Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Fedor, Sakuraba-Aoki Confirmed for 3-Day NYE Event; Fuji TV Discussions Ongoing

Nobuyuki Sakakibara's plans for bringing major MMA back to Japan are larger than expected. Thursday in midtown Tokyo, the former Pride FC boss announced details not just for the expected Dec. 31 New Year's Eve show in Japan, but rather a three-day event under the Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix banner. The event will start on Dec. 29, and run through Dec. 31, with the multi-day spectacle at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, serving as a fan expo, as well. At the press conference, Sakakibara confirmed the participation of Fedor Emelianenko. Though no opponent was announced, it was reported this week that Emelianenko is expected to face K-1 veteran Jaideep Singh.