Yesterday it was announced during Rizin’s press conference that Shock N Awe Amateur Flyweight Champion Dillin West (0-0) would be making his professional debut on Rizin 4, the promotions New Year’s Eve event.
Dillin “Legend” West, 27, originally hails from Queensburgh, South Africa and is a product of Gym01. As an amateur, West went 8-3, defeating four opponents via guillotine choke. He most recently used the choke to submit Aaron Laleye in his title-winning performance at Shock N Awe 23.
West’s opponent, Kizaemon Saiga (2-2), has fought twice for promotions Rizin and Pancrase in his young career. The 27-year old debuted for Rizin last December against Hideo Tokoro , submitting to the 64-fight veteran courtesy of an armbar. Saiga most recently competed against Erson Yamamoto, nephew of the infamous Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, losing a close split decision. Coincidentally, Tokoro and Yamamoto are now set to meet at Rizin 4.
When asked by The Sprawl about the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious event, West said;
I’m grateful for the opportunity of a lifetime! Grateful to my coach, my team and God for what I have been given. My corner is mighty! I feel like Charlie when he found the golden ticket… “Pro debut on Rizin in Japan on New Year’s Eve…” that sentence doesn’t even make sense! It’s short notice, but it means nothing, I’m going to throw down like my life depends upon it.
Rizin 4, which is headlined by a featherweight contest between Tatsuya Kawajiri (35-10-2) and Kron Gracie (3-0), is scheduled for the 31st of December, from the infamous Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
