John Dodson can’t wait to head stomp and soccer kick people in the face – legally.
The former UFC title challenger is giddy at the thought that a whole new arsenal has opened up for him now fighting under the Rizin FF banner in Japan. Dodson (22-13) signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion and is set to make his debut on Saturday against Hideo Tokoro (35-31-2) at Rizin 40 in Saitama Super Arena, just outside Tokyo.
The shift in promotions comes with many new changes – a new audience, new opportunities, and more importantly for Dodson, a new rule set.
Under Rizin FF rules, fighters are allowed to knee and kick their opponent’s head while they’re on the ground. This is something that has Dodson over the moon.
“They can expect a whole new level of John Dodson because of the fact that I get to implement the rules that I’ve been using on the streets without legal laws,” Dodson told reporters on Thursday in Japan. “I can head-stomp, soccer kick somebody in the face, and knee them on the ground.
“Oh, I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and I get to do it for real as an adult and I don’t get to go to jail. Yes. Let’s go.
“It’s going to be nothing but mayhem and chaos in the cage or ring, whatever you want to throw me into, as long as I can go ahead and see the man when he’s down. He better be prepared to duck, cover, and try to get back to his feet.”
Although Dodson plans on delivering damage to Tokoro, he actually has a profound level of respect for the 45-year-old Japanese star.
“He actually fought all seven weight classes and the fact that he’s one of the legends in the sport,” Dodson said. “I know that he helped the pioneer through everything and made sure of being a spectacle in the heavyweight division. Also, being a bantamweight grand prix champion in Dream as well. I look up to the guy, but since he’s standing in my way, I have to make way for one person, and that’s me.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Rizin FF 40: Rizin vs. Bellator.
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