Satoshi On RIZIN-PFL Partnership Opening Dream Fights

Former RIZIN lightweight champion Roberto Satoshi believes the Japanese promotion's partnership with the Professional Fighters League opens the door for matchups fans have wanted to see for years.

Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of his bout with Shunta Nomura at Super RIZIN 5 on Thursday, Satoshi praised the co-promotion model that will see A.J. McKee face Razhabali Shaydullaev for both organizations' featherweight titles. He sees potential fights with PFL lightweights Usman Nurmagomedov, Paul Hughes, Alexandr Shabliy, and Gadzhi Rabadanov as realistic possibilities now.

Satoshi Wants North American Dream Fights Through PFL Deal

"I think it's really cool when you stop and think about the fact that RIZIN is doing is something no other promotion has done," Satoshi told MMA Fighting. "Bringing two promotions together, merging them like that, happens quite often in boxing. It would be a dream to be able to fight overseas, in the United States. My entire career has been here in Japan, so it would be really cool."

The Brazilian grappling specialist compared the arrangement to dream matchups boxing fans have seen between champions from rival promotions. He added that fighters, promotions, and fans all benefit when organizations work together rather than operate in silos.

Satoshi faces Nomura in what he described as effectively a title eliminator. Both men hold wins over current RIZIN lightweight champion Luiz Gustavo. This marks the third time RIZIN has attempted to book the pairing, giving Satoshi extended time to prepare for Nomura's karate-based striking style.

The jiu-jitsu ace acknowledged that opponents typically look to avoid grappling exchanges with him but said he has built confidence in his striking game. He wants to prove he still has a path back to the belt he once held and can compete with the younger generation coming through RIZIN's lightweight ranks.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Roberto Satoshi: RIZIN co-promoting with PFL, MVP opens doors for ‘dream fights’