RIZIN LANDMARK 13: Sabatello to Defend Bantamweight Crown Against Goto; High-Profile Additions Confirmed for Fukuoka Event

Fukuoka, Japan – Danny Sabatello is slated to make his inaugural defense of the RIZIN Bantamweight Championship on April 11, headlining RIZIN LANDMARK 13 against challenger Joji Goto at the Marine Messe Fukuoka. The promotion officially announced the highly anticipated main event on Friday, confirming a card that will also feature the return of former Bellator champion Patricky Pitbull and the promotional debut of Irish standout James Gallagher, signaling a significant push for the Japanese organization’s spring schedule.

Sabatello (17-4-1), known for his aggressive wrestling and relentless pressure, secured the RIZIN bantamweight title in dramatic fashion at the final event of 2025, dethroning then-champion Naoki Inoue via a hard-fought split decision. The victory marked the culmination of a successful transition for "The Italian Gangster" into the RIZIN ranks, following his departure from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) earlier in the same year. His journey in RIZIN has been characterized by a dominant three-fight winning streak, showcasing his formidable grappling skills and unyielding competitive spirit that resonated with Japanese audiences. His title acquisition was a testament to his adaptability and immediate impact within the competitive RIZIN bantamweight division, a weight class historically rich with talent in the promotion.

Facing Sabatello in his first title defense is Joji Goto (20-8-1), a fighter who has earned his championship opportunity through an impressive unbeaten streak of 5-0 under the RIZIN banner. Goto’s consistent performances have positioned him as a legitimate threat to Sabatello’s reign. His most recent outing saw him secure a crucial split decision victory over veteran Jose Torres on the same December 30 card where Sabatello claimed the title, solidifying his status as the division’s top contender. Goto’s fighting style, often characterized by sharp striking and tactical precision, presents an intriguing stylistic clash against Sabatello’s grappling-heavy approach. The bout is expected to be a pivotal contest for the bantamweight division, determining whether Sabatello can establish a long-term reign or if Goto can capitalize on his momentum to capture his first major promotional title.

Beyond the bantamweight championship showdown, the RIZIN LANDMARK 13 card is set to deliver additional high-stakes encounters, particularly in the lightweight and featherweight divisions, with the inclusion of two prominent international fighters.

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In the lightweight division, former Bellator Lightweight Champion Patricky Pitbull (25-15) will make his anticipated return to Japan, squaring off against local contender Yoshinori Horie (14-6). Pitbull, a storied veteran of mixed martial arts, holds the record for most knockouts in Bellator history, a testament to his explosive striking power and aggressive fight philosophy. However, the Brazilian fighter arrives in Fukuoka facing a critical juncture in his career, having endured a challenging period marked by four consecutive losses across Bellator, PFL, and RIZIN. This losing skid represents a stark contrast to his earlier career successes, making this fight against Horie an imperative for Pitbull to regain his footing and demonstrate that he remains a top-tier competitor. A victory in Japan could be instrumental in reversing his fortunes and re-establishing his presence in RIZIN’s lightweight hierarchy.

Yoshinori Horie, meanwhile, is no stranger to high-profile matchups within RIZIN. His last appearance in September saw him challenge for the RIZIN Lightweight Championship, ultimately falling to Roberto Satoshi. Horie’s record of 14 wins and 6 losses reflects a fighter with significant experience and a willingness to engage in exciting bouts. Known for his well-rounded skill set and resilience, Horie will be looking to rebound from his title defeat by securing a significant win against a veteran of Pitbull’s caliber. A victory over a former international champion would undoubtedly elevate Horie’s standing and propel him back into contention within RIZIN’s competitive lightweight division. The clash of styles, with Pitbull’s raw power against Horie’s technical prowess, promises a compelling contest for the Japanese audience.

Adding further international flair to the card is the promotional debut of Ireland’s James Gallagher (13-3), who will face Kazumasa Majima (18-6) in a featherweight bout. Gallagher, often referred to as "The Strabanimal," made headlines when he requested his release from PFL following the organization’s acquisition of Bellator, seeking new opportunities in the global MMA landscape. His return to action in June 2025 saw him secure a second-round submission victory over Fabricio Soares in Dubai, reminding fans of his dangerous grappling and submission game, which has been a hallmark of his career. Gallagher’s entry into RIZIN marks a significant step for the Irish fighter, offering him a fresh platform to showcase his talents and build a new fan base in Japan. His aggressive, submission-oriented style is often a crowd-pleaser and aligns well with RIZIN’s reputation for exciting fights.

His opponent, Kazumasa Majima, brings a wealth of RIZIN experience to the cage. With 9 appearances in the promotion, Majima holds an 18-6 professional record. Notably, only one of his RIZIN bouts has gone the distance, indicating his preference for decisive finishes, whether by knockout or submission. Majima’s aggressive approach and veteran status within RIZIN will provide a stern test for Gallagher’s debut. This matchup is designed to test Gallagher’s readiness for the Japanese circuit and could be a breakout performance for either fighter. A dominant win for Gallagher would instantly establish him as a formidable force in RIZIN’s featherweight division, while a victory for Majima would cement his position as a gatekeeper to the top tier and spoil the international newcomer’s arrival.

RIZIN LANDMARK 13 is part of the promotion’s "LANDMARK" series, which typically features focused cards designed to highlight specific matchups and rising stars, often held in more intimate settings compared to their larger stadium shows. Marine Messe Fukuoka, a prominent convention and exhibition center, has a history of hosting major sporting events and provides an ideal venue for this high-caliber mixed martial arts spectacle. RIZIN’s continued efforts to integrate international talent with its established Japanese roster underscore its global ambitions and commitment to delivering compelling matchups for its audience worldwide. The April 11 event is poised to be a significant moment in the RIZIN calendar, with divisional implications for its bantamweight, lightweight, and featherweight classes.

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