Kazunori Yokota (横田 一則, Yokota Kazunori; born April 3, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka. Yokota…Kazunori Yokota (横田 一則, Yokota Kazunori; born April 3, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka. Yokota fought for the Japanese MMA promotions DEEP and WVR Sengoku.
Takuya Wada (和田 拓也, Wada Takuya; born February 14, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler.…Takuya Wada (和田 拓也, Wada Takuya; born February 14, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He competed in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions.
Masakatsu Ueda (born December 21, 1977) is a professional Japanese mixed martial artist who currently competes in the…Masakatsu Ueda (born December 21, 1977) is a professional Japanese mixed martial artist who currently competes in the bantamweight division of Pancrase. Ueda was also a college level wrestler in Japan, where holds a win over fellow mixed martial artist and Japanese superstar Norifumi Yamamoto, better known as "Kid" Yamamoto. Ueda has also won many national titles in combat wrestling. He also won the All Japan Shooto Grappling championship, and both A and B class Shooto Rookie Tournaments. He is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Yuki Nakai.
Tetsuji Kato (Japanese: 加藤 鉄史, Katō Tetsuji) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight and…Tetsuji Kato (Japanese: 加藤 鉄史, Katō Tetsuji) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight and lightweight divisions in Shooto, Strikeforce and DEEP. He was the SuperBrawl 7 Light Heavyweight Tournament winner, defeating Ben Hernandez in the finals.
Nobutatsu Suzuki (鈴木 信達, Suzuki Nobutatsu; born September 16, 1977) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist who…Nobutatsu Suzuki (鈴木 信達, Suzuki Nobutatsu; born September 16, 1977) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Lightweight division of ONE FC. A professional MMA competitor since 2005, he has also competed for Vale Tudo Japan. He was the inaugural ONE FC Welterweight Champion.
Hideo Tokoro (born August 22, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who last competed in the Bantamweight division.…Hideo Tokoro (born August 22, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who last competed in the Bantamweight division. A professional competitor since 2000, Tokoro has also formerly competed for Vale Tudo Japan, ZST, Shooto, Rings and K-1 Hero's. He is notable for holding the record for most weight divisions competed in by a professional MMA fighter, at seven, ranging from flyweight through to heavyweight.
Tomohiko Hashimoto (橋本友彦, Hashimoto Tomohiko; August 16, 1977 – August 5, 2025) was a Japanese professional wrestler…Tomohiko Hashimoto (橋本友彦, Hashimoto Tomohiko; August 16, 1977 – August 5, 2025) was a Japanese professional wrestler, judoka and mixed martial artist, best known for his time with Dramatic Dream Team (DDT), where he competed as a mainstay from 2000 to 2006. After working as a freelancer on the Japanese independent circuit for many years, mostly at Apache Pro-Wrestling Army, in 2017 he began promoting its successor promotion, Pro-Wrestling A-Team.
Yuji Sakuragi (Japanese: 桜木裕司, Sakuragi Yūji; born July 20, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and…Yuji Sakuragi (Japanese: 桜木裕司, Sakuragi Yūji; born July 20, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and professional wrestler, currently associated with Real Japan Pro Wrestling (RJPW)'s team Seikendo. He is known for his Kyokushin Karate background and his ability to score KO wins. In MMA, he competed for the Pancrase, M-1 Global, and DEEP promotions. Sakuragi wrestles under the name of Super Tiger, being the second incarnation of the name used by his trainer Satoru Sayama. He has also worked in promotions like All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Battlarts, Dramatic Dream Team (DDT) and Riki Choshu's Legend The Pro Wrestling.
Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Takaya has fought in the WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, Shooto, K-1 HERO'S, Pancrase, RIZIN, Vale Tudo Japan, and Cage Force. Takaya is the former DREAM Featherweight Champion. He also competed at the Japanese MMA events Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 and Dynamite!! 2010. Due to his experience in street fighting, Takaya is known as the "Streetfight Bancho".
Mina Kurobe (黒部三奈; born 2 May 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, currently fighting in the super atomweight…Mina Kurobe (黒部三奈; born 2 May 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, currently fighting in the super atomweight division of Shooto, where she is the former and inaugural Shooto Super Atomweight champion. A professional competitor since 2012, Kurobe is also the former DEEP JEWELS Atomweight champion. In June 2021, she is the #9 ranked atomweight in the world according to Sherdog.
Satoko Shinashi (しなし さとこ, Shinashi Satoko; legal name 尻無 智子, born January 29, 1977) is a female Japanese mixed martial…Satoko Shinashi (しなし さとこ, Shinashi Satoko; legal name 尻無 智子, born January 29, 1977) is a female Japanese mixed martial artist. She is a former DEEP Flyweight champion and former Smackgirl Flyweight champion. She is tied second for the most bouts among women and is considered as one of the pioneers of women's mixed martial arts.
Katsuya Toida (戸井田 カツヤ, Toida Katsuya; born January 6, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the…Katsuya Toida (戸井田 カツヤ, Toida Katsuya; born January 6, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions. His real name is Katsuya Toida (戸井田 克也, Toida Katsuya). He is known for his judo and shoot wrestling expertise.
Sakura Nomura (能村 さくら, nomura sakura; born on (1976-11-22)November 22, 1976) is a Japanese female mixed martial artist…Sakura Nomura (能村 さくら, nomura sakura; born on (1976-11-22)November 22, 1976) is a Japanese female mixed martial artist and kickboxer.
Kenji Osawa Japanese: 大沢ケンジ (born November 4, 1976) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist from Tokyo. He debuted…Kenji Osawa Japanese: 大沢ケンジ (born November 4, 1976) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist from Tokyo. He debuted in MMA over a decade ago, and trains and fights out of Wajitsu Keishukai, where he teaches once a week.
Ken Kaneko (Japanese: 金子 賢, Kaneko Ken; born October 19, 1976 in Shinjuku) is a Japanese actor, TV personality and…Ken Kaneko (Japanese: 金子 賢, Kaneko Ken; born October 19, 1976 in Shinjuku) is a Japanese actor, TV personality and former mixed martial artist. He is currently employed by Platinum Production. His blood type is O. Ken Kaneko is best known for his role in the Takeshi Kitano film Kids Return (1996), in which he and Masanobu Andō portrayed a couple of high school dropouts trying to find purpose and direction in life. He was also a mixed martial artist in the Welterweight division and fought Charles Bennet in Pride FC Shockwave 2005.
Ryo Chonan (Japanese: 長南亮, Chōnan Ryō; born October 8, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional mixed martial artist. A…Ryo Chonan (Japanese: 長南亮, Chōnan Ryō; born October 8, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 to 2013, Chonan competed for the UFC, PRIDE, DEEP, DREAM, Pancrase, and World Victory Road. Chonan is the former DEEP Middleweight Champion and the former DEEP Welterweight Champion.
Yuki Sasaki (佐々木 有生, Sasaki Yūki; born September 12, 1976) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist that has…Yuki Sasaki (佐々木 有生, Sasaki Yūki; born September 12, 1976) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist that has fought for Shooto, DEEP, World Victory Road, Pancrase and the UFC.
Yasuhiro Urushitani (漆谷康宏, Urushitani Yasuhiro; born September 8, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in…Yasuhiro Urushitani (漆谷康宏, Urushitani Yasuhiro; born September 8, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in the flyweight division. Urushitani held the Shooto bantamweight championship from 2010 to 2012 before vacating it to sign with the UFC. He was among the first flyweight fighters to fight in the UFC, Urushitani is currently signed to One Fighting Championship.
Kenichi Yamamoto (山本 喧一, Yamamoto Ken'ichi) (born June 11, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional…Kenichi Yamamoto (山本 喧一, Yamamoto Ken'ichi) (born June 11, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. Known for his pro wrestling career in UWF International, Yamamoto also competed against some of the best MMA fighters of his era in RINGS, Pride and the UFC, taking on Kevin Randleman, Genki Sudo and Pat Miletich, among others. In 1999, Yamamoto won the UFC 23 Middleweight Tournament in Japan. He returned to the ring against former Light Heavyweight King Of Pancrase Keiichiro Yamamiya on October 27, 2012. He lost via unanimous decision. Following his combat sports career, Yamamoto now works as an MMA coach.
Kuniyoshi Hironaka (Japanese: 弘中邦佳, Hironaka Kuniyoshi; born June 17, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who…Kuniyoshi Hironaka (Japanese: 弘中邦佳, Hironaka Kuniyoshi; born June 17, 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division. He has formerly competed for the UFC, Shooto, DREAM, and Pancrase.
Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A…Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2013, he was the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight (183 lbs) Grand Prix Champion, and also competed in Sengoku, Pancrase, DEEP, and Strikeforce. His 2010 bout with Jorge Santiago for the Sengoku Middleweight Championship was InsideMMA's "Fight of the Year."
Ryuki Ueyama (born 17 April 1976 in Tokyo) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the…Ryuki Ueyama (born 17 April 1976 in Tokyo) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Lightweight division. He has fought for organizations such as Fighting Network RINGS, DEEP, Pancrase, Hero's and Pride FC.
Atsuko Sakuraba (桜庭 あつこ, Sakuraba Atsuko; real name Akiko Kanari (金成 亜希子, Kanari Akiko) born on (1976-03-29)March 29…Atsuko Sakuraba (桜庭 あつこ, Sakuraba Atsuko; real name Akiko Kanari (金成 亜希子, Kanari Akiko) born on (1976-03-29)March 29, 1976) is a former Japanese gravure idol, tarento, actress and one-time mixed martial arts fighter. Sakuraba has appeared in several photobooks, films, and TV series. She also participated in the MMA tournament ReMix World Cup 2000.
Hideki Kadowaki (門脇英基, Kadowaki Hideki) (born 28 May 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. A professional…Hideki Kadowaki (門脇英基, Kadowaki Hideki) (born 28 May 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2000, he has competed for Shooto, DEEP, and World Victory Road. He is the former Shooto Lightweight (143 lbs) Champion.
Masakazu Imanari (Japanese: 今成正和, Imanari Masakazu; born 10 February 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and…Masakazu Imanari (Japanese: 今成正和, Imanari Masakazu; born 10 February 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and submission wrestler. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of Rizin Fighting Federation. A professional competitor since 2000, he is a veteran of ONE Championship, DEEP, ZST, Pancrase, PRIDE Fighting Championships, and Cage Rage. He was in the final Cage Rage Featherweight Champion, DEEP Bantamweight Champion, two-time DEEP Featherweight Champion and DREAM Japan Grand Prix Finalist. Imanari is a successful submission wrestler, placing as runner-up twice at the All-Japan Combat Wrestling Championship. He is the namesake of the "Imanari roll" maneuver. He runs Imanari Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Shinjuku.
Kazuyuki Miyata ( Japanese: 宮田 和幸 Miyata Kazuyuki) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the…Kazuyuki Miyata ( Japanese: 宮田 和幸 Miyata Kazuyuki) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Rizin. A professional competitor since 2004, Miyata has competed for DREAM, K-1 HERO'S, DEEP, RINGS, and made an appearance at K-1 PREMIUM 2007 Dynamite!!
Emiko Raika (来家 恵美子, born January 24, 1975, in Kyoto, Japan) is a Japanese female professional boxer and mixed martial…Emiko Raika (来家 恵美子, born January 24, 1975, in Kyoto, Japan) is a Japanese female professional boxer and mixed martial artist. Although more Japanese women have taken up traditionally male sports such as karate, kickboxing and wrestling in recent years, many in Japan still believe that women should not box, because of the injury risk. Raika, who has suffered a broken nose and an eye socket fracture in fights, shrugs off the possibility of injuries. "When I told friends that I want to become a boxer, they were surprised and put down my decision because I am a woman," said Raika. "But I had to resist. I like boxing and I wanted to do it. In fact, I am expressing myself through boxing. I am fighting not to beat the opponent, but for myself."
Eiji Mitsuoka (Japanese: 光岡 映二, Mitsuoka Eiji; born January 1, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial…Eiji Mitsuoka (Japanese: 光岡 映二, Mitsuoka Eiji; born January 1, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2012, Mitsuoka fought for the UFC, DREAM, World Victory Road, PRIDE, Shooto, Cage Force, DEEP and King of the Cage promotions. Mitsuoka's nickname Kanaami no Mōshigo (金網の申し子), which translates as "The Heaven-sent Child of the Cage" was given in reference to his earlier career in King of the Cage and his performance in Cage Force.
Michihiro Omigawa (Japanese: 小見川道大, Omigawa Michihiro; born December 19, 1975) is a retired Japanese mixed martial…Michihiro Omigawa (Japanese: 小見川道大, Omigawa Michihiro; born December 19, 1975) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist, judoka and submission grappler, who mainly competed in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2005, Omigawa competed in the UFC, PRIDE, Cage Rage, World Victory Road, DREAM, DEEP, and Shooto.
Seichi Ikemoto (Japanese: 池本誠知; born August 24, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He…Seichi Ikemoto (Japanese: 池本誠知; born August 24, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is a veteran of Shooto, PRIDE and DEEP. His specialty is a "double punch", in which he puts his hands together and throws them at his opponent.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname…Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname Sexyama, is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka who won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games. He is the former K-1 HERO's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion.
Yuki Kondo (近藤 有己, Kondō Yūki; [kondoː jɯːki]; born July 17, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Yuki Kondo (近藤 有己, Kondō Yūki; [kondoː jɯːki]; born July 17, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. He has 112 professional fights, making him one of the mixed martial artists with the most bouts on record. He has also competed for the UFC, PRIDE, Sengoku, Palace Fighting Championships, BodogFIGHT, and DEEP. He has competed overseas only four times, and holds a record of 2–2. He is the former Pancrase Light Heavyweight Champion as well as the former Pancrase Middleweight Champion and Pancrase Openweight Champion.
Kaoru "Caol" Uno (宇野薫, Uno Kaoru) (born May 8, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He…Kaoru "Caol" Uno (宇野薫, Uno Kaoru) (born May 8, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is the Co-Champion of the UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament and a former Shooto Lightweight Champion. As one of the early Ultimate Fighting Championship's elite Lightweight competitors, Uno competed for the UFC Lightweight Championship on two occasions. Despite falling short in both championship bouts; losing a five-round decision against Jens Pulver at UFC 30, to determine the inaugural UFC Lightweight Champion as well as a draw against B.J. Penn at UFC 41 (in a bout which would have determined the new UFC Lightweight Champion and UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament Winner), Uno is acknowledged as a pioneer for his impact and influence during the early era of the UFC Lightweight Division. In addition, Uno is a skilled submission grappler and won a silver medal on the 1999 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship -77 kg category. Caol Uno also was a professional wrestler, having wrestled at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2000 and at All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) from 2002 to 2003.
Yuka Tsuji (辻結花, Tsuji Yuka; born (1974-12-11)December 11, 1974) is a Japanese female mixed martial artist whose…Yuka Tsuji (辻結花, Tsuji Yuka; born (1974-12-11)December 11, 1974) is a Japanese female mixed martial artist whose nickname is Vale Tudo Queen. Tsuji was a prolific female mixed martial artist in the 2000s. Tsuji is a former Smackgirl tournament winner, Smackgirl Lightweight Champion and Valkyrie Featherweight Champion. MMA ranking system portal Fight Matrix ranked Tsuji as the No. 1 pound-for-pound Female Mixed Martial artist in the world in the years 2002, 2004 and 2005. Between 2002 and her retirement from MMA in 2012, she had frequently placed in the Top 5 of women's MMA fighters in flyweight and strawweight classes.
Makoto Takimoto (瀧本 誠, Takimoto Makoto; born December 8, 1974) is a Japanese retired judoka and mixed martial artist…Makoto Takimoto (瀧本 誠, Takimoto Makoto; born December 8, 1974) is a Japanese retired judoka and mixed martial artist from Nihon University. He won a gold medal at the Half Middleweight category of the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Yasuhito Namekawa (Japanese: 滑川康仁, Namekawa Yasuhito) (born October 27, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who…Yasuhito Namekawa (Japanese: 滑川康仁, Namekawa Yasuhito) (born October 27, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division. Namekawa made his mixed martial arts debut for Fighting Network RINGS in 1998. He fought in mainly shootfighting bouts until 1999 when RINGS introduced the King of King Rules and transitioned into a modern MMA promotion. Throughout his career, Namekawa has fought for organisations such as RINGS, Deep and Pride FC. His last fight to date was in 2008, with a professional mixed martial arts career spanning ten years. He also briefly competed in shoot style professional wrestling, exclusively for Kiyoshi Tamura's U-STYLE promotion.
Akihiro Gono (Japanese: 郷野聡寛, Gōno Akihiro) (born October 7, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Akihiro Gono (Japanese: 郷野聡寛, Gōno Akihiro) (born October 7, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 1994, he is best known for his clever and deceptive fighting style, and for his flashy ring entrances. Gono has competed for the UFC, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Pancrase, the World Series of Fighting, DEEP, World Victory Road, Shooto, Bellator, and also participated in the Dynamite!! 2009 event.
Yuuki Kondo (近藤 有希, kondō yūki; born on (1974-08-28)August 28, 1974), née Yuuki Kubota (久保田 有希, kubota yūki), is a…Yuuki Kondo (近藤 有希, kondō yūki; born on (1974-08-28)August 28, 1974), née Yuuki Kubota (久保田 有希, kubota yūki), is a retired Japanese female mixed martial artist and judoka. She is nicknamed Cool Fighter (クール・ファイター, kūru faitā) in reference to her calm appearance when fighting.
Hitomi Akano (赤野 仁美, Akano Hitomi; born 27 July 1974) is a retired Japanese female mixed martial artist. She announced…Hitomi Akano (赤野 仁美, Akano Hitomi; born 27 July 1974) is a retired Japanese female mixed martial artist. She announced her formal retirement from MMA on 1 August 2013. Akano used a song she penned herself called "Between the Sky" as her entrance music. She is a former Smackgirl Middleweight Champion at 128 pounds (58 kg).
Yoshiyuki Yoshida (吉田善行, Yoshida Yoshiyuki) (born May 10, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in the…Yoshiyuki Yoshida (吉田善行, Yoshida Yoshiyuki) (born May 10, 1974) is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division. A student of former Shooto competitor Noboru Asahi, he has competed in Shooto, Cage Force, and the UFC. On December 1, 2007, he became the first Cage Force welterweight tournament winner.
Takeshi Kozai (小齋 武志, Kozai Takeshi; 23 April 1974 – November 8, 2006) was a Japanese judoka. He was born in Fukuoka…Takeshi Kozai (小齋 武志, Kozai Takeshi; 23 April 1974 – November 8, 2006) was a Japanese judoka. He was born in Fukuoka Prefecture. He entered the Japan Highway Public Corporation after graduating from Fukuoka University, and won the Men's -95 kg category silver medal at the Asian Championships in 1995. He became famous when he defeated Fedor Emelianenko at the Russian judo championships held in 1998. On November 8, 2006, he died due to myocardial infarction.
Shungo Oyama (Japanese: 大山 峻護 Ōyama Shungo [oːjama ɕɯŋɡo]; born April 11, 1974) is a Japanese former professional mixed…Shungo Oyama (Japanese: 大山 峻護 Ōyama Shungo [oːjama ɕɯŋɡo]; born April 11, 1974) is a Japanese former professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 to 2014, he competed for the PRIDE Fighting Championships, Pancrase, RINGS, DREAM, K-1, and King of the Cage.
Akira Shoji (小路晃) (born January 31, 1974) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is…Akira Shoji (小路晃) (born January 31, 1974) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is most known as being a regular in almost all the beginning Pride Fighting Championship Shoji was in Pride 1 to Pride 7, and was part of the first Pride open weight Grand Prix in 2000. Shoji was consistently a regular in Pride, and moved from Heavyweight to Light Heavyweight (Middleweight in Pride) due to his smaller stature. Despite his losing record, Shoji was a constant favourite of the audience, and was nicknamed "Mr. Pride" for his popularity and adherence to the mixed martial arts promotion. He was known for his mic performance, die hard spirit, stellar submission escapes, razor sharp armbar and a fighting spirit demonstrated by his willingness to take on all comers. According to fight commentator Stephen Quadros and John Hyams, director of the documentary "The Smashing Machine", Shoji cleaned his house and prepared his will before every competition in case he is killed during the fight. He also worked as a judge for the Dream organization.
Rumina Sato (佐藤 ルミナ, Satō Rumina; born December 29, 1973) (Japanese pronunciation: [satoː ɾɯmina], kanji for given…Rumina Sato (佐藤 ルミナ, Satō Rumina; born December 29, 1973) (Japanese pronunciation: [satoː ɾɯmina], kanji for given name: 留美奈) is a Japanese retired mixed martial artist, famous for his career in the Shooto organization. In the past he fought mostly in the 155 lb division, but he moved down to the 145 lb division.
Shiko Yamashita (born December 22, 1973) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the welterweight and…Shiko Yamashita (born December 22, 1973) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
Kazunari Murakami (村上 一成, Murakami Kazunari; ring name: 村上 和成) (born November 29, 1973) is a Japanese professional…Kazunari Murakami (村上 一成, Murakami Kazunari; ring name: 村上 和成) (born November 29, 1973) is a Japanese professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist currently working for Pro Wrestling Noah. Murakami is best known for his work in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) during the late 1990s and early 2000s, where he primarily competed as a member of the villainous Makai Club stable. Aside from pro wrestling, Murakami was also part of the first fight in PRIDE history, defeating John Dixson by submission in 1997. After leaving NJPW in the fall of 2004, Murakami subsequently competed for Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX (ZERO1-MAX) and Big Mouth LOUD, of which he was a founding member. Murakami has also made sporadic appearances in Dramatic Dream Team (DDT), Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah) and Chō Sentō Puroresu FMW (FMW).
Takumi Nakayama (Japanese: 中山巧, Nakayama Takumi; born 11 November 1973) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and former…Takumi Nakayama (Japanese: 中山巧, Nakayama Takumi; born 11 November 1973) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and former King of Pancrase Featherweight Champion. He is also the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion. "Takumi"(タクミ, all katakana) ring name of Nakayama in Japan.
Katsuhiko Nagata (Japanese: 尾形克彦, Nagata Katsuhiko; born on October 31, 1973, in Tōgane, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese…Katsuhiko Nagata (Japanese: 尾形克彦, Nagata Katsuhiko; born on October 31, 1973, in Tōgane, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese wrestler and mixed martial arts, who won the silver medal in the 69 kg Greco-Roman wrestling event at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He is also the brother of professional wrestler Yuji Nagata, who works for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Yukio Sakaguchi (坂口 征夫, Sakaguchi Yukio; born July 26, 1973) is a Japanese former professional mixed martial artist…Yukio Sakaguchi (坂口 征夫, Sakaguchi Yukio; born July 26, 1973) is a Japanese former professional mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, actor and judoka. In professional wrestling, he is primarily known for his tenure with DDT Pro-Wrestling, but has fought and competed for All Japan Pro Wrestling, World Victory Road, DREAM, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, Pancrase, Pro Wrestling Wave, S-Cup, Shooto, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, Union Pro Wrestling, Kaientai Dojo, Dradition, Legend The Pro-Wrestling and K-1. Sakaguchi is known for his fight with Nigerian K-1 kickboxer, Film actor and male model Andy Ologun. Yukio is the son of former judoka and professional wrestling legend Seiji Sakaguchi and the older brother of actor Kenji Sakaguchi, who notably co-starred in Ikebukuro West Gate Park when the television show made its debut run in 2000 and most recently in 2012 started making regular appearances on the show Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi, he also co-starred in the film Face. In 2009 Yukio was featured in Kamui Gaiden; the film was a box office hit in Japan and the Netherlands. After positive reviews on Yukio's performance he was later chosen to play a small supporting role in the sequel to Ninja Assassin, set to be released in 2014, but never materialized after the project was put into development hell. In October 2012 Sakaguchi signed a multi-fight deal with Pancrase and in January 2013 re-signed with DDT for the rest of that year. He is a former one-time KO-D Openweight Champion, two-time KO-D Tag Team Champion, nine-time KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions and the winner of the 2015 King of DDT tournament.
