The Japanese promotion recently announced the pairing. Additionally, it was revealed that Rena Kubota will square off against Dora Perjes at a catch-weight. The event, officially entitled “Rizin 2017 in Yokohama: Sakura,” takes place at Yokohama Arena and will be headlined by a bout pitting former UFC 125-pound title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi against Yuki Motoya.
Ito has competed primarily in the Zst organization for the majority of his professional tenure. The 23-year-old enters the matchup on a seven-fight winning streak and is 11-1-2 over the course of his career. Nine of Ito’s 11 victories have occurred within the distance.
Saiga, meanwhile, owns a 3-2 career record. The 28-year-old Osaka, Japan, native last appeared at Rizin 4, where he garnered a first-round technical knockout triumph against Dillin West.