Saitama will buzz with excitement this December 31 as the highly anticipated 'RIZIN DECADE' takes center stage at the Saitama Super Arena, showcasing incredible mixed martial arts talent and brewing rivalries. Among the most talked-about matchups is the potential showdown between ANBO Rukiya and HEIBERU Ren, as both fighters appear eager to settle their differences inside the ring.
It all started when ANBO Rukiya demanded, "俺とやれ" ("Fight me") on social media, calling out the famous wrestler known for his prowess and physicality. To this, HEIBERU Ren, perhaps with slightly more hesitation, replied, "面倒いけど減量すっか" meaning "It's bothersome, but I'll cut weight." These exchanges have set the stage for discussions about possible weight classes and rules, creating buzz among fans who are eager for this battle of wills.
This back-and-forth began to escalate when HEIBERU shared photos of himself, showcasing his weight cut to 71.6 kg. He agreed to ANBO’s challenge, indicating readiness to negotiate terms for what could be one of the highlights of the night. Initially proposed at featherweight, ANBO suggested, "お前から喧嘩売ったんだからフェザーまで落とせよ" ("You challenged me; you should drop to featherweight"). Meanwhile, HEIBERU has been less demanding, proposing to fight at his usual weight of around 75 kg, showcasing how negotiations can often lead to impasses when fighters hold differing views about weight classes.
These developments have intrigued observers, particularly because ANBO has been working hard since suffering from the flu. His struggles during recovery—having to maintain rigorous workout routines even before the fight is confirmed—are commendable, as he expressed confidence stating, "右手のみで勝てる" ("I can win with only my right hand"), alluding to his left hand's previous injury from their last fight.
While rivalries heat up, another key fight has also garnered attention: the one between former K-1 superstar ANBO Rukiya and American boxer Ryan Garcia. Ryan recently faced controversy due to prior doping violations, leading to questions from Japanese boxing legend TAKA HARA Shinji. He posed pointedly, "ドーピングで引っかかった選手だよね？そんなずるい奴とやるの？" ("Isn't he the one caught for doping? Why would you fight someone so unfair?"). TAKA HARA’s concerns highlight the ethical dilemmas fighters face as they prepare to face opponents with such controversial histories.
TAKA HARA continued to express his opinions, musing over the substantial money rumored to be involved, sparking discussions about what drives athletes to take such risks. "ガルシア勝つでしょ" ("Garcia will probably win") he asserted, reflecting intrigue over the upcoming match, though it was highlighted it could be postponed due to Garcia's situation. This uncertainty has led many fans to debate whether the match will be solidified or pushed back due to Garcia's previous doping scandals.
Back at RIZIN, fan engagement has been palpable. RIVALRY not only fuels individual fighter motivation but also excites the audience who eagerly tune in to see how these confrontations materialize. Fighters pushing the limits through weight classes, combined with the aura of unresolved issues, strikes at the core of why fans are drawn to events like 'RIZIN DECADE'.
The large-scale spectacle of such events holds significant cultural weight as they reflect personal and professional battles being fought outside the ring, transcending sports and delving deep within communities passionate about martial arts. December 31 looks to be more than just another fight night; it could be the stage for settling old scores and revitalizing fading competitiveness among fighters.
Before fans come together for what promises to be one of the most exciting nights of mixed martial arts, intrigue and speculation are rife about the outcomes and the nature of alliances being formed—or severed. With rivals like ANBO and HEIBERU poised to take the stage, and industry-watchers keeping tabs on fighters’ reputations, the allure of the ring captivates audiences globally, stirring anticipation for thrilling confrontations.
