Kosaka volunteered to be the first fight of the night on December 29th where the historical event kicks off. “I didn’t want anybody else to take that spot” he said during the interview.

—Why did you decide to make a comeback
I retired in 2006, but I have always had in mind that I wanted to fight. I knew I shouldn’t in my head, but my heart and spirit was just craving for adrenaline. But my life was really busy at the time and had many obligations, and I figured I shouldn’t compete if I wasn’t 100% ready. As I reached my 40’s, I came to realize that I could work everything out while training fulltime. I had to make a decision either to completely put out the fire, or move on towards of what my heart and spirt tells me to do, and I chose to pursue what I had dedicated my life to.

—During the press conference you mentioned you were guided by something which led you to this offer
I started training full time from last October, and I was back in shape, ready to fight by springtime. And at that timing, I heard a rumor that Mr. Sakakibara was going to come back in the fighting industry, so I contacted him through my connections and told him that I was also considering a comeback. Once we met in person, we shared the same passion about this industry and was able to sympathize with each other. I felt that there was some connection between us during our hiatus.

—Your experience as the coach for Japanese Rugby team help out
Right about when Japan faced South Africa, I was confirming my fight in RIZIN. Watching the team play against South Africa definitely helped me put my mind into making this happen. Their performance proved that hard work pays off.

—What are your thoughts on your opponent James Thompson
My requests are simple, “an opponent who I can go to war with”. I understand that the sport aspect should still be there, but what really attracts me to that ring is that there is an opponent there who I can throw everything I have against. That was my only request and I believe RIZIN FF gave me the perfect opponent.

—During the press conference, GM Takada suggested about you fighting on the first fight of Day 1
So many memories were going through my head when Mr. Takada was talking. As he described the current MMA scene as “Frozen clock”, I wanted to be the fighter who would start the clock once again. That was a moment where I felt the true passion of Mr. Sakakibara, Mr. Takada and myself for this sport.

—A message to the fans who await your comeback
I want everybody to accept the fact that RIZIN is coming back with a blank mind. And I want you to be there. I am confident that I can show you something ridiculous. There are some things you can only feel live at the venue.