remember the finals of the Bantamweight tournament and two other tournaments plus Mirko Cro Cop all happen this Saturday night into Sunday morning. I’ll have a full recap for you.
