On December 29, 2015, Rizin Fighting Federation held its inaugural show at the Saitama Super Arena - the first of a two-night extravaganza that culminated with the return of Fedor Emelianenko.
In many ways, the debut show was a nostalgic return to the Pride FC days from a decade ago. From the elaborate lighting, to Lenne Hardt's voice booming through the speakers, it was an event that entertained many die-hard Japanese MMA fans.
However, despite the impressive show that included nearly a dozen first round stoppages, Rizin's first show ended on a violent and anticlimactic note when Kazushi Sakuraba and Shinya Aoki stepped into the ring for the evening's main event. Sakuraba, a Pride FC legend in his own right, had turned 46 several months before and had not fought in over four years. He was also on a four-fight losing streak but that did not stop him from facing the ONE lightweight champion.
As expected, Aoki pummelled Sakuraba for several brutal minutes in the opening round before the referee mercifully stepped in to stop the fight. The crowd at the Saitama Super Arena was stunned silent.
Given the vicious beating that he endured and the five-fight losing streak he compiled, few assumed that Sakuraba would ever fight again. However, Sakakibara is quite certain that the legend will return to Rizin again.
"As far as him fighting again, we have to discuss," Sakakibara told ESPN. "We've talked about a class of 40-year-olds and over. It's not over for Sakuraba in my mind."
Rizin FF's next event is scheduled for April 17, 2016 in Nagoya City.