Akebono will be facing Bob Sapp after 12 years since their last meeting. He confessed that he picked his opponent “I wouldn’t fight against any other opponent”.

—What was the process in entering RIZIN
In August, I kept on getting calls from a person who usually doesn’t call me saying that he had something to talk about, and that turned out to be the offer. I had an idea, but yes that was the beginning.

—Was Bob Sapp included in that offer
I asked for him. I told them that I would not fight if it wasn’t Bob Sapp. He is the reason why I am in this business right now, and if I were to come back, I might as well get my revenge. I’ve always had the idea of a rematch but didn’t want to force it. So the timing couldn’t be any better.

—What has changed in the past 12 years as a fighter
I won’t be able to tell until I actually fight him, but being a pro wrestler for the past 10 years made me understand how to use the ring a lot better, and I think my motivation heading into this fight is way different. The last fight, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This time, I know what needs to be done and I have to win, I have to get this done. I will put my 12 years into this fight.

—Your previous fight was the most viewed fight content in history. Does that hype affect your preparation for this fight
I’m not sure how Bob Sapp thinks, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just about what I can do in the ring, for me. I’m not thinking about putting butts in the seats, or getting high ratings, I’ve waited too long for this and all I need to do is just go in there and fight.

—Did you have any contact with Bob Sapp in the past 12 years
I’ve met him in pro wrestling events, but mostly just saying hi and stuff. I haven’t been out with him for a beer or anything like that. I would be lying if I said that his existence doesn’t bother me, but I’ve never looked at him in any special way. But deep inside, I’ve always had this thought of “revenge”.

—Message to the fans
All I can say right now is that I will show the best fight as a man. Everybody is probably talking about ratings, showmanship, hype, buzz, money, but for me that’s not the case. I want you to witness a determined man, going in to challenge himself.