Case Rizin

Johnny ‘Hollywood’ Case continues his incredible run in Rizin by adding another KO victory.

This Friday in Osaka Johnny Case won his quarterfinal match against Brazilian Roberto de Souza. With the win, ‘Hollywood’ Case advances to the semifinals where he will face Tofiq Musaev. In the other semifinal Patricky Freire will face Luiz Gustavo.



Case gave another surgical performance to put Roberto de Souza away with a beautiful and precise right-hand hook. Since the beginning of the bout Johnny seemed calm and composed as he started landing strikes on his opponent. Souza tried to pull guard and use his jiu jitsu, or at least worry Case. However Johnny defended well an attempt of an armbar and then took the fight back to the feet.

Johnny took advantage of his superior striking and made Souza pay for a shoot. Case took a step back and met the Brazilian’s attempt with a perfectly timed right hand that sent him to the canvas. The fight ended even before ‘Hollywood’ could follow him to the ground. Roberto was holding his face as he tapped on the ground. Johnny was about to throw a soccer kick that he managed to hold back to avoid hurting his opponent.

Following the quarter-final bouts, RIZIN drew the semi-final match-ups which will be contested on Dec. 29 a the Saitama Super Arena. Freire is set to meet Gustavo in an all-Brazilian clash, while Musaev will take on Case.

The final of the tournament is set to take place two days later on Dec. 31.

Nate Diaz