Former Bellator Bantamweight Danny Sabatello Signs with Rizin FF

In a surprising turn of events, former Bellator bantamweight contender Danny Sabatello has inked a multi-fight deal with Japanese promotion Rizin FF. The news, confirmed by Sabatello’s manager Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, marks a significant shift in the career trajectory of the outspoken fighter known as “The Italian Gangster”.

Sabatello, 31, leaves behind a tumultuous stint in Bellator and a brief foray into the PFL to test his mettle in the Land of the Rising Sun. This move comes as Sabatello looks to snap a three-fight winless streak and reinvigorate his career in a new fighting landscape.

🚨First reported by @aaronbronsteter | “The Italian Gangster” Danny Sabatello has signed a multi-fight deal with RIZIN.

Danny Sabatello 🇺🇸(14-4-1) went (4-3) with Bellator MMA and his one fight with PFL went to a majority draw.

Top #RIZIN fighters at bantamweight:

🇯🇵Naomi… pic.twitter.com/3ucC3wsi9R

— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 27, 2025

The Road to Rizin

Sabatello’s journey to Rizin FF has been anything but smooth. After a promising start in Bellator, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his brash personality and aggressive fighting style, Sabatello faced a series of setbacks that have led him to this crossroads in his career.

The turning point came in December 2022 when Sabatello challenged Raufeon Stots for the interim Bellator bantamweight title. In a closely contested bout, Sabatello lost via controversial split decision, a result that still rankles with the fighter and his supporters. Despite bouncing back with a win over Marcos Breno in April 2023, Sabatello’s fortunes took a downturn with subsequent losses to Magomed Magomedov and a rematch defeat to Stots.

Mohegan commission to review Raufeon Stots vs. Danny Sabatello with judges, sanctions possible https://t.co/LR7zKXx0xf pic.twitter.com/QFsQBOxIOu

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 13, 2022

Sabatello’s final appearance under the Bellator banner before the promotion’s merger with PFL saw him fight to a majority draw against Lazaro Dayron in August 2024. This result, his only fight in the PFL, led to a moment of crisis for Sabatello, who briefly contemplated retirement before deciding to continue his fighting career.

New Horizons in Japan

Sabatello’s decision to sign with Rizin FF represents a bold move for the American fighter. Known for its unique ruleset and passionate fanbase, Rizin offers Sabatello a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase his skills on an international stage.

The move to Rizin also aligns with a growing trend of high-profile Western fighters testing themselves in Asian promotions. Sabatello’s aggressive grappling style and penchant for trash talk could make him an instant hit with Japanese fans, who have historically embraced colorful personalities in combat sports

While an opponent and date for Sabatello’s Rizin debut have yet to be announced, speculation is already mounting about potential matchups. Rizin’s bantamweight division boasts a mix of homegrown talent and international stars, providing Sabatello with a wealth of intriguing opponents as he seeks to climb the ranks and potentially challenge for Rizin gold

For Sabatello, the move to Rizin represents more than just a change of scenery. With a professional record of 14 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, Sabatello finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. A strong showing in Rizin could reignite his title aspirations and prove that he remains one of the most exciting prospects in the bantamweight division

As the MMA world reacts to this unexpected development, all eyes will be on Sabatello as he prepares for his Rizin debut. Will the change in promotion and fighting culture bring out the best in “The Italian Gangster,” or will he struggle to adapt to the unique challenges of competing in Japan?

The stage is set for Sabatello’s Asian adventure. Now, it’s up to “The Italian Gangster” to seize this opportunity and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.