Historic WKN Agreement ✨
WKN champion Lucia “Mala Onda” Apdelgarim to Feature in RIZIN’s Biggest Event of 2024 in Japan 🇯🇵
The WKN World office has signed a historic agreement with RIZIN, Japan’s leading combat sports organization, for the highly anticipated event “RIZIN Decade 49”, set to take place on December 31, 2024. This legendary New Year’s Eve gala, held annually at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, regularly attracts over 30,000 fans and promises a spectacular fight card featuring bouts of the highest caliber.
Among the standout matchups is the inclusion of Argentina’s WKN South American Champion, Lucia “Mala Onda” Apdelgarim, who will face RIZIN’s reigning champion, Seika Izawa, in an MMA bout under RIZIN rules. Accompanied by her coach, Nikolas Ryske, Lucia heads to Tokyo with momentum, having already built a solid reputation in Japan. Her record includes a significant win under Ganryujima/Virtual Fight rules and a narrow points loss in KNOCK OUT-KO, steadily cementing her status in the Land of the Rising Sun.
This groundbreaking collaboration is the result of a long-standing relationship between WKN President and the most influential figures in martial arts, Mr. Sadaharu Tanikawa, former head of K-1, Ganryujima-Samurai Warriors, and Virtual Fight, and Mr. Kaz Shibata, exclusive matchmaker. Their partnership, nurtured over years of mutual respect and shared vision, has paved the way for this momentous occasion.
A victory for Lucia would not only elevate her career but also position her as a top contender for future premium events in Japan. With a rich K-1 background and seven MMA bouts to her name, Lucia is preparing for one of the most significant challenges of her career.
For decades, the WKN has maintained close ties with Japan, and this fight further exemplifies the strength of that bond.
The bout was officially announced today by RIZIN to the Japanese press.
Stay tuned for further updates