Danny Sabatello, after a successful year in Japan with RIZIN, is set to challenge bantamweight champion Naoki Inoue on New Year’s Eve, expressing confidence in his ability to dominate the fight and ambition to defend the title extensively, while aiming to elevate RIZIN’s popularity in the U.S. through his performances.
Danny Sabatello had quite the year in Japan, going 2-0 with RIZIN victories over Shinobu Ota and Shoko Sato. These wins set the stage for a title bout against bantamweight champ Naoki Inoue on New Year’s Eve in Saitama. Sabatello is “so f*cking pumped” to potentially end the year with gold around his waist.
If he clinches the title, Sabatello has no plans to slow down. After seven fights in just over two years with Bellator, he’s making bold predictions for 2026. “A lot of people, once they get the belt, they kind of tame off,” he told MMA Fighting. Not him, though. He aims to defend his belt seven times next year, and 87 times throughout his career. Ambitious? Maybe. But he’s all about breaking records.
“Yeah, 87 is a lot of times,” he admits. But Sabatello thrives on doing the unprecedented. He trains at the best gym in the world, twice a day, every day. Hobbies? Not for him. He’s laser-focused on fighting. “I just got to keep doing that and I can absolutely defend it 87 times.”
Naoki Inoue, with a 20-4 record, has never been stopped in 24 professional bouts. He had a stint in the UFC, competing as a flyweight and securing a win over Carls John de Tomas. Sabatello, however, is confident. “I’m going to be able to finish this guy,” he says, claiming Inoue isn’t mentally tough enough.
Sabatello sees weaknesses in Inoue’s game. “He’s more of a boxer,” lacking in grappling and kicks. Sabatello, standing at 5’10”, considers himself one of the tallest bantamweights. He plans to dominate Inoue, whether by knockout or submission.
Reflecting on his RIZIN debut, Sabatello finished Ota in May and secured a split decision over Sato in September. He’s eager for a soccer kick knockout, a fan-favorite move in RIZIN. “Who the f*ck doesn’t love a soccer kick?” he quips.
The RIZIN ruleset suits Sabatello perfectly. “You’re able to kick and punt and knee and stomp a downed opponent,” he explains. This allows for more exciting fights compared to other organizations. He feels at home in RIZIN and is ready to make a big impact.
Sabatello does lament the 15-minute limit for RIZIN title fights, unlike the five rounds in UFC. But he’s confident his conditioning will outlast Inoue. “15 minutes is still a long time when you have some motherf*cker in your face,” he asserts.
He’s aware of the time zone challenge for North American fans watching RIZIN live. But Sabatello promises them a “treat” worth their “hard-earned money.” He’s determined to grow RIZIN’s popularity in the U.S.
“Absolutely massive in Japan,” Sabatello says of MMA. He believes he can help make it just as big in America. RIZIN offers something unique, appealing even to non-fight fans with its massive performances.
Though the time change is tricky, Sabatello is optimistic about RIZIN’s growth. He’s committed to putting on stellar performances and becoming the face of the organization. “I’m their guy to keep growing it,” he declares.
As the champion, Sabatello sees himself as a key figure for RIZIN’s market. His authenticity and brashness resonate with fans, especially in Japan, where they appreciate genuine fighters. He’s ready to elevate the sport both there and in America.