On May 4, as mixed martial artists from Japan and around the world fought under the bright lights of Tokyo Dome during Rizin Fighting Federation’s Otoko Matsuri event, a decorated American heavyweight sat in the front row as a mere spectator — or so it appeared.
Fresh off a film set with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader patiently awaited his cue to deliver the news that he and the promotion had kept quiet until that night. Later, between fights, he entered the ring along with Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara and made a promise to those in attendance and watching around the world.
“I want to fight,” Bader said into a microphone with a smile as he shook Sakakibara’s hand. “One hundred percent, I’ll be your champion by January.” And with that, the stage was set for Rizin’s annual New Year’s Eve fight card at Saitama Super Arena, with Bader scheduled to take on the winner of the promotion’s heavyweight grand prix.
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