Former Bellator Champ Juan Archuleta Returning to Rizin for Bout With Naoki Inoue
By FCF Staff
Juan Archuleta will return to Japan for his next bout, as it’s been announced that the former Bellator champ will battle Naoki Inoue in May.
Archuleta (27-4) competed at the New Year’s Eve, Bellator vs. Rizin card in Saitama, and recorded a decision win over Soo Chul Kim. Now it’s been confirmed that Archuleta will face Inoue at Rizin 42, which will go down on May 6 in Tokyo.
Inoue (18-3) is coming off a submission win over Kenta Takizawa on NYE, and has gone 4-1 in his last 5 bouts.
Archuleta, meanwhile, is 3-2 in his last 5 contests. The Archuleta – Inoue match-up will be fought at bantamweight.
🚨Juan Archuleta @jarchmma will represent @BellatorMMA when he takes on @NaokiInoueMMA at #RIZIN42
🗓️ May 6
📍Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/lbPDNwiVXd— Bellator Public Relations (@BellatorPR) March 6, 2023
Rizin 42 is also expected to feature Kai Asakura versus Yuki Motoya, and lightweight champ Roberto Souza versus Spike Carlyle.