Bellator’s debut show in Japan will be headlined by a nostalgia-fueled match-up between Fedor Emelianenko and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
The two fighters became household names when competing in Japan and will provide plenty of headlines when Bellator: Japan hits the Saitama Super Arena on 29 December.
The event will be co-promoted with Japanese banner Rizin and the card features plenty of fights pitting the Bellator roster against Rizin’s.
“For Bellator’s debut in Japan, we wanted to bring a massive event and fighters that the Japanese fans really connect with,” said Bellator president Scott Coker in a press release.
“Given the vast history of martial arts and MMA in Japan, and especially at Saitama Super Arena, this will be a very special show that no one will want to miss. This will, unquestionably, be a monumental event for Bellator and I am looking forward to the moment that Fedor and ‘Rampage’ walk out to a crowd that has known them since their careers began.
“I would also like to thank Rizin for their help in making this event a possibility and we look forward to working together in the near future to showcase the best talent each organization has to offer.”
Emelianenko reached the final of Bellator’s heavyweight grand prix, defeating Frank Mir and Chael Sonnen before being stopped in his tracks against Ryan bader in January.
Meanwhile, Jackson hasn’t appeared in a Bellator cage for a year, when he knocked out rival Wanderlei Silva at Bellator 206 – snapping a two-fight skid.
