John Dodson made a statement in his RIZIN debut.
‘The Magician’ started his newest MMA venture with a first-round knockout. Dodson signed a multi-fight deal with RIZIN and made his promotional debut at RIZIN 40. The 38-year-old made his presence felt immediately by walking out in a ninja turtle costume. The English RIZIN Twitter account posted the video with the caption:
“He definitely lived up to his word… @JohnDodsonMMA makes his RIZIN debut NOW!”
He definitely lived up to his word… 🥷🐢@JohnDodsonMMA makes his RIZIN debut NOW!
[ #RIZIN40 | @FiteTV PPV link in bio ] pic.twitter.com/Amjh32zFPd
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
In his promotional debut, Dodson took on MMA veteran Hideo Tokoro, who holds a record of 35-32-2. ‘The Magician’ was aware that he doesn’t get paid by the hour. The former UFC fighter went after Tokoro and finished the fight with a first-round finish. An MMA fan posted the highlight on Twitter with the caption:
“Former UFC fighter and Flyweight title challenger John Dodson looked awesome in his Rizin debut as he knocked Hideo Tokoro out cold. What a finish! #Rizin40”
Watch John Dodson finish Hideo Tokoro in his promotional debut at RIZIN 40 below:
Former UFC fighter and Flyweight title challenger John Dodson looked awesome in his Rizin debut as he knocked Hideo Tokoro out cold. What a finish!#Rizin40 pic.twitter.com/V7W6Ex5rZC
— Ray Ban (@Marcus_MMAandPW) December 31, 2022
John Dodson continues to find success outside of the UFC
John Dodson’s promotional debut win couldn’t have come at a better time. RIZIN 40 was the precursor to Bellator vs. RIZIN, which made a connection with North American and Japanese audiences. Therefore, Dodson’s first-round finish was seen by a wider audience than his last few fights.
‘The Magician’ parted ways with the UFC after losing to Merab Dvalishvili in October 2020. Since then, the 38-year-old lost his first XMMA fight and then picked up a win before signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He made his bare-knuckle debut against Ryan Benoit in August, which ended with a knockout win in 40 seconds.
Although Dodson found success with BKFC, he still has an itch for MMA competition, leading to him signing a multi-fight deal with RIZIN. The former UFC title challenger remains signed with BKFC and plans to compete in both organizations.
Dodson made his pro-MMA debut in 2004. He has scratched and clawed his way to a 23-13 record, including a 10-7 UFC record. The 38-year-old is doing what few fighters can – finding success after parting ways with the UFC.
