We are Rizin

Andrew & Christian talk to two pro debuting fighters on Pancrase 316 on 7/24. Hirotaka Nakada makes his debut in the Neo-Blood LW tournament and BJJ purple belt Toshiomi Kazama makes his debut against Hiroyasu Sakurai. Both fighters fight of the HEARTS Dojo.

Break out the White Claws!!! RIZIN is back! Andrew & Christian talk about the return press conferences, what's been announced so far, pros/cons of only Japanese shows, international distribution, Tofiq Musayev, Floyd Mayweather, Tenshin's return match for RISE this weekend, the K-1 Krush main even this weekend, Alesha Zappitella/LVS, Jiri's UFC debut, and the Kyoko Kimura/Fuji TV situation.

In this non-RIZIN edition of WAR, Andrew & Christian are joined by Night of the Comet expert Tom Ryan. Ryan is an actor who is friends with NOTC star Catherine Mary Stewart. The three talk about the movie's production, it's reclusive director, their favorite scenes, how it started it off as a much darker movie, the music, the competition it faced on opening weekend. and much more! To join the NOTC fan page on Facebook, go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NightoftheComet/

In this non-MMA edition of We are RIZIN, Andrew & Christian talk to "Night of the Comet" lead actress Catherine Mary Stewart. Topics include the audition process for NOTC, how she is occupying her time in the current COVID pandemic, the NOTC action figures, what she would be doing if she wasn't an actress, and much more!

Andrew & Christian return to talk about the much-underrated shootfighting promotion UWFi. Without UWFi, there would likely be no Pride, MMA, and Bloodsport. The hosts talk to UWFi English commentator Ted Pelc. Pelc is also responsible for bringing the UWFi overseas to North America and the UK. Topics include how he got involved with UWFi, being a martial arts student under the tough Satoru Sayama (Tiger Mask), if a promotion like UWFi could work today, working on the first Pride show, interactions with the UWFi roster, his work with promotion Real Japan Pro Wrestling, and so much more. Check out UWFi under the title "Bushido: Way of the Warrior" on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Bushido-Way-Of-The-Warrior/dp/B07N6MKTNZ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=bushido&qid=1592861725&s=instant-video&sr=1-4 Real Japan Pro Wrestling returns this weekend on June 26. You can watch the show live on Nico Nico TV.

Andrew & Christian are joined by Bellator expert TeeptotheJunk to discuss the future of the promotion post coronavirus. They look at possible matches to book down the line, where to book the shows, RIZIN/Bellator relationship, why Jiri Prochzaka didn't go to Bellator and go through all the divisions to see what should be done.

In this episode, J. Christian Gary takes the microphone for the most of the episode to talk about the George Floyd protests, his experience with the law as a POC, the rioting, and a little bit about where MMA at the end post-pandemic/George Floyd protests will be. Intro is from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-DqkvSNhjM&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1DfuS-Kr5Ofn8LpgXwz4TK60jvBXuKjm1CkXPghfifYuNH7PG9VATo95Y

Andrew and Christian with special guest Joseph Matos discuss the incredibly deep and fun pro wrestling game Fire Pro Wrestling World for PC and PS4. Matos, who is an expert on the game and runs his own sims, joins to talk about the history of FPW, the user interface, different modes, and why it is is one of the best wrestling games on the market. Check out Joseph Matos' Fire Pro Wrestling World sim channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/JMFactor

Andrew & Christian talk to Invicta's Jillian DeCoursey who has been looking to fight RIZIN's Ai Shimizu. Topics include how she got into MMA, training during COVID, and why she wants to fight Shimizu.

Andrew & Christian review the first MMA show in Guam in many years. Roque Martinez's Brawl is an MMA show where there MUST be a finish in the time allotted. Andrew & Christian review all the fights, talk about who stood out, whether finish fights only work or not, and Jon Tuck's recent arrest. You can watch the show in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COFOr7sefLU&t=12380s

Andrew and Christian talk to Pancrase Neo-Blood competitor Hirotaka Nakada, in his first English language interview, who fights out of the famed Wajutsu Keishukai HEARTS. Nakada's pro debut fight was initially scheduled to happen on May 31 but has been pushed to July 5 for Pancrase 316. This interview was recorded in early April. You can see his fight on UFC Fight Pass. Topics include how Nakada got started in MMA, where he learned English, what it's like to be making his pro debut, what his family thinks of him fighting, what his MMA career aspirations are, and many more topics.

Andrew & Christian w/ guest Daniel Dziubicki (follow on twitter @DDziubicki) review the DEEP 94 Impact show from March. They go over all the fights, look at who might be "Rizin worthy," future opponents for some of the bigger name opponents, JACK, discuss if the hype behind Shinryu is deserved, talk about W/L in MMA, and much more.

Andrew & Christian are joined by WMMANews' MarQ to talk about Deep Jewels 28, as of now the last Deep Jewels event to be put on. They go over all the fights, talk about which fighters could be brought into RIZIN, the microweight division, King Reina's future as an MMA fighter, and potential opponents for Gabi Garcia in RIZIN. Check out Deep Jewels 28 full show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVg1WTIfq9o&t=1718s

Andrew and Christian manage to track down the Bellator Japan Post Lims and review all the fights months after they aired only in Japan.

Andrew Talks with TMDMAT, who runs the Pride Resurrection Youtube Channel. PR posts videos from the obscure JMMA scene of yesterday including PRIDE, Rings, Pancrase, and others. Topics include the origins of the channel, Nobuhiko Takeda hate, why UFC misses the fun of PRIDE, and pro wrestling. Check out the channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP2-xsIhfohVj0kTkF88dLg

In this interview recorded before the RISE 2020 GP was canceled, Andrew talked with Fritz Biagtan about participating in the tournament.

In this breaking news audio, Andrew talks with MMASucka's Joshua Yule about the breaking news that RIZIN Bantamweight champion Manel Kape signed with UFC. In the second segment, Andrew and J. Christian Gary talk about the signing. Topics include speculation to why he signed, what will be done with the RIZIN BW title, and who should Kape fight in his debut. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

In this K-1 edition of WAR, Andrew & Christian & guest Karaev_Fan talk the K'Festa 3. Topics include whether it was smart to hold a public show during the coronavirus pandemic, looking at all the fights, background on the fighters, where the fighters go next, why some kickboxers go back their first name only, Takeru's emotional post-fight speech, and if 2020 is the year for Takeru vs Tenshin.

With Andrew and Christian under quarantine, the two decide to shoot the shit on a variety of topics. The two talk about Mania and it's two day empty arena booking, Gal Gadot's dumb "Imagine" video, and UFC releases and where the fighters might wind up in the current coronavirus pandemic.

Before Coronavirus canceled Bloodsport and all the other Mania weekeend shows, Andrew & Christian talked to Thomas Santell who was supposed to take on Hideki Suzuki at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 3. Topics included his time in WWE, wrestling in AJPW, his post WWE career, and thoughts on his opponent.

Andrew, Christian and Combat Republic's Mike review the great RIZIN 21 show. Topics include the pre show drama between RIZIN and Fite, the pitiful promotion of this show internationally, picking future fights for the winners and losers, RIZIN in the Tokyo Dome, and other topics. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

In a rare interview, Andrew and Christian talk to Daniel Salas, who takes on Mikuru Asakura in the main event of RIZIN 21. Topics include, how he got into MMA, what he would do if he wasn't an MMA fighter, thoughts on his opponent and other topics. NOTE: Apologies for the audio quality. It was partially recorded in a cafe.

Andrew & Chrisitan preview RIZIN's first show of 2020, RIZIN 21 from the Hamamatsu Arena. Before discussing all the fights, the two discuss the future of RIZIN and FITE and what other avenues RIZIN could stream their shows internationally.

Returning guest Victor Henry talks about his upcoming fight against Masanori Kanehara at RIZIN 21. Topics include facing Kanehara this time in an MMA match, doing stunts in film, his worst MMA performance, being recognized in public, and a host of other topics.

In this double edition of Spike 22 interviews, Andrew talks to Roque Martinez and Kyle Aguon in two separate interviews. Both fighters talk about their respective fights coming up at RIZIN 21, their opponents, training with one another and other topics.

Andrew & Christian give their annual Soccer Kick Awards to the best and worst of RIZIN 2019. Also discussed is the state of the podcast, plans going forward, changes to the format, and also RIZIN Resolutions for 2020. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

In this Bellator edition of We are RIZIN, Andrew and TeeptotheJunk do a fast-paced look at the Bellator 238 card. They look at the winners who stood out, seeing Cyborg in RIZIN, Julia Budd vs Gabi Garcia, Jiri, and Aaron Pico.

Andrew (with a cold) & Chrisitan talk to Damien "Beatdown" Brown. Brown is looking to return to a RIZIN ring for a fight and makes the case why he should be on the RIZIN 21 card coming. He talks about potential opponents like Mikuru Asakura, free agency, fighting in Japan and the Australia bush fires.

Andrew, Christian (by text message) and TeeptotheJunk review the AWESOME Rizin 20 show. They cover all the fights, pick their favorite finishes, talk about who the winners/losers should fight next, talk about the great attendance figure vs the bad TV ratings, and ask if this is the best RIZIN show ever. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew & Christian are joined by wrestling announcer and Twitch streamer Johan Yusof to talk about the RIZIN 20 card live from the famous Saitama Super Arena New Year's Eve. They go over all the fights, pick their winners, if Tenshin is moving on from RIZIN next year, title contenders and more

Andrew & Christian are joined by TeeptotheJunk to preview all of the matches on the main card of Bellator Japan. They look at all the fights, debate whether MVP has made a career fighting cans and if this match will sway any such opinions, and preview the grand main event of Fedor's last match in Japan Fedor vs Rampage. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew & Christian are joined by Bellator expert TeeptotheJunk to talk about the Bellator Japan Post lim matches (which may or may not be available outside Japan at this time). They look at all the fights, breakdown the winners and losers, fantasy book some future Bellator matches, and lament the negatives of streaming services. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew and Christian talk to former King of Pancrase BW champion and RIZIN BW GP Finalist Shintaro Ishiwatari. Topics include how he got into MMA, why he vacated the Pancrase title, his thoughts on who wins Kape/Asakura, Kyoji Horiguchi, and other topics. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew talks to KOTC Atomweight champion Jayme "Atombomb" Hinshaw, who fights Kanna Asakura at Bellator Japan. Topics include how she got into MMA, her tattoos, how she got her nickname, her opponent, and other topics. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew & Christian welcome first-time guest the man with the most submissions in Bellator history, Goiti Yamauchi. Topics include his fight at Bellator Japan against Daron Cruickshank, his longevity as a fighter, how he got into martial arts, fan questions, grappling tournaments, and a bunch of other topics. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew & Christian welcome back RIZIN Lightweight Hiroto Uesako. Topics include his Bellator Japan opponent Yusuke Yachi, Mikuru Asakura, his loss against Luiz Gustavo, and anime films.

Andrew and Christian talk to the always entertaining inside and outside the ring LHW/HW/Openweight fighter Jake "The Honey Bear" Heun about his fight at RIZIN 20 versus Olympic judo medalist Satoshi Ishii. Topics include his thoughts on his opponent, Ruiz/Joshua 2, moving to Australia, Tito/Del Rio, the Shemetov bros fighting in RIZIN/Bellator, and the 10 Bernard Pivot questions from Inside the Actor's Studio.

In this long but awesome interview with RIZIN Strawweight Jarred "The Monkey God" Brooks Andrew and Chrisitan talk to him about his rematch against Haruo Ochi, fighting at different weight classes, Bo Nickel vs. Gordon Ryan, which MMA fighters are assholes, fighting outside the cage/ring, and a host of other topics! Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF

In this late uploaded edition of Shooting the Shit, Andrew and a sick Chrisitan talk Canelo/Kovalev, BMF Title match, Mark Kerr Movie reaction, and other topics in MMA.

Andrew and Christian welcome back Patricky "Pitbull" who goes to on to the RIZIN LW GP semi-finals at RIZIN 20. Topics include his fellow Brazilian opponent Luiz Gustavo, who he thinks will win between Johnny Case vs Tofiq Musayev, his entrance music, which students of the Pitbull Bros Academy to look out for, and other topics.

Andrew and Christian talk to RIZIN LW GP Semi-finalist Johnny "Hollywood" Case about his win over Roberto de Souza and fighting in the LW GP at RIZIN 20. Other questions include fan questions, RIZIN pay, who he thinks he'll face on in the finals, his pick between Pitbull vs Gustavo, what he did for Halloween, and other topics. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

In this non-RIZIN edition of We are RIZIN, Andrew is joined by his friend and Godzilla expert, Dylan McLoughlin, to discuss the movie Godzilla Final Wars. The movie stars Don Frye and Masakatsu Funaki with cameos by Gary Goodridge and Ray Sefo.

Andrew and Christian review and recap the AWESOME RIZIN 19 show from October 12 in Osaka. They gave over all the fights, give their favorite fights, performance of the nights, possible future match ups, if the losers are "RIZIN worthy," and look at the LW GP semi final matchups. Andrew and Christian go on a HUGE rant on RIZIN's intermission problem and what could be done to curb future intermissions. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew & Christian along with special guest John Hyon Ko of Kumite TV preview the entire of RIZIN 19 from Osaka!

Andrew and Christian talk to returning guest Johnny "Hollywood" Case about his participation in the RIZIN 19 LW GP. Topics include how he is preparing for the tournament, thoughts on Roberto de Souza's striking, who the biggest threat in the tournament to him is, and Andrew asks the 10 Bernard Pivot questions from Inside the Actor's Studio.

In this rare interview, Andrew & Christian talk to Hiroto Uesako who takes on Luiz Gustavo in the LW GP. Topics include how he got into MMA, why he moved up to lightweight, his thoughts on his opponent, and his love of fashion.

Andrew and Christian talk to the Bellator representative in the RIZIN lightweight GP, Patricky "Pitbull' Freire. Topics include how Pitbull go started in MMA, representing Bellator in this tournament, what his brother plans to do with the Bellator LW title, his opponent Tatsuya Kawajiri, fighting in Japan for the first time, and what he does when he's not training. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew and Christian talk to RIZIN fan favorite and student of Wanderlei Silva, Luiz "Killer" Gustavo about his upcoming fight in the RIZIN LW GP. He takes on Hiroto Uesako. Topics include how he got into MMA, how he became a favorite student of Wanderlei Silva, why he wants to stick with RIZIN, his fight against Mikuru Asakura, his opponent, who he sees as his biggest threat, and what he does outside the ring. Photo courtesy of RIZIN FF.

Andrew and Christian are joined by special guest Zachary Shiloh to discuss Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 2 show. They go over all the fights, pick their favorites, their least favorite, and future matchups and wrestlers they would like to see at a Bloodsport show.

Andrew and Christian preview the Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 2 card. They look at all the matches and give predictions on the winners and how they win. After, they briefly look at the two tournament matches for the RISE kickboxing finals.