Justin Scoggins Suffers Knee Injury, Rizin 15 Bout vs. Kai Asakura Canceled

UFC veteran Justin Scoggins has suffered a knee injury, forcing him to pull out of a scheduled clash with Kai Asakura at Rizin 15 this coming Sunday.

The Japanese promotion confirmed the news on Monday. Scoggins withdrawal occurred due to a “meniscus and ligament tear in the knee” incurred during training.

“I would like to apologize to Rizin and the fans, and my opponent Asakura for not being to fight on the upcoming card,” Scoggins said in a release. “I have suffered a serious knee injury that completely prevents me from competing. It is a fight I requested and one I hope to do later in the year. I respect Asakura and am very sorry for this exciting fight must be delayed.”

As a result Rizin 15 will proceed with 12 bouts — 10 MMA and two kickboxing. The card takes place at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, on April 21 and features a light heavyweight championship clash between Muhammed Lawal and Jiri Prochazka. Additionally, Kyoji Horiguchi will face former UFC competitor Ben Nguyen in another main card contest.

Scoggins, who went 4-5 during his UFC tenure, has lost his last four fights. He made his Rizin debut on New Year’s Eve, suffering a first-round submission loss to Yuki Motoya.

Asakura has been victorious in seven of his eight pro bouts, including a three-round verdict over Jae Hoon Moon in his most recent Rizin outing on Dec. 30.