John Dodson dreamed about returning to Japan after his second professional bout took place there 18 years ago and he certainly made the most of his opportunity at RIZIN 40.
The UFC veteran attacked Hideo Tokoro using punches, even though he chased him around the ring after taking a body shot which signalled the start of the end. It was that punch to the midsection that had Tokoro turning away and Dodson coming after him with guns blazing as he looked for the finish.
With Tokoro backing up against the ropes, Dodson just unleashed a flurry of punches with a straight left hand landing clean, which sent his opponent down to the ground. Dodson followed with a few more shots but the fight was already over by that point.
It was an impressive debut by Dodson who signed a multifight deal with RIZIN before making his first appearance on the new year’s Eve card.
He definitely lived up to his word… @JohnDodsonMMA makes his RIZIN debut NOW!
[ #RIZIN40 | @FiteTV PPV link in bio ] pic.twitter.com/Amjh32zFPd
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
In addition to his new home with RIZIN, Dodson is also still competing as part of the roster at BKFC with hopes that his next fight will take place at the upcoming KnuckleMania III card happening in his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M. in February.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/31/23533299/rizin-40-video-john-dodson-flattens-hideo-tokoro-with-blistering-series-punches-first-round-knockout?rand=96749
