Danny Sabatello has goals in Japan with Rizin FF that 'money can't buy'

Danny Sabatello thinks Japan will be “in for a ride” as he takes his talents to Rizin FF.

Former interim Bellator title challenger and PFL veteran Sabatello (14-4-1) recently signed a three-fight contract with the Japan-based organization, and said his debut date and opponent are already locked in, with expectations for an announcement sooner than later.

After some difficulties securing consistent fights since PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in late 2023, Sabatello said he relished the chance to move to Rizin FF, which he praises for its communication and structure throughout the negotiation process.

Sabatello, 31, said he prides himself on being a polarizing character in MMA. He thinks his brash personality is going to be a hit overseas, and he is embracing leaning into the entertainment side of the sport as he enters the next chapter of his career.

“I think I’m going to be massive over there,” Sabatello told MMA Junkie Radio. “A lot people are going to love me, and I know a lot of people over there are going to absolutely hate me. The Japanese culture really is totally different than how I carry myself, and we’re going to see how that resonates. Whether you love me or hate me, it’s a very exciting time in Japan.

“I’m a guy that beats to my own drum, and I know a lot of people weren’t expecting this. Not a lot of Americans go over to Rizin, but I do whatever the f*ck I want, and I do things my way. That’s always how I’ve been. I think after me signing with Rizin, I actually think that a bunch of other fighters are going to try to get in there. That’s just how I see things going down. I look at my style and what I do and how I talk and how I do things a certain way, and I see other fighters try to mimic my style. I think we’re going to see it here. I think a couple other Americans are going to try to get in. I don’t know if they’ll be welcomed with open arms like I was.”

Sabatello claims he negotiated with multiple organizations during his free agency period, but Rizin was “by far the best one.” He said he hopes this is his long-term home, but if things go well throughout the lifespan of his deal, didn’t rule out a potential return to a U.S.-based promotion such as the UFC down the line.

After surging through the Bellator ranks, Sabatello faced then-interim titleholder Raufeon Stots in December 2022. He lost a controversial split decision, then rebounded with an April 2023 win over Marcos Breno.

Sabatello has since lost to Magomed Magomedov and a rematch with Stots before fighting Lazaro Dayron to a majority draw in his lone PFL appearance in August 2024. He threatened retirement after that fight, but ultimately changed his mind.

Although he was coy about the exact details of the contract beyond the number of fights, Sabatello said he’s happy with his deal, and thinks this is going to be a defining period of his career.

“Money wasn’t too big of a factor, but I’m not an idiot,” Sabatello said. “I’m not going to get taken advantage of. That’s one thing about me. This isn’t about money, but I will never be taken advantage of. I’m always going to negotiate what’s fair and what’s right, because I know what I bring to the table with my style and my skill set.

“Obviously, we’re going to do good business no matter what, but at the end of the day – and I shouldn’t be saying this, and Ali (Abdelaziz) my manager is probably going to be pissed – but I don’t give two f*cks about the money. If I can go in there and break someone’s f*cking face and entertain these fans and get the people talking about Danny Sabatello, ‘The Italian Gangster,’ take over this whole f*cking promotion, then that’s priceless. That’s something money can’t buy.”