Danny Sabatello books first RIZIN title defense for April; Patricky Pitbull, James Gallagher added to card
MMA Fighting
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Danny Sabatello will defend his RIZIN bantamweight title for the first time against Joji Goto at RIZIN LANDMARK 13 on April 11 in Fukuoka, Japan. This marks Sabatello’s first title defense since winning the belt by defeating Naoki Inoue in a split decision last December. Meanwhile, Patricky Pitbull, a former Bellator champion known for his knockout record, returns to action in Japan to face Yoshinori Horie in a lightweight bout. Pitbull is looking to bounce back after losing four consecutive fights across Bellator, PFL, and RIZIN.
James Gallagher, an Irish fighter who recently left PFL following its acquisition of Bellator, makes his promotional debut at RIZIN LANDMARK 13. He will face Kazumasa Majima, a veteran of nine RIZIN appearances known for rarely finishing fights via decision. Meanwhile, the card also features other notable matchups, including Ayaka Hamasaki vs. Natasha Kuziutina in a women’s atomweight clash and Makoto Shinryu vs. Nkazimulo Zulu in a lightweight showdown.
The event will take place at the Marine Messe Fukuoka and showcase a mix of established names and rising stars. For Sabatello, this is an opportunity to solidify his position as RIZIN’s bantamweight champion after a strong 2025 campaign that included three consecutive wins under the RIZIN banner. Goto, who boasts a 5-0 record in RIZIN, aims to upset the champion and claim the title. The card also highlights the return of Patricky Pitbull to Japan, where he previously competed extensively, and the debut of James Gallagher, whose recent victory over Fabricio Soares via submission has generated buzz.
For sports enthusiasts and MMA fans, this event promises high-stakes battles across multiple weight classes. The inclusion of Patricky Pitbull, a fan favorite known for his explosive knockout style, adds excitement to the lightweight division. Meanwhile, James Gallagher’s promotional debut under RIZIN will be closely watched by mixed martial arts followers. The card also features other compelling matchups, such as Makoto Shinryu vs. Nkazimulo Zulu and Ayaka Hamasaki vs. Natasha Kuziutina, adding depth to an already star-studded event.
Overall, RIZIN LANDMARK 13 offers a thrilling lineup of fights that cater to both casual fans and die-hard MMA enthusiasts. With title defenses, returning champions, and fresh faces making their debuts, the event promises to deliver excitement and highlight key fighters’ journeys in the sport. For those following the evolution of MMA in Japan and globally, this card is a must-watch as it continues to establish RIZIN’s presence in the combat sports landscape.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/14/2026