Bellator x RIZIN 2: Roberto De Souza Steps in for Injured A.J. McKee to Face Patricky Pitbull in Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals
The Bellator lightweight grand prix at Bellator x RIZIN 2 has undergone a change due to an injury to former featherweight champion A.J. McKee. Stepping in to replace him is RIZIN lightweight champion, Roberto De Souza, who will now take on Patricky Pitbull in an intense 161-pound catchweight bout. This showdown will serve as the headline event for the Showtime-broadcast card and still counts as the quarterfinals of the lightweight tournament. Notably, McKee will remain on standby as the first alternate, as confirmed by Bellator CEO Scott Coker.
The highly anticipated Bellator x RIZIN 2 event is scheduled to take place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on July 30 (July 29 in the U.S. due to the time difference). The card features a thrilling lineup with fighters from both Bellator and RIZIN competing against each other, serving as the opening act for Super Rizin 2.
Adding to the excitement, McKee’s old rival and Patricky Pitbull’s brother, Patricio Pitbull, will also be on the later card, facing off against Chihiro Suzuki. This addition strengthens Super Rizin 2 after ex-champ Kai Asakura had to withdraw due to injury. Furthermore, there’s another exciting matchup where Hiromasa Ougikubo will now take on Juan Archuleta in a battle for the RIZIN bantamweight title.
Bellator x RIZIN 2 marks the second time fighters from Bellator and RIZIN have clashed in a head-to-head event.
De Souza, known by the nickname “Satoshi,” is coming off a victory against UFC veteran Spike Carlyle, rebounding from his previous decision loss to McKee at Bellator x RIZIN 1.
Patricio Pitbull returns to the competition after an unsuccessful attempt to capture the Bellator bantamweight belt held by Sergio Pettis at Bellator 297. Suzuki, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a recent armbar loss to Kleber Koike Erbst, though the bout was declared a no-contest due to Erbst missing weight and losing the title.
MMA Hook’s Damon Martin has contributed to this report, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Bellator x RIZIN 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bellator x RIZIN 2
What is the event Bellator x RIZIN 2?
Bellator x RIZIN 2 is a joint promotional event featuring fighters from Bellator and RIZIN organizations in head-to-head matchups. It serves as the second meeting of fighters from both promotions and promises an exciting lineup of fights.
Who was A.J. McKee, and why was he replaced in the lightweight grand prix?
A.J. McKee was a former featherweight champion. He was scheduled to compete in the Bellator lightweight grand prix. However, he suffered an injury, which led to him being replaced by RIZIN lightweight champion, Roberto De Souza, in the 161-pound catchweight bout against Patricky Pitbull.
What weight class does the bout between Roberto De Souza and Patricky Pitbull fall under?
The bout between Roberto De Souza and Patricky Pitbull takes place at a 161-pound catchweight. Despite the catchweight stipulation, the fight still counts as the quarterfinals of the lightweight tournament.
When and where will Bellator x RIZIN 2 be held?
Bellator x RIZIN 2 is scheduled to take place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on July 30. Due to the time difference, the event will be held on July 29 in the U.S.
Who else is featured on the Bellator x RIZIN 2 card?
Apart from the De Souza vs. Pitbull bout, the card also includes other exciting matchups. Patricio Pitbull, the brother of Patricky Pitbull, will be competing against Chihiro Suzuki. Additionally, Hiromasa Ougikubo will face Juan Archuleta in a fight for the RIZIN bantamweight title.
Is A.J. McKee completely out of the tournament?
No, despite his injury, A.J. McKee will remain available to serve as the first alternate for the lightweight grand prix. In case any other fighter in the tournament gets injured or withdraws, McKee will have the opportunity to step in as a replacement.
How did Roberto De Souza fare in his previous bout before Bellator x RIZIN 2?
In his previous fight, Roberto De Souza, also known as “Satoshi,” secured a victory against UFC veteran Spike Carlyle. This victory allowed him to rebound after suffering a decision loss to A.J. McKee at Bellator x RIZIN 1.
What happened with Patricio Pitbull’s last attempt at a title?
Patricio Pitbull recently had an unsuccessful bid for the Bellator bantamweight belt, which was held by Sergio Pettis during Bellator 297. Pitbull will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming fight against Chihiro Suzuki.
Why was the bout between Chihiro Suzuki and Kleber Koike Erbst ruled a no-contest?
The bout between Chihiro Suzuki and Kleber Koike Erbst resulted in an armbar loss for Suzuki. However, it was later ruled a no-contest because Erbst missed weight, and as a result, he was stripped of the title.
Who contributed to the reporting of this event?
MMA Hook’s Damon Martin has contributed to the reporting of Bellator x RIZIN 2, adding valuable insights and information about the event.
More about Bellator x RIZIN 2
- Bellator x RIZIN 2 Official Website
- Roberto De Souza Profile – Tapology
- Patricky Pitbull Profile – Bellator
- Saitama Super Arena Official Website
- RIZIN Official Website
- Bellator Official Website
- Showtime Official Website
- Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix – Wikipedia
- A.J. McKee Profile – Bellator
- Roberto De Souza vs. Spike Carlyle Fight Recap – MMA Junkie
- Bellator x RIZIN 1 Event Recap – MMA Fighting
- Bellator 297 Event Recap – CBS Sports
- Kleber Koike Erbst vs. Chihiro Suzuki Fight Recap – MMA Junkie
6 comments
de souza, the “satoshi”, sounds like a beast! glad to see him rebounding after that mckee loss. can’t wait to see who comes out on top in the grand prix.
oh man, sucks that mckee got injured, was looking forward to seeing him in the tourney. but de souza vs. pitbull is gonna be a banger! plus, we got patricio vs. suzuki, gonna be fireworks!
super rizin 2 is gonna be off the hook! and with bellator fighters too, this is gonna be insane. already setting my alarm for the big day!
damon martin’s reporting is always on point. gonna keep an eye out for more updates on bellator x rizin 2. so pumped for the fights!
wow bellator x rizin 2 sounds like a crazy event! de souza stepping in for mckee in the grand prix, that’s big news. gonna be a wild fight with pitbull, can’t wait to watch it.
bellator and rizin collab events are always epic! this one’s gonna be lit with so many exciting matchups. pitbull brothers back in action, gonna be a blast!