In a time where Ultimate Fighting Championship dominates the mixed martial arts scene, companies around the world like Bellator and RIZIN are always looking for the next big thing that could help elevate them to the next level. Sometimes, however, you simply need to double down on a bigger name rather than a young fighter with potential just to get some eyes on your product.
According to sources close, MMA legend Ricardo Arona has resumed training and is expected to fight under the RIZIN banner.
Details are still coming in, but his potential first fight back might be against Amir Aliakbari who is coming off a devastating knockout loss to Mirko Cro Cop just this past New Years.
Arona has not fought professionally since his decision victory over Marvin Eastman in 2009. Arona became one of the more popular faces in Japan during his PRIDE days, squaring off with the likes of Alistair Overeem, Wanderlei Silva, and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
