The Rizin 15 card has undergone another change as Kanako Murata has replaced an injured Shinju Nozawa-Auclair against Saray Orozco.
Nozawa-Auclair revealed the news herself via a now deleted video on Instagram, below is a transcript of what the fighter said (via Alexander K. Lee of MMA Fighting):
“I’m incredibly frustrated at the situation but I have to accept that this is outside of my control and make peace with the circumstances. I have previously fought with torn ligaments in my elbow and although I was able to overcome the injury during the fight, I ended up causing further damage to my body forcing me to the sidelines for a whole year and doubling my original recovery time. As to not make the same mistake twice, I, under medical guidance, have chosen to pull out of this fight with deep regret. To my opponent Saray, I am extremely sorry. To anyone who this may disappoint, please forgive me. Thank you for understanding!”
There is no word at this time as to how long it will take Nozawa-Auclair to recover from an ankle injury suffered during the training camp for Rizin 15.
Rizin 15 takes place on Sunday, April 21 from the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan with King Mo and Jiri Prochazka headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on Fite TV.
