In one of the biggest World Grand Prix tournaments of the past decade, Rizin mark their welcome to the international MMA stage with a $300,000 tournament on December 29 in Saitama, Japan.
However, the chances are there are at least a few fighters in the brackets you may not know too much about.
Well, weep no more, because here is our Dummie’s Guide to Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2015.
Heavyweight Grand Prix Fight #4 – Satoshi Ishii (IGF) vs. Jiri Prochazka (GCF)
When determining who the baddest motherf****r in the Grand Prix is, look no further than Japan’s Satoshi Ishii. An Olympic Gold medal holder in Judo, Ishii’s strong style can be seen through his fights for IGF (Inoki Genome Fight). His tough look, muscle-bound appearance and incredible grappling ability, he is a definitive tournament favourite.
Also, how can you not like Ishii, who was very specific with what he would do with the $300,000 prize money: “My plan is to invest half of the prize money in gambling and will donate the rest.”
Yep, badass.
His opponent, Jiri Prochazka is the king of the flash finish. Quite simply, he loves to move forward, pressure his opponents and go in for the kill.
A national MMA champion in the Czech Republic, Prochazka’s jumping knee is one of the fiercest weapons in his arsenal, and it wouldn’t be surprising if we see it at least once over New Year’s. However, often moving forward he can leave gaps for counter striking.
Heavyweight Grand Prix Fight #3 – Vadim Nemkov (MMA Union) vs. Goran Reljic (KSW)
Not much is known about the mysterious Vadim Nemkov who only has three professional fights to his name, but if I could tell you one thing about him, it’s that he hits hard, very f*****g hard.
His most recent win was a split-second right hand kncokout over Joaquim Ferreira and it was very impressive. If McDermott is the dark horse, then Nemkov is the unknown underdog with very little expectations; which could make him equally as dangerous.
One of the most experienced tournament competitors, gritty Croatian veteran Goran Reljic knows exactly how to handle big fight situations.
His UFC experience, couped in with his time as KSW Light-Heavyweight champion is another strong point for the grappler. With great brazilian jiu-jitsu and strong Sambo, it gives Reljic a strong base for success.
Also, in terms of narrative, what isn’t there to like about Reljic, who said: “I don’t care who fights me. My dream since I was a kid was to fight in Japan, and I am living the dream right now, my goal is to show my best performance on New Years Eve.”
Heavyweight Grand Prix Fight #2 – Teodoras Aukstuolis (BUSHIDO) vs. Bruno Cappelozza (Jungle Fight)
Lithuania’s Teodoras Aukstuolis brings constant high energy in his contests. His extensive backgrounds in judo and combat sambo give him the upright advantage at taking the fight to the ground, a place where his confidence excels.
Simply put, he’s the Tommy Lee of the Grand Prix and for those of you who don’t get the reference I refer you here.
Whereas, Bruno Cappelozza is the no-nonsense man of the tournament. If it means he has to spend the majority of the fight clinching on the cage, or even fighting on the back foot whilst waiting for the opportunistic moment to strike, he will do so.
The Brazilian’s technical ability is superb, every shot he throws has intent, nothing is wasted and everything is done with venom.
Heavyweight Grand Prix Fight #1 – Muhammed Lawal (Bellator MMA) vs. Brett McDermott (BAMMA)
Not originally scheduled to compete in Japan, injury to BAMMA Heavyweight champion Mark Godbeer saw Brett McDermott on the receiving end of this golden opportunity.
The perennial dark horse of the Grand Prix, there isn’t much expectation on McDermott, but that certainly doesn’t mean pundits should be counting him out.
The Cumbrian’s ‘never say die’ attitude has been a testament to his success in BAMMA and his ‘Spartan’ like ethos, physical prowess and sweet right hand have reaffirmed his ability inside the cage which includes a shock win over Oli Thompson at BAMMA 17.
In the simplest of terms, the former professional Rugby player is like an away game – no stranger to the lion’s den, he will do everything in his power to make it a dog fight, to make things awkward and come away with the win.
Muhammed Lawal, the overbearing favourite to win the $300,000 prize money, is a very strong boxer, with a great wrestling background. However we’ve sometimes seen Lawal fall into the trap of fighting too much like a boxer, which can be seen in his losses to Emanuel Newton in Bellator.
Lawal’s best chance on progressing down the path to the final will be to use his NCAA wrestling pedigree to grind out fights, exert minimal much energy and do enough to get to the final fight. Should he do that, I think we can expect an explosive finish from King Mo.
That complete’s our Dummie’s Guide to the Rizin Heavyweight GP, hopefully now you can enjoy the fights with that just that bit more emotional investment.
