Rizin FF 2017 in Yokohoma: Sakura Preview and Predictions
“I want to bring world-class fighting back to Japan” Kyoji Horiguchi
That’s exactly what the top-five flyweight will be doing when he makes his much-anticipated debut at
Rizin 2017 in Yokohoma: Sakura on April 16.
The main event features Japanese MMA legend Tatsuya Kawajiri looking to defend his country’s honor against UFC veteran Anthony Birchak. Kawajiri makes his return to Rizin after a disappointing debut against highly skilled grappler Kron Gracie on last year’s New Year’s Eve event. Birchak is out to prove the UFC brass wrong the company cut him following a victory over Dileno Lopes at UFC Fight Night 90.
Welcome to year eight of the annual “Prospects the UFC Should Sign” series, in which we’ll examine five MMA prospects per division the UFC should sign in the upcoming year.
This series started during my time as a writer for Bleacher Report, continued through my tenures at Today’s Knockout and FanSided, and now it stays alive another year here at Combat Press.
Let’s examine the flyweight division, a weight class that has come close to eradication from the UFC. Despite signs of what appeared to be its imminent demise, it’s still hanging on for now.
Advertisement