RIZIN’s Epic Tokyo Dome Return: Heavyweight Grand Prix, Sabatello’s Debut, and a Former UFC Title Challenger’s Comeback

The legendary Tokyo Dome is about to witness an explosive return of RIZIN Fighting Federation, and trust me, this card is stacking up to be absolutely insane. I’ve covered hundreds of MMA events over the years, but when I saw the lineup RIZIN is putting together, I literally had to do a double-take.

Japanese MMA has always had a flair for the dramatic, but this upcoming event is taking things to another level with three massive announcements that have the entire fight community buzzing.

Heavyweight Grand Prix Returns to the Dome

Remember the days of PRIDE’s heavyweight tournaments that made legends out of fighters like Fedor Emelianenko and Mirko Cro Cop? RIZIN is channeling that same energy with the first round of their heavyweight grand prix set to kick off at the Tokyo Dome.

This isn’t just another tournament – it’s a throwback to the golden era of Japanese MMA when tournaments defined careers and created unforgettable moments. The Tokyo Dome itself is hallowed ground for fight fans, having hosted some of the most iconic events in combat sports history.

Insert image of Tokyo Dome during a previous RIZIN event here

“Hurricane” Sabatello Crosses the Pacific

If you thought Danny Sabatello was controversial in Bellator, wait until you see what happens when he’s unleashed in RIZIN. The self-proclaimed “Italian Gangster” is making his RIZIN debut, and I guarantee the Japanese audience isn’t ready for his unique brand of trash talk and grinding wrestling style.

Sabatello brings a 15-3 professional record to RIZIN, but it’s his personality that might make the biggest impact. How will his brash American style translate to the traditionally respectful Japanese MMA scene? I’m absolutely here for this culture clash.

When I interviewed Sabatello last year, he told me: “I don’t care where I fight or who I fight. I’m going to talk my talk and then walk right through anybody they put in front of me.” That attitude is about to be tested on the international stage.

Potential Matchups for Sabatello in RIZIN

Former UFC Title Challenger Makes Triumphant Return

While RIZIN hasn’t officially named which former UFC title challenger will be returning, the MMA rumor mill is working overtime. Could it be Kyoji Horiguchi making another appearance? Or perhaps someone unexpected like Jessica Andrade or Jessica Eye who recently parted ways with the UFC?

Whoever it is, their addition to this card elevates it from “must-watch” to “cancel-all-your-plans-that-day” status. The crossover between major promotions continues to blur the lines in global MMA, and I’m all for it.

Having covered UFC title fights cageside for years, I can tell you there’s something special about watching these elite-level fighters compete in a different environment with different rules. The energy is different, the strategies change, and sometimes we see a completely new side to fighters we thought we knew.

Why the Tokyo Dome Matters in MMA History

For newer MMA fans, you might not fully appreciate what the Tokyo Dome represents. This isn’t just another venue – it’s where some of the largest crowds in combat sports history gathered during the PRIDE era.

The last time RIZIN held an event at the Tokyo Dome was RIZIN 30 in 2021, which drew over 30,000 fans. With COVID restrictions now in the rearview mirror, this upcoming event could potentially break attendance records for a post-pandemic MMA show in Japan.

I still remember watching PRIDE Shockwave 2002 on a grainy VHS tape as a teenager, mesmerized by the spectacle of 91,000 fans packed into the Tokyo Dome. That kind of atmosphere can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Historic Tokyo Dome MMA Events

• PRIDE Shockwave 2002: 91,107 attendance (Nogueira vs. Sapp)
• K-1 PREMIUM 2007 Dynamite!!: 47,928 attendance (Sakuraba vs. Funaki)
• DREAM.9: 15,427 attendance (Aoki vs. Hansen)
• RIZIN 30: Over 30,000 attendance (multiple championship bouts)

What This Means for Global MMA

RIZIN’s aggressive move to return to the Tokyo Dome signals their intention to reclaim Japan’s position as a major player in global MMA. With the UFC’s dominance and the rise of ONE Championship in Asia, RIZIN is making a statement that Japanese MMA isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.

The combination of a heavyweight grand prix, international talent like Sabatello, and former UFC stars creates a perfect storm of old-school Japanese MMA nostalgia and modern cross-promotional appeal.

As someone who’s followed this sport for decades, I’m genuinely excited to see RIZIN push the envelope. These are the kinds of events that remind us why we fell in love with this crazy sport in the first place.

When Can You Watch This Historic Event?

While the exact date hasn’t been officially announced, industry insiders suggest we’re looking at a late 2023 or early 2024 date. I’ll be updating this article as soon as more information becomes available, so bookmark this page and check back soon.

Are you as pumped for this event as I am? What matchups do you want to see in the heavyweight grand prix? Who do you think the returning UFC title challenger might be? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: RIZIN Fighting Federation official announcements and press releases