On December 31, Bellator vs RIZIN will be a co-headlining event featuring top fighters from both organizations. In the main event, former Bellator champion A.J. McKee will fight RIZIN champion, Roberto de Souza. The tournament will take place in Japan at the Super Saitama Arena (Tokyo).
Bookmaker Ratings: Prediction #1 –
I have no doubt that as a fighter A.J. McKee is at a higher level than Roberto de Souza. However, let’s not forget that Rizin has no doping control, and the Brazilian will likely come out loaded. I’d bet on the fight ending early, but the bookies haven’t put up a full line on the tournament yet. If picking a winner, the American looks preferable. A.J. is the more versatile fighter and is equally as good in the standup as he is on the ground. Roberto is a pure grappler with great jiu-jitsu skills, but a gaunt jab. In order to win, McKee needs to stay on his feet and keep Sousa at bay. I think A.J. has the skills and experience to execute his game plan.
The 33-year-old Roberto de Souza (14-1 record in MMA) nicknamed “Satoshi” is a skilled grappler and black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Brazilian is a very good welterweight with 10 submission victories to prove it. In 2021 “Satoshi” caught Tofiq Musaev on the “triangle” and became the RIZIN champion in the lightweight division. Since then, the Brazilian has had two successful belt defences, winning Yusuke Yachi (elbow leverage) and Johnny ‘’Hollywood’’ Case (triangle choke). Roberto de Souza trains at the Bull Terrier JJ Club in Japan, where he mainly hones his jiu-jitsu skills.
The 27-year-old A.J. McKee, 27, (MMA record 19-1) nicknamed “Mercenary” is a top fighter who competes in both the lightweight and bantamweight divisions. In July 2021, A.J. defeated Patricio Freire ‘’Pitbull’’ to become the Bellator champion. Six months later, however, he lost the belt, losing in a rematch to Patricio “Pitbull” by unanimous decision of the judges, although the fight was very competitive. “Mercenary” is a basic striker, but also has an excellent defence against take-downs and is confident on the ground.
Age – 33;
Height – 1.80;
Weight – 70;
Reach – 1.85;
Stance – Southpaw;
Statistics – 14-1-0;
Wins – 4 Knockdowns, 10 Submissions, 0 Decisions;
Losses – 1 Knockdown, 0 Submissions, 0 Decisions;
Age – 27;
Height – 1.78;
Weight – 70;
Reach – 1.87;
Stance – Southpaw;
Statistics – 19-1-0;
Wins – 6 Knockdowns, 7 Submissions, 6 Decisions;
Losses – 0 Knockdowns, 0 Submissions, 1 Decision.
Where will this fixture be played?
The event will take place at Super Saitama Arena, Tokyo.
Which bookmaker has the best odds for this game?
We recommend checking out the odds for the Bellator vs RIZIN: Roberto de Souza vs A.J. McKee at 1xBet.