Japan’s Rizin Fighting Federation is back with a colossal card on September 25th, and Lebanon’s own heavyweight prospect Mark Tanios (5-1) will fight on this historic night in Saitama, Japan.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been given to the big man from Tristar gym in Lebanon, who will fight on a card which is headlined by the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.
Tanios has come a long way since making his impact in Desert Force, with his famous first-round, first minute knockout victory over Elias Baaklini back in 2014.
The Lebanon banger will take on Jiri Prochazka (17-3-1), last year’s finalist in the Heavyweight Grandprix, who was halted by “King Mo” in round one via knockout.
He is the number one ranked heavyweight in Japan, who has an intimidating record, having won 17 out of his 20 fights, 14 by knockout.
That’s a remarkable record for a heavyweight considering how hard these men punch, but that’s a measure of how hard this man, who hails from the Czech Republic, hits people.
For Tanios this is an opportunity to capitalize on an opportunity presented to him, after he recently avenged the only defeat on his record, by outclassing Luc Ngeleka in Switzerland.
That victory cemented Tanios, who is only 25-years-old, as a legitimate prospect in the heavyweight class and a dangerous fight for anybody out there.
Should Tanios overcome last year’s finalist in this opening round, it would surely give him the confidence to go all the way and potentially win the tournament.
Tanios will join an elite list of fighters on this incredible card, which also features JiuJitsu world champion Gabi Garcia and Kron Gracie, who recently made the switch to MMA having dominated the JiuJitsu circuit.
He will be entering the Heavyweight Grand Prix, made famous by Japan’s Pride organization, which Rizin started last year, and will involve two stages which take place over the course of a weekend, where the eventual finalists will have to fight three times in total.
