It looks like Rizin is planning on taking even more steps to unofficially establish themselves as the new PRIDE of the modern MMA era.
According to a new MMAFighting.com, the Rizin Fighting Federation is planning an openweight MMA tournament for late 2016. While the exact dates, locations and fighters who will be competing in the tournament have yet to be officially announced, MMA legend Wanderlei Silva is volunteering his services.
“I feel honored to represent Rizin,” said Silva. “I’d like to ask for an openweight division, to give the chance for every fighter in the world who believes they can come here and defeat Wanderlei Silva to try it. We have the most aggressive rules in the world, and under those rules I can fight anyone.”
“Stay ready, Wanderlei Silva is here,” he continued. “I will stomp the face of those who try to fight me, I will knock everyone out in this tournament. At openweight, I’m ready to face anyone, from any weight.”
Silva, who had an ugly parting of the ways with the UFC, also spoke about how he plans to help Rizin become the new largest promotion in the sport.
“We will soon become the biggest promotion in the world,” said Silva. “We have the best fighters, we have the best promoter, and will become the biggest promotion in the world soon.”
