A unique cast of characters including former MMA and kickboxing legends, giants and current Japanese amateur wrestling stars will head the return of the Rizin Fighting Federation with four shows between now and the end of the year.
The shows will be built around a 16-man heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, which starts on Sept. 25 at the Saitama Super Arena. It continues with the quarterfinals on Dec. 29, and the semifinals and finals on New Year's Eve.
The Fuji Network, which has a long history of New Year's Eve fighting shows, will be backing the promotion of the events which include legends from the glory days of the Pride Fighting Championships including Mirko Cro Cop (31-11-2) and Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1) in the tournament.