Kiyoshi Tamura
Also in 2007, Tokoro faced Rings legend Kiyoshi Tamura at the Dynamite!!! event. The heavier Tamura capitalized on his striking and wrestling advantage to control the bout, which forced Tokoro to absorb punishment and use every opportunity to scramble to try to get his game. At the third round, Tamura tried a Kimura lock, and although he couldn't twist the arm, he stretched it. Tokoro refused to tap out, but the match was eventually called off by submission.