When you think of a list of Japanese fighters that have made their mark in the Mixed Martial Arts scene, Riki Fukuda (19-7) is a name that probably comes to mind.
The former DEEP veteran has been often applying his trade at American Kickboxing Academy, the famed San Jose-based gym, during his stint with the world renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship. After going 2-2 in his first four fights, a setback against Brad Tavares signaled the end of an ambitious run for the Japanese fighter in the octagon.
Former UFC vet Riki Fukuda signs with ROAD FC, debuts October 12th
But fans won’t have to wait too long to see Fukuda, 32, in an MMA bout again. MMA-in-Asia.com today announced Fukuda had signed a deal with South Korea-based ROAD Fighting Championship, and that ROAD FC 013 had been targeted for his promotional debut.
Fukuda will be competing in his natural weight class, at 185-lbs, although an opponent was not named.
Fukuda is the latest of several foreign fighters to join the ROAD FC ranks. Melvin Manhoef, Issei Tamura, Joachim Hansen and Michihiro Omigawa among others have all penned deals with the promotion.
CEO Jung Moon Hong said, “Riki is a strong and exciting fighter, he is perfect for ROAD FC. I am so happy he has joined with us. ROAD FC will make very good fights for him, and make sure he is well taken care of. ”
Along with the Lightweight Tournament semi-finals and a ROAD FC Lightweight championship bout pitting Nam Yui-Chul against Kume Takasuke, ROAD FC 013 takes place October 12th at the J.H Park Stadium in Gumi, South Korea.
Here’s the updated fight card:
- Nam Yui-Chul vs. Kume Takasuke (For ROAD FC Lightweight strap)
- Issei Tamura vs. TBA (Bantamweight Super fight)
- Riki Fukuda vs. TBA
- Bae Young Kwon vs. Umeda Kosuke (ROAD FC Featherweight Tournament semi-final bout)
- Kil Young Bok vs. Choi Moo Gyum (ROAD FC Featherweight Tournament semi-final bout)
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