Rena Kubota - Photo: Ed Carbajal
Rena Kubota Promises a Different Fight for Lindsey VanZandt at RIZIN 20
Rena Kubota promises a different fight for Lindsey VanZandt at RIZIN 20 after getting back in the win column for RIZIN 19. Prior to her October bout against Alexandra Alvare, she had opened up about her loss to VanZandt, saying how the loss had her “hit rock bottom”, but was ready to move past the loss to VanZandt in New York this past summer. She will now have a chance to avenge the loss before the end of the year at RIZIN 20.
RIZIN made the announcement yesterday about the rematch between Kubota and VanZandt being added to the card and this time, roles are reversed with VanZandt making her way to Japan. “I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, but being able to fight in Japan is a dream,” VanZandt stated in a press release from RIZIN. Kubota came to New York City and faced the New Yorker in Madison Square Garden and Kubota believes the reversal of roles will work in her favor.
Additional fight announcement for RIZIN.20
Lindsey VanZandt vs. RENA
🎟️ https://t.co/VYvwCQXU37#RIZIN #RIZINFF #RIZIN20 pic.twitter.com/9b92cZmrRL
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 3, 2019
“The first fight I feel like I didn’t even show 10% of what can really do,” Kubota said of their first fight and added, “This time I will promise to show 100%. I will make Lindsey feel that she is fighting a totally different fighter.”
“I will make Lindsey feel that she is fighting a totally different fighter.” –Rena Kubota
Those are some strong words from Kubota but VanZandt let it be known she expects the same outcome from their first fight in New York. “I have all the respect in the world for everyone I fight, but I hope Rena knows what she asked for…,” said the Bellator and Invicta FC competitor. She also said, “The only difference between our fight at Madison Square Garden and the one happening on New Year’s Eve will be the audience who get to watch me get my hand raised.”
RIZIN 20 takes place at the Saitama Super Arena on December 31 and will air live on FITE TV.
