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Patricky Freire made a big splash in his RIZIN debut on Saturday morning in Osaka, Japan, stopping legendary Japanese fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri with a brutal flying knee before finishing him with strikes to advance to the tournament semi-finals.
Patricky Pitbull (22-8) makes a tragic splash in RIZIN's GP, throttling the legendary Tatsuya Kawajiri with a flying knee and follow-up for the first-round knockout. Bellator's all-time KO leader extends his tear to six bouts with his 14th knockout. #RIZIN19 #RIZINFF #RIZIN2019 pic.twitter.com/tRmv1r3A5q
— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) October 12, 2019
“Pitbull” is in one of the best veins of form of his career and the finish of Kawajiri increases his current win streak to six.
Speaking after the event, Bellator’s leading knockout artist spoke of what an honour it was to compete in Japan.
Freire will face his fellow Brazilian Luiz Gustavo in the semi-finals. Johnny Case vs. Tofiq Musaev will make up the other semi-final bout. The semi-finals are set to take place on Dec. 29 at the Saitama Super Arena. The final will be contested two days later on Dec. 31.
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