John Dodson will start a new chapter in his combat sports journey as the year ends. “The Magician” has posted to his social media that he’ll be facing Japan’s own Hideo Tokoro at Rizin 40 on new years eve. The card takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Japan. The card has grab quit a bit of attention after announcing four Rizing versus Bellator match-ups.
In August in front of his home town fans Dodson wasted no-time announcing his presence in the Bare-Knuckle world stopping Ryan Benoit in only forty seconds at BKFC 28. Proving that the speed, power, and precision that led to ten knockouts in the cage is still well in tact. The TUF 14 winner got his first post UFC win earlier this year dominating Francisco Rivera for a decision win at XMMA4. With momentum rolling in the right direction after some need changes and the confidence back where it should be Dodson looks prime to make a run at becoming a two-sport, possibly a multiple division world champion.
Tokoro became a professional fighter in 2000 four years before Dodson. The native of Gifu Japan has fought 68 times accumulating 35 wins with 21 by submission. The 45-year old fought top competition in both his K-1 and Dream days. Competing against notables like Royce Graice, Carl Uno, & Brad Pickett. New Mexico fights fans might remember 2009 when he submitted Abel Cullum by rear naked choke. American fans might recall Tokoro for his lone fight in Bellator with L.C. Davis in 2015. Since that contest Tokoro has been a member on the Rizin roster winning three fights all by submission.
