Bellator MMA and RIZIN are set to stage a historical event on New Year’s Eve (January 31, 2022) at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event will feature five fighters from each promotion facing off in a one-night spectacle. The co-main event will pit Bellator’s featherweight king, Patricio Pitbull, against champion Kleber Koike.
According to Bellator president Scott Coker, the two sides have agreed to hold two such events, with the other one taking place in 2023 in the United States under Bellator’s MMA rule set. Coker stated that the next event “has to be in the cage, and it has to be Bellator rules. It would be different. Whether in the US or somewhere else. I think Hawaii would be fun.”
The main event of the Bellator and RIZIN cross-promotion event on New Year’s Eve will be a lightweight bout between A.J. McKee and Roberto de Souza. McKee, who is ranked No. 3 in the Bellator pound-for-pound rankings, is known for his dynamic striking ability and submission skills, with 13 combined stoppage victories in his career. De Souza is the RIZIN featherweight champion and has a professional record of 14-2, with several notable victories in his career. The fight will be a non-title bout and will take place inside the four-sided ring at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Additional information about the rules set and other details of the fight have not yet been announced.
Historic collaboration event
While many promotions have been hesitant to partner up for events like this for fear of hurting their brand and the brand of their fighters, Coker believes that the best fighting the best is the true martial arts way, even if the outcome doesn’t favour his company or fighters.
“You are putting your fighters in harm’s way, you’re putting your brand in harm’s way and that’s OK because that should be the martial arts way,” Coker said.
The rest of the main card will feature Juan Archuleta against Soo Chul Kim at bantamweight, Tatsuya Kawajiri against Hiromasa Ougikubo at flyweight, and Gadzhi Rabadanov against Koji Takeda. This cross-promotion event between Bellator and RIZIN is sure to be a must-see for fans of mixed martial arts.
This is the first time that Bellator and RIZIN have held a cross-promotion event, and it is expected to be a showcase of some of the best talents in the sport. Bellator president Scott Coker has stated that the two sides have agreed to hold two such events, with the other one taking place in 2023 in the United States under Bellator’s MMA rule set.
Betting on MMA Fights
Betting on mixed martial arts (MMA) fights can be a thrilling and exciting way to enjoy the sport, but it’s important to approach it with caution and understanding. It is of great importance to start off by looking at the odds for each match.
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When you are planning on making some bets, the following concepts are key to keep in mind.
It’s crucial to do your homework and research the fighters before placing a bet. Look at their record, style, and recent performances to get a better idea of their chances in the fight.
There are various types of bets you can make on an MMA fight. Some common options include bets on the overall winner, the method of victory (KO, submission, etc.), and the round in which the fight will end.
It’s important to set a budget for your betting and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and be prepared for the possibility of losing your bet.
Different sportsbooks may offer different odds on the same fight, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best value for your bet.
By following these tips and approaching MMA betting with caution and discipline, you can have a fun and exciting experience while minimizing your risk.