Rena Kubota, Lindsey VanZandt Scheduled for Rematch at Rizin 20 on New Year’s Eve

Rena Kubota will attempt to avenge a previous defeat against Lindsey VanZant when the two fighters rematch at Rizin 20.

The Japanese promotion announced the matchup on Tuesday. Rizin 20 takes place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on New Year’s Eve and will see Kai Asakura square off against an undetermined opponent for the vacant bantamweight crown. Additionally, Ayaka Hamasaki will face Seo Hee Ham for the super atomweight crown.

Kubota and VanZandt initially squared off in a 112-pound contest at Bellator 222 on June 14, with VanZandt winning via technical submission in the opening stanza.

Kubota, a Shoot Boxing champion, returned to the win column at Rizin 19, where she stopped Alexandra Alvare Carlos in just 20 seconds on Oct. 12. VanZandt, meanwhile, dropped a split verdict against Jessica Correa Delboni in her next outing at Invicta FC 36 before stopping Shino VanHoose with a leg kick in just 39 seconds at Invicta FC 37.