Saitama, Japan – RIZIN Fighting Federation has officially unveiled a colossal lineup for its annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza, scheduled for December 31 at the legendary Saitama Super Arena. The card, historically one of the most significant events in Japanese combat sports, will feature an unprecedented six championship contests, headlined by the promotional debut of former Bellator two-division champion and UFC veteran, Ryan Bader, who will vie for the inaugural RIZIN Heavyweight title.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, solidifies the year-end show as a must-watch event, blending established international stars with Japan’s most celebrated martial artists. The Saitama Super Arena, a venue steeped in the history of Japanese MMA from the PRIDE FC era to the present day, will once again host a spectacle designed to capture global attention.

Heavyweight Inaugural Ryan Bader vs. Aleksandr Soldatkin

The marquee heavyweight clash sees Ryan "Darth" Bader (31-8, 1 NC) make his highly anticipated RIZIN debut against the formidable Aleksandr Soldatkin (14-3). Bader, a decorated athlete with a collegiate wrestling background, rose to prominence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) before achieving dual-champion status in Bellator, holding both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight belts simultaneously. His career highlights include dominant victories over legends such as Fedor Emelianenko, Cheick Kongo, and Valentin Moldavsky during his Bellator heavyweight reign.

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Bader’s most recent outing was a knockout loss to Renan Ferreira in February 2024 under the PFL banner, marking his sole appearance in that promotion. This defeat snapped a three-fight winning streak at heavyweight, underscoring the high stakes of his RIZIN debut. His transition to RIZIN represents a significant cross-promotional move, bringing a high-profile American veteran to the Japanese stage. The bout will not only mark Bader’s first fight in Japan but also his opportunity to capture a major promotion’s heavyweight title in a third distinct organization.

Opposing Bader is Russia’s Aleksandr Soldatkin, a rising force who earned his title shot by winning RIZIN’s heavyweight tournament. Soldatkin has compiled an impressive 3-0 record within the RIZIN ring, culminating in a decision victory over Marek Samociuk in the tournament final this past September. Known for his aggressive, forward-moving style and knockout power, Soldatkin presents a significant challenge to Bader, aiming to cement his status as RIZIN’s premier heavyweight by defeating a global superstar. This contest is pivotal for RIZIN, as it will crown the promotion’s first-ever heavyweight champion, a move signaling its commitment to building a robust heavyweight division.

Bantamweight Championship: Naoki Inoue (c) vs. Danny Sabatello

In the co-main event, RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Naoki Inoue (18-3) will put his title on the line against the outspoken American contender Danny Sabatello (15-3). Inoue, part of the renowned Inoue fighting family alongside his brother, former RIZIN champion Kai Asakura, captured the vacant bantamweight belt in 2024 with a dominant first-round finish over Soo Chul Kim. Since then, he has successfully defended his title against top contenders Yuki Motoya and Ryuya Fukuda, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that combines sharp striking with elite grappling. Inoue’s technical proficiency and ability to finish fights have made him one of RIZIN’s most exciting champions.

Challenging him is Danny Sabatello, a former contestant on Dana White’s Contender Series and a one-time Bellator title contender known for his relentless wrestling, aggressive ground-and-pound, and brash "Italian Gangster" persona. Sabatello has quickly made a name for himself in RIZIN with decisive victories over Shinobu Ota and Shoko Sato, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the RIZIN rule set and cage/ring environment. His high-pressure style promises a fascinating clash against Inoue’s more nuanced and diverse attack, with both fighters known for their high-octane performances. Sabatello’s journey to a RIZIN title shot after his Bellator run underscores the fluidity of the global MMA landscape and the appeal of RIZIN’s stage.

Further Championship Encounters Set to Electrify Saitama

Beyond the two headlining acts, RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve card features four additional championship bouts, highlighting the depth of talent across multiple weight classes:

• Featherweight Championship: Razhabali Shaidulloev (c) vs. Mikuru Asakura
  Razhabali Shaidulloev (12-1), the reigning Featherweight Champion, will face off against Japanese superstar Mikuru Asakura (17-4, 1 NC). Asakura, a prominent figure in Japanese pop culture with a massive YouTube following, has been a perennial contender in RIZIN’s featherweight division, known for his crisp striking and charismatic presence. He seeks to finally capture the elusive RIZIN title against Shaidulloev, a formidable champion who has demonstrated a well-rounded game and consistent performances. This bout carries significant weight in Japan, given Asakura’s star power and his quest for championship gold.

• Lightweight Championship: Roberto Satoshi Souza (c) vs. Shunta Nomura
  The explosive Roberto Satoshi Souza (15-3), a highly regarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will defend his Lightweight title against rising contender Shunta Nomura (10-3). Souza, known for his devastating submission skills and increasing striking prowess, has been a dominant force in the lightweight division, with a high finishing rate that has captivated audiences. Nomura, having earned his shot through a series of impressive performances, will aim to upset the champion and claim the lightweight throne. This fight promises a compelling clash of styles, pitting Souza’s grappling against Nomura’s all-around game.

• Super Atomweight Championship: Seika Izawa (c) vs. Rena Kubota
  The undefeated Super Atomweight Queen Seika Izawa (12-0) faces a highly anticipated rematch against veteran Rena Kubota (14-5). Izawa has been a dominant force since her RIZIN debut, holding an unblemished record and establishing herself as the clear leader of the division. Kubota, a legendary figure in Japanese combat sports with a celebrated background in Shoot Boxing, has been a cornerstone of RIZIN’s women’s divisions for years. Their previous encounter was a hard-fought battle, and this rematch has been eagerly awaited by fans, representing a generational clash between the division’s current queen and a respected pioneer.

• Vacant Flyweight Championship: Hiromasa Ougikubo vs. Yuki Motoya
  The final championship bout will crown a new RIZIN Flyweight Champion as two seasoned veterans, Hiromasa Ougikubo (25-7-2) and Yuki Motoya (35-13, 1 NC), battle for the vacant title. Both Ougikubo, a former The Ultimate Fighter finalist, and Motoya have extensive experience within RIZIN, having faced many of the promotion’s top fighters. Ougikubo’s gritty, well-rounded approach and Motoya’s exciting, unpredictable style are expected to deliver a high-stakes, competitive fight to determine the new king of the flyweight division. Their long careers and consistent presence in RIZIN make this an earned opportunity for both fighters to add championship gold to their legacies.

The full fight card, with its remarkable six title fights, solidifies RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve event as one of the premier global MMA showcases, promising an evening of intense competition and memorable moments as the year draws to a close.

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