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Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024

RIZIN Champ Roberto “Satoshi” Interested in UFC Move, Provided Title Shot Mix is in Play

Roberto de Souza (image via RIZIN / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Another of RIZIN’s champions, Roberto “Satoshi” De Souza, is interested in moving to the UFC. But, the lightweight champ has made it clear he’s not interested in doing so, if he’s asked to work all the way up the rankings.

Earlier this month, former RIZIN bantamweight champ Kai Asakura made his UFC debut against flyweight champ, Alexandre Pantoja. Asakura lost the fight via submission.

De Souza (17-3), meanwhile, is preparing to defend his lightweight title against Vugar Karamov (20-5) at RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve card.

Ahead of the bout, the renowned grappler spoke with MMA Fighting.com. While discussing the possibility of a move to the UFC, “Satoshi” said the following:

“The only way I would have the desire to go to the UFC is if it’s like Kai went,” Satoshi said. “It doesn’t need to be in a title fight, which I think is hard, especially in the lightweight division with a long line waiting for [Islam] Makhachev, but if there’s an opportunity to fight someone ranked, I’d be very interested. Now, if I have to go there and fight someone else to then start climbing the rankings, then I’m not interested.

De Souza has won two straight fights since he was stopped by Patricky “Pitbull” Freire in a 160 pound catchweight fight in July, 2023.

RIZIN’s NYE “Decade” card will take place at the Saitama Super Arena and will be available in North America via pay-per-view.

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posted by FCF Staff @ 9:50 am
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