On October 22nd, RIZIN FF executive committee Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara and General Manager Nobuhiko Takada held a press conference to announce that former Sumo wrestler Kaido Höövelson aka BARUTO will be making his MMA debut during the “RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2015 SAITAMA 3 DAYS” event.
“A long awaited man from the Professional Sumo world who has the potential to be the top fighter has made his decision to participate for RIZIN. His home country is Estonia, but is a fighter who has the spirit of a Japanese.” Said Sakakibara, as Takada continued, “He is still 30 years old. He suffered some injuries in the past, but he’s healed up and has been training hard. He has outstanding talent with the potential to lead the future of MMA.” Höövelson commented “It’s been 2 years since I stepped away from the Sumo world, but I was given an opportunity to compete again and that is why I have decided to fight. I will give it all to become the top fighter with Peter Aerts and Akira Shoji’s supervision. Please keep an eye out for me.”

Stay tuned for further updates and exclusive interviews coming soon!