Ota Replaces Moore, Fights Nuzzi At Bellator Dublin

Shinobu Ota continues the crossover dealings between the PFL and RIZIN.

MMA Mania has confirmed with sources that RIZIN bantamweight contender Ota (6-3) will make his PFL/Bellator debut at Bellator Dublin on June 22, 2024. Ota will replace Brian Moore, who was set to take on Italy’s Francesco Nuzzi (10-1). Moore was forced out of the bout with an undisclosed injury. The fight will remain at 135 pounds despite the short-notice change.

The matchup continues the working relationship between RIZIN and Bellator — now PFL — after the previously established crossover efforts between former Bellator President Scott Coker and RIZIN Founder Nobuyuki Sakakibara. Ota won’t be the first RIZIN fighter to crossover during the PFL-Bellator era as Juan Archuleta has become a mainstay in the RIZIN ring and will battle former featherweight champion Kleber Koike at RIZIN 47 in two weeks (Sun., June 9, 2024). Former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis will also compete that night in a rematch against RIZIN flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi. Most recently, RIZIN lightweight Yusuke Yachi took on Mansour Barnaoui at Bellator Paris this past Friday. Barnoui defeated Yachi via a first-round brabo choke.

Ota, 30, has been one of the hottest prospects to debut in Japan since his arrival in December 2020. The former Olympic silver medalist in wrestling has become a well-rounded competitor, scoring the biggest win of his still-young career in his last fight. Tasked with former RIZIN featherweight champion Juntaro Ushiku, Ota pulled off the upset by unanimous decision.

Nuzzi, 27, has been on a hot streak of his own having not lost since his second professional bout. He’s currently 1-0 (1 NC) under the PFL banner.