Crusher isn't wasting any time in his new promotion. Tatsuya Kawajiri was recently released from the UFC and immediately signed with Rizin, stating that he misses fighting in front of Japanese crowds and wants to be himself again. He will compete on their December 29th card, and called out a big name right away for a potential opponent - Kron Gracie.
Gracie (3-0) is the son of Rickson Gracie and was a jiu-jitsu prodigy before making the switch over to MMA. He has won all three of his bouts by submission, two of which took place in Rizin. His last win came over Hideo Tokoro in September.
It seems that Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara is willing to put the fight together, stating at a recent press conference that if that's what Kawajiri wants, then he will make it happen.
Kawajiri (35-10-2) has fought all over the world during his 16-year career, most recently going 3-3 in six bouts in the UFC. He's a big addition to the Rizin ranks, and a bout with Gracie would be a really interesting test for both men.
The December 29th card will be headlined by an Openweight Grand Prix fight between Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop, and will also feature the return of Shane Carwin.