Japan’s latest government action to attempt to slow down the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced RIZIN Fighting Federation to postpone its upcoming card.
RIZIN 28, who was scheduled for May 23 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, has been pushed back to June 13. RIZIN 29 will still go on as scheduled on May 30 in Osaka. The event numbers will be reversed because “we have already started to sell tickets to both events,” the promotion announced.
“The Japanese government has declared The State of Emergency in four cities starting April 25 to May 9, which will significantly affect the May 23 Tokyo Dome event. Therefore, we have decided to push back the event to June 13,” RIZIN founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced.
“MMA will be making its return after 18 years [to Tokyo Dome] and we want to put in as many spectators as possible for such a historical moment,” he continued. “Right now we would only be able to put in 5,000 spectators, but we are hoping that by June 13 we would be able to put in 50% capacity, which will be about 25,000 people. Our production team is working hard to give you the best experience at the Tokyo Dome so I hope you all stay tuned.”
Both events will feature the opening round of the bantamweight grand prix. Check the current RIZIN 29 and RIZIN 28 cards below.
RIZIN 29 – May 30th
Kintaro vs. Kuya Ito [bantamweight GP opening round]Takafumi Otsuka vs. Shian [bantamweight GP opening round]Kazuma Kuramoto vs. Alan Hiro Yamaniha [bantamweight GP opening round]Kenta Takizawa vs. Kazunari Imanari [bantamweight GP opening round]Yusuke Yachi vs. Yuki Kawana
Rikuto Shirakawa vs. Jin Aoi
RIZIN.28 – June 13th
Kai Asakura vs. Shooto Watanabe [bantamweight GP opening round]Hiromasa Ougikubo vs. Takeshi Kasugai [bantamweight GP opening round]Naoki Inoue vs. Shintaro Ishiwatari [bantamweight GP opening round]Yuki Motoya vs. Ryo Okada [bantamweight GP opening round]