Following this past weekend’s Rizin FF 16 event, the promotion has announced its next card will take place in July.
Promotion officials revealed Rizin FF 17 will take place July 28 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Initial contests for the card include lightweights Mikuru Asakura (10-1) vs. Yusuke Yachi (20-8), bantamweights Yuki Motoya (23-6) vs. Hiromasa Ogikubo (18-4-2) and bantamweights Shintaro Ishiwatari (25-7-4) vs. Ulka Sasaki (22-6-2).
The Asakura vs. Yachi contest is expected to serve as qualifier for a rumored lightweight grand prix rumored to launch later this year, though Asakura made it clear he’s not interested in participating.
“I have nothing to gain from this fight,” Asakura stated. “I’m a featherweight, and he’s a lightweight. I asked if he would do a catchweight, but he refused, so (expletive) it, I’ll fight him at his weight. But if I win, I’m not fighting in the lightweight grand prix. I want a featherweight grand prix – and also, I want main event at the Saitama Super Arena.”
Motoya looks to rebound from a March loss to Victor Henry under the DEEP banner. He now meets Ogikubo, who was a finalist on “The Ultimate Fighter 24” but ultimately lost via decision to season winner Tim Elliott. Ogikubo has gone 3-1 since, with the lone loss coming to current Rizin champ Kyoji Horoguchi.
A five-time UFC veteran, Sasaki was victorious in his Rizin debut, taking a decision over Manel Kape in December. The Japanese product was expected to return in April against Kai Asakura, but injury forced Sasaki to withdraw from the card.
“I will be fighting Shintaro Ishiwatari in July,” Sasaki stated. “I do apologize for skipping the April event against Asakura, but I will get through this tough opponent in July and will be back for more.”
For more on Rizin FF 17, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.
