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In an exciting addition to the already highly anticipated Bellator x RIZIN co-promotion, Combate Global is stepping into the ring.
On July 30, at the renowned Saitama Super Arena in Japan, RIZIN super atomweight champion Seika Izawa will defend her title against Combate Global strawweight contender Claire Lopez in a thrilling showdown that promises to captivate fight fans worldwide.
With an impressive undefeated record of 10-0, Izawa has firmly established herself as one of the most skilled and formidable mixed martial artists in the world today. Izawa had an extraordinary 2022, seizing the super atomweight title after defeating champion Ayaka Hamasaki twice, including a non-title bout.
She then continued her victorious streak by claiming the 2022 RIZIN Super Atomweight Grand Prix with three more wins, culminating in a memorable bout at the inaugural Bellator x RIZIN event on December 31.
Although Izawa has not fought for the promotion in 2023, the 25-year-old prodigy showcased her abilities by submitting Suwanan Boonsorn at Deep Jewels 41 in May, further solidifying her dominance in the atomweight division.
Meanwhile, Lopez has established herself as one of Combate Global's top strawweight, amassing an impressive 3-1 record in the promotion, with two decisive first-round finishes.
Recently, Lopez made a bold move by transitioning to RIZIN, where she demonstrated her skills by submitting 2017 Super Atomweight Grand Prix Finalist Rena Kubota with a kneebar at RIZIN Landmark 5 in April. With an overall MMA record of 8-4, the 34-year-old French fighter brings a wealth of experience and tenacity to the ring.
Bellator x RIZIN 2 boasts a stacked card, headlined by a Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix battle between the electrifying A.J. McKee and the seasoned Patricky Pitbull. Additionally, fans will be treated to a thrilling clash between Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Shinryu for the inaugural Bellator flyweight title. The RIZIN portion of the event will feature an eagerly anticipated vacant bantamweight title fight between the dynamic Kai Asakura and the formidable Juan Archuleta.
With the stage set for an unforgettable night of combat, fans around the world eagerly await the clash between Seika Izawa and Claire Lopez. Both fighters possess immense talent, relentless drive, and an unwavering determination to claim victory.
Brace yourselves for an explosive championship showdown that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression in the annals of MMA history.