—Knowing that you are fighting Tsuyoshi Kosaka, how is your mental state going into the fight?
I have so much respect for him. I have followed his career closely and watched all his fights. I am really looking forward to fighting him in this new promotion.

—What are your thoughts on being in the opening match?
Of course the most important thing to do is win, but to be chosen to be in the opening match for a new promotion is such an honor. Kosaka and myself are both fighters that people enjoy watching so I think that’s why we were chosen. There have been a lot of expectations placed on us as the opening fight, and I don’t want to let anyone down. I plan on kicking of the new tournament with an good, intense fight.

—And how is your current condition?
The fight before this one was very frustrating for me. I didn’t learn anything from it. With regards to the preparation for this fight, to be honest, I can’t say that it’s been perfect. However, I have been waiting with hope for the resurrection of Japanese MMA, so for me to reject an offer to fight here was out of the question. I want to put on a match as grand as the stage it is on.

—Do you want to keep fighting on past next year?
As of right now, I haven’t fought yet so I can’t really comment but I can say that the fact that I received this offer and just being here in Japan has made me so excited. If something big were to happen to Japanese MMA, that can only be a good thing. In order for Rizin to be successful, I know I need to put in a good performance. That’s all I’m really thinking about.

—Do you have anything you’d like to say to the fans?
I have been waiting with hope for the resurrection of Japanese MMA and for this kind of tournament to happen, so I am very excited to be participating in it. I promise to give it everything I have and try my best to make everyone happy. This you can count on.