October 8th 2015, a new movement was made in the world of mixed martial arts. The words “New Year’s Eve, MMA, Resurrection” were shown on the giant screen at Tokyo Midtown – Canopy Square. In front of an eager audience of about 1000, Fedor Emelianenko made his appearance. Followed by Fedor’s “Detekoiya!” call, the legendary promoter who once created the world’s biggest promotion, Nobuyuki Sakakibara arrived on stage.

“In March of 2007, I announced that I will retire from MMA. First, I must apologize for the fighters and fans who supported us everything you had. During this past 8 years, I have been searching for things where I could pour my passion into, but I came to conclusion that the only platform where I can put everything into is MMA. Once again, I will put everything into promoting, developing not only Japanese, but fights all over the world.”

The name of the new promotion is announced by Sakakibara. “RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION” – The name relays a strong message similar to the word “Yamato Damashi” to the Japanese people and reminds them “Do not forget your identity”, the idea to create “A platform where the fighters and the fans can share the meaning what people fight for”

After Sakakibara shouts “Detekoiya!” Nobuhiko Takada, assigned as the General Manager for the promotion appears on stage. “I’ve worked with Mr. Sakakibara for 11 years. This is my only home ground where I’ve had my joys and sorrows. I am extremely excited to be standing here once again after 8 years. These past years have been a meaningful 8 years in terms of accumulating energy for this movement,” and shouts. “(This shout) is a declaration to the fans who supported us from all over the world in the past, and to the fighters who will step into the ring in the future. For me and for Mr. Sakakibara, RIZIN will be our final platform. We will make this work.”

Sakakibara moves on to details of the event. “This is not just an event, it will be a celebration for the fighting industry sent out to the world. We are going to invite legendary fighters from all over the world and interact with the fans on our fan expo held on the 30th.” And announced that fights will be held on 2 days (29th / 31st), fan expo (30th) for 1 day which comes out to 3 days.

Next, JOC honorary chairman, Japan wrestling association chairman Tomiaki Fukuda, and Nobuo Nakamura from legal were invited on stage.
“Many wrestlers have challenged MMA in the past. I will continue to give my support, and I hope that this will become the world’s biggest event.” (Fukuda)
“I believe that compliance takes a big part in promotions these days and I believe that is the reason why I am here. I will give my best effort to make sure this event stays clean and successful.” (Nakamura)

Sakakibara moved on to broadcasting details “Watching the fights at the venue live is best of course, but I wanted everybody in Japan, all the fans across the world to watch the event, so I really needed to prepare the structure for broadcasting”, and announced that Fuji Television (Terrestrial TV), Sky Perfect TV, and the network who triggered the popularity of MMA in the States, SpikeTV will be broadcasting the Japanese content as well. He also mentioned that RIZIN is considering internet streaming as well.

Jon Slusser, Senior VP of Spike TV, and Scott Coker President of Bellator also made an appearance on the stage. “I am very excited to be able to work with the father of MMA. It’s not too much to say that without him, the sport wouldn’t have what we have today. I am positive that all the fighters will show a fantastic performance. We are planning to bring our best team to Japan.” (Slusser)
“When I first heard that Mr. Sakakibara is making a comeback, I knew that I shouldn’t let this chance go. He helped me a lot when I started my organization. I owe him to this day. So I was determined to help him whenever he came back. And that day has come.” (Coker)

After the speech from the two, Sakakibara added, “The fighting business used to be taking fighters from one another. I have no intent of doing so, that is why I have formed an alliance, and provide a platform where the top fighters from each promotion can compete, and challenge the world. There are 3 concepts. The first concept is “Conclusion”, to provide a platform to veteran fighters counting their days where they can once again strive and perform in front of a huge crowd. The second concept is “Sprouting”, to be the platform where athletes from different sports seek for new challenges. The third concept is “Future”, to become the platform where athletes from all over the world want to participate in. What we aim for are the big events such as Wimbledon, World Cup, and the Olympic games.”

Promoters from different countries such as Donatas Simanaitis from Lithuania’s BUSHIDO, Wallid Ismail from Brazil’s Jungle Fight and David Green from UK’s BAMMA joined the stage.
“Mr. Sakakibara, thank you very much for inviting me for such an event. The Olympics of MMA will begin and the fight industry all over the world will change. I’ll see everybody on New Year’ Eve.” (Simanaitis)
“I am very happy to be back in Japan. This is a beginning of a new chapter in the fight business. You will witness the top competitors from all over the world. I thank you for inviting me to such a wonderful show. I assure you that the people from the country of the samurai will be proud of this event.” (Ismail)
“First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Sakakibara I appreciate you having BAMMA join you on this tremendous journey. I am excited not only as an MMA fan, but as a promoter as well. This event is needed in MMA and Mr. Sakakibara is the only one who could put it together. To all promoters, let’s work together and make this happen.”

And the best for last, fighters were called up on the stage. The fighters who made appearance were Kazushi Sakuraba, Shinya Aoki, RENA, Gabriel Garcia, and Fedor Emelianenko. Sakakibara announced that Kazushi Sakuraba vs Shinya Aoki will face each other on the 29th.

“I have nothing but respect for Sakuraba. But there is only reality in the ring. I would like to show that in my fight.” (Aoki)
“I will do my best to put on a good show.” (Sakuraba)
“I’ve got nothing but concerns and fear, but I want to show the world how great Shoot Boxing is by using my striking skills to win my fight.” (RENA)
“I want to show the world that I am the best MMA practitioner. I want to show the strength of women to the world.”
“I considered coming out of retirement for the first time after Mr. Sakibara told me about this event. I am happy to back here in Japan to meet with all of you again. I want to put on a good fight backed by all of your support.” (Fedor)

The press conference ended with a storm of applause from the fans who have patiently waited for the comeback of KAKUTOUGI. RIZIN executive committee has more surprises and announcements to come. Keep your eyes and ears open until New Year’s Eve.