Tatsuya Kawajiri

Tatsuya Kawajiri
Born (1978-05-08) 8 May 1978
Inashiki, Ibaraki, Japan
Other names Crusher
Nationality Japanese
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)[1]
Weight 64.9 kg (143 lb; 10.22 st)
Division Featherweight (2011-present)
Lightweight (2000-2011)
Reach 69.0 in (175 cm)[2]
Style Shooto, Kickboxing
Team T-BLOOD
Rank A-Class Shootist
Years active 2000-present
Kickboxing record
Total 3
Wins 2
By knockout 1
Losses 1
By knockout 1
Mixed martial arts record
Total 47
Wins 35
By knockout 12
By submission 10
By decision 12
By disqualification 1
Losses 10
By knockout 2
By submission 3
By decision 5
Draws 2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Tatsuya Kawajiri (Japanese: 川尻達也, born May 8, 1978) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently signed to the Rizin Fighting Federation competing in the Featherweight division. He is a former Shooto Lightweight Champion, and has also competed in the UFC, PRIDE, DREAM, Strikeforce, ONE FC. Kawajiri also participated in the Yarennoka! event as well as Dynamite!! 2009 and Dynamite!! 2010, representing DREAM in both events.

Kawajiri's fight at PRIDE Bushido 9 with Takanori Gomi was voted as PRIDE Fighting Championship's Fight of the Year. In 2005, Kawajiri was considered by many mixed martial arts publications to be the #1 Lightweight fighter in the world.[3] As of August 17, 2015, he is #13 in the official UFC featherweight rankings.[4]

Background

Kawajiri was born in the Inashiki District of Ibaraki Prefecture and competed in baseball from elementary school through middle school before he transitioned into track and field in high school. At the age of 19, Kawajiri viewed the 1997 K-1 World Grand Prix Semifinal match between Ernesto Hoost and Francisco Filho, persuading him to begin training in combat sports. Kawajiri graduated from Chuo Gakuin University.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Shooto

Kawajiri's professional career started in Japan's Shooto organization where he lost to Takumi Nakayama via rear-naked choke submission at 2:44 of the first round. After this loss Kawajiri went on to fight Yohei Suzuki to a Draw at Shooto's "Wanna Shooto 2001." He would then remain undefeated in Shooto until a disappointing decision loss to future Shooto Lightweight Champion Vitor Ribeiro in 2002. He would then continue on a new winning streak eventually rematching Ribeiro to capture the Lightweight Championship at Shooto's 2004 Year-End show.

PRIDE FC

On May 22, 2005 Kawajiri made his debut in PRIDE and score a quick TKO over In Seok Kim. He went on to score a one-sided victory over Luis Firmino at PRIDE Bushido 8 on July 17, 2005. On 25 September, he entered PRIDE's inaugural Lightweight tournament in hopes of eventually being crowned the first PRIDE Lightweight Champion as well as holding the Shooto Championship at the same time. His first match in the tournament was against superstar Takanori Gomi. Gomi ended up knocking down Kawajiri after a flurry of punches and proceeded to submit him with a rear-naked choke 7:42 into the first round.

In between Shooto and PRIDE

Kawajiri went back to Shooto to defend his Shooto Lightweight Champion against Norwegian Joachim Hansen. The match was stopped eight seconds into the first round when Hansen was disqualified for kicking Kawajiri in the groin, making Kawajiri the victor. Kawajiri came back to PRIDE in a fight against Charles Bennett whom he submitted by kneebar after 2:30 in the first round. He then made another PRIDE appearance in which he fought Chris Brennan and scored an even quicker victory 29 seconds in the first round by TKO. His next fight was a non-title bout against Per Eklund in Shooto where he scored a TKO at 4:10 into the first round.

Kawajiri return to PRIDE was at PRIDE Shockwave 2006 on New Year's Eve. There he lost a controversial decision to at the time undefeated American fighter and rising star in the Lightweight division, Gilbert Melendez.

On January 23, 2007, Kawajiri relinquished his Shooto title because he could not defend his title by the next Shooto event due to a thumb injury that occurred with his fight against Melendez.

Fighting and Entertainment Group

In March 2008 Kawajiri entered the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix, where he has advanced to the semifinals after back to back victories over Kultar Gill, and Brazilian Top Team fighter Luiz Firmino.

At DREAM 5 Kawajiri lost a semi-final match-up to Eddie Alvarez by TKO at 7:35 of the first round. This slugfest with Alvarez saw both men dropping the other repeatedly with punches and the fight was named 2008 Fight of the Year by several MMA outlets, including Sherdog.[6]

On March 5, 2009, at DREAM 7, Kawajiri faced EliteXC veteran Ross Ebañez. Kawajiri won via rear-naked choke submission just over four minutes into the first round.

On May 26, 2009, Kawajiri defeated Gesias Cavalcante via unanimous decision. Kawajiri used his strong wrestling and ground and pound to great effect, and he was also able to frustrate Cavalcante by matching him in the striking game on the feet.

Kawajiri next faced Guam's Melchor Manibusan, who had not fought in several years in a match that was not expected to be comptetive for Kawajiri. Indeed, on October 5, 2009, at DREAM 11, Kawajiri overwhelmed his opponent. Kawajiri easily took down his foe after a wild start in which Manibusan rushed Kawajiri with a flurry of punches, then used his trademark ground and pound to force the TKO via strikes at 3:48 of the first round. On December 22, 2009, it was announced that Kawajiri would be taking on Sengoku Lightweight Kazunori Yokota in a Sengoku vs. DREAM fight at the annual Dynamite!! event on New Year's Eve in Saitama, Japan.[7] He went on to defeat Yokota via unanimous decision.

Kawajiri faced Champion Shinya Aoki at DREAM 15 for the Lightweight Championship in a highly anticipated match up as the two are both from PRIDE and were meant to have fought in the now defunct organization. Kawajiri lost via submission at 1:53 into the first round.

Kawajiri faced UFC veteran Drew Fickett at DREAM: Japan GP Final. Kawajiri rebounded from his loss against Strikeforce Champion Gilbert Melendez by pounding out Fickett (TKO). Kawajiri finished Fickett with strikes less than five minutes into the fight.[8]

Kawajiri next fought Joachim Hansen at DREAM 17. He won the fight via submission in the third round.

After finishing two opponents consecutively, Kawajiri faced Kazuyuki Miyata at a tie-in event called Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 promoted and presented by M-1 Global, DREAM, and the Inoki Genome Federation that took place on December 31, 2011 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Kawajiri defeated Miyata via submission (arm triangle choke) at 4:54 of the second round. This now making it three straight victories in a finishing fashion.

While still having something of a "joint-contract" with the DREAM organization, with his next bout being at DREAM 18 on December 31, 2012, He faced long time World Victory Road and UFC veteran Michihiro Omigawa. Kawajiri defeated Omigawa via unanimous decision. This started Kawajiri's longest win streak since mid-2005.

K-1

Kawajiri fought K-1 veteran Kozo Takeda at Dynamite!! 2008 winning by 1st round KO. His next K-1 fight was at K-1 World Max 2009 Final 8 against Masato who defeated Kawajiri by TKO at 1:43 in the second round.

Dynamite!! 2010

At Dynamite!! Kawajiri returned to form against former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson, repeatedly taking him down and unleashing ground and pound, winning a clear unanimous decision.

Strikeforce

A rematch between Kawajiri and Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez took place on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce 33.[9] Kawajiri lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

ONE Fighting Championship

In 2012, after long stints with Japanese MMA organizations and more specifically DREAM, Pride Fighting Championships, he signed a contract to an up-and-coming Vale Tudo, incorporated with Unified Rules, organization named ONE Fighting Championship - much like Pride - with its intent to revive that aspect of mixed martial arts, based out of Kallang, Singapore.

Kawajiri's debut bout was with the ONE FC organization on March 31, 2012, in the event ONE Fighting Championship: War of the Lions against Donald Sanchez, in which he added to his winning streak by defeating Sanchez via submission (triangle choke) at 3:27 of the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On October 22, 2013 it was announced that Kawajiri has signed with the UFC.[10] Kawajiri was expected to face Hacran Dias on January 4, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 34,[11] however, Dias pulled out of the bout citing an injury.[12] Kawajiri eventually faced promotional newcomer Sean Soriano at the event.[13] He won the fight via technical submission in the second round.[14]

Kawajiri faced Clay Guida at UFC Fight Night 39.[15] He lost the fight by unanimous decision in a performance that earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[16][17]

Kawajiri was briefly linked to a matchup with Darren Elkins on September 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52, but the bout never materialized as Kawajiri was sidelined indefinitely with a detached retina.[18]

Kawajiri faced Dennis Siver on June 20, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 69.[19] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[20]

Kawajiri was expected to face Mirsad Bektic on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.[21] However, Bektic pulled out of the fight on November 27 citing injury.[22] Kawajiri remained on the card and faced promotional newcomer Jason Knight.[23] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[24]

Kawajiri next faced Dennis Bermudez on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83.[25] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[26]

Kawajiri faced Cub Swanson on August 6, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 92.[27] He lost the back and forth fight via unanimous decision.[28]

Kawajiri announced on October 17th, 2016 that he has asked for his release from the UFC.[29]

Rizin FF

After his release from the UFC Kawajiri immediately signed with Rizin Fighting Federation on October 26th, 2016.[30] Just a few days after signing with Rizin FF, it was announced that Kawajiri will be fighting Kron Gracie at Rizin World Grand-Prix 2016: 2nd Round.[31]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 35–10–2 Cub Swanson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Caceres August 6, 2016 3 5:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Loss 35–9–2 Dennis Bermudez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy February 21, 2016 3 5:00 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 35–8–2 Jason Knight Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale December 11, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 34–8–2 Dennis Siver Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Jędrzejczyk vs. Penne June 20, 2015 3 5:00 Berlin, Germany
Loss 33–8–2 Clay Guida Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson April 11, 2014 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Fight of the Night.
Win 33–7–2 Sean Soriano Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Saffiedine vs. Lim January 4, 2014 2 0:50 Marina Bay, Singapore
Win 32–7–2 Michihiro Omigawa Decision (unanimous) DREAM 18 December 31, 2012 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 31–7–2 Donald Sanchez Submission (triangle choke) ONE Fighting Championship: War of the Lions March 31, 2012 1 3:27 Kallang, Singapore
Win 30–7–2 Kazuyuki Miyata Submission (arm-triangle choke) Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 December 31, 2011 2 4:54 Saitama, Japan
Win 29–7–2 Joachim Hansen Submission (arm-triangle choke) Dream 17 September 24, 2011 3 2:30 Saitama, Japan Featherweight debut.
Win 28–7–2 Drew Fickett TKO (punches) Dream: Japan GP Final July 16, 2011 1 4:41 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 27–7–2 Gilbert Melendez TKO (elbows) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley April 9, 2011 1 3:14 San Diego, California, United States For the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win 27–6–2 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) Dynamite!! 2010 December 31, 2010 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Loss 26–6–2 Shinya Aoki Technical Submission (Achilles lock) DREAM 15 July 10, 2010 1 1:53 Saitama, Japan For the DREAM Lightweight Championship
Win 26–5–2 Kazunori Yokota Decision (unanimous) Dynamite!! The Power of Courage 2009 December 31, 2009 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 25–5–2 Melchor Manibusan TKO (punches) DREAM 11 October 6, 2009 1 3:48 Yokohama, Japan
Win 24–5–2 Gesias Cavalcante Decision (unanimous) DREAM 9 May 26, 2009 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 23–5–2 Ross Ebañez Submission (rear-naked choke) DREAM 7 March 8, 2009 1 4:03 Saitama, Japan
Loss 22–5–2 Eddie Alvarez TKO (punches) Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round July 21, 2008 1 7:35 Osaka, Japan DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 22–4–2 Luiz Firmino Decision (unanimous) Dream 3: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round May 11, 2008 2 5:00 Saitama, Saitama, Japan DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 21–4–2 Kultar Gill Decision (unanimous) Dream 1: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round March 15, 2008 2 5:00 Saitama, Japan DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Opening Round.
Win 20–4–2 Luiz Azeredo Decision (unanimous) Yarennoka! December 31, 2007 2 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Loss 19–4–2 Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) Pride FC - Shockwave 2006 December 31, 2006 2 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 19–3–2 Per Eklund TKO (punches) Shooto: Champion Carnival October 14, 2006 1 4:10 Yokohama, Japan
Win 18–3–2 Chris Brennan TKO (knee and punches) Pride - Bushido 12 August 26, 2006 1 0:29 Nagoya, Japan
Win 17–3–2 Charles Bennett Submission (kneebar) Pride - Bushido 11 June 4, 2006 1 2:30 Saitama, Japan
Win 16–3–2 Joachim Hansen DQ (kick to groin) Shooto: The Victory of the Truth February 17, 2006 1 0:08 Tokyo, Japan Defended the Shooto World Welterweight Championship.
Loss 15–3–2 Takanori Gomi Submission (rear-naked choke) Pride: Bushido 9 September 25, 2005 1 7:42 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE 2005 Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 15–2–2 Luiz Firmino Decision (unanimous) Pride: Bushido 8 July 17, 2005 2 5:00 Nagoya, Japan
Win 14–2–2 In Seok Kim TKO (corner stoppage) Pride: Bushido 7 May 22, 2005 1 3:28 Tokyo, Japan
Win 13–2–2 Jani Lax TKO (punches) Shooto: 4/23 in Hakata Star Lanes April 23, 2005 1 4:42 Hakata, Japan
Win 12–2–2 Vitor Ribeiro TKO (punches) Shooto: Year End Show 2004 December 14, 2004 2 3:11 Tokyo, Japan Won the Shooto World Lightweight Championship.
Win 11–2–2 Mindaugas Laurinaitis TKO (punches) Shooto: 9/26 in Kourakuen Hall September 26, 2004 2 2:00 Tokyo, Japan
Draw 10–2–2 Caol Uno Draw Shooto: 3/22 in Korakuen Hall March 22, 2004 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 10–2–1 Ryan Bow TKO (punches) Shooto - Year End Show 2003 December 14, 2003 1 4:21 Urayasu, Japan
Win 9–2–1 Yves Edwards Decision (unanimous) Shooto - 8/10 in Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium August 10, 2003 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 8–2–1 Takumi Nakayama TKO (punches) Shooto - Shooter's Dream 2 May 30, 2003 1 3:44 Setagaya, Japan
Loss 7–2–1 Vitor Ribeiro Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Year End Show 2002 December 14, 2002 3 5:00 Urayasu, Japan
Win 7–1–1 Ken Omatsu Submission (armbar) Shooto: Gig West 3 October 27, 2002 1 4:40 Osaka, Japan Shooto Rookie Tournament Final.
Win 6–1–1 Tsutomu Shiiki Submission (rear-naked choke) Shooto: Treasure Hunt 8 July 19, 2002 1 4:42 Tokyo, Japan Shooto Rookie Tournament Semifinal.
Win 5–1–1 Daisuke Sugie TKO (punches) Shooto: Gig East 9 May 28, 2002 2 4:19 Setagaya, Japan
Win 4–1–1 Takeshi Yamazaki Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Wanna Shooto Japan April 21, 2002 2 5:00 Setagaya, Japan
Win 3–1–1 Masaya Takita TKO (swollen eye) Shooto: Treasure Hunt 4 March 13, 2002 2 1:22 Setagaya, Japan Shooto Rookie Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 2–1–1 Kazumichi Takada Technical Submission (triangle armbar) Shooto: To The Top 9 September 27, 2001 1 3:03 Tokyo, Japan
Win 1–1–1 Yohei Suzuki Submission (rear-naked choke) Shooto: Gig East 2 May 22, 2001 1 2:42 Setagaya, Japan
Draw 0–1–1 Yohei Suzuki Draw Shooto: Wanna Shooto 2001 April 8, 2001 2 5:00 Setagaya, Japan
Loss 0–1 Takumi Nakayama Submission (rear-naked choke) Shooto: R.E.A.D. 4 April 12, 2000 1 2:44 Setagaya, Japan

K-1 / Kickboxing record

2 Wins (1 (T)KO's), 1 Losses (1 (T)KO's)
Record Date Result Opponent Event Method Round Time Location Notes
2–1 2014-01-12 Win Japan Kiren Handa Hoost Cup: Spirit 3 Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00 Japan Telepia Hall, Nagoya, Japan
1–1 2009-07-13 Loss Japan Masato Kobayashi K-1 World Max 2009 Final 8 TKO (Corner Stoppage) 2 1:43 Japan Yokohama, Japan
1–0 2008-12-31 Win Japan Kozo Takeda Dynamite!! 2008 KO 1 2:47 Japan Saitama, Japan

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pride profile
  2. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Jedrzejczyk vs. Penne". UFC.com. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  3. ↑ Fukui, Masa (April 25, 2005). "Q&A Shooto Welterweight Champion Tatsuya Kawajiri". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  4. ↑ http://www.ufc.ca/rankings
  5. ↑ http://www.ufc.com/news/Tatsuya-Kawajiri-The-Crusher-is-Here?id=
  6. ↑ Probst, Jason (January 8, 2009). "Sherdog's Fight of the Year". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  7. ↑ http://www.k-1.co.jp/en/news/2009/1222_dynamite_01.html
  8. ↑ "Hideo Tokoro Takes Dream Japan Bantamweight Grand Prix; Takaya and Mousasi Retain Belts". MMAWeekly.com. July 16, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  9. ↑ "Nick Diaz and Gilbert Melendez Defend April 9". sports.yahoo.com.com. 2011-03-01.
  10. ↑ "Tatsuya Kawajiri Signs With UFC; No Debut Date Set for Pride, Dream Veteran".
  11. ↑ Matthew Roth (2014-11-03). "Tatsuya Kawajiri set to face Hacran Dias in UFC debut at UFC 34 in Singapore". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  12. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2013-11-30). "Hacran Dias injured, out of UFC Fight Night 34 co-main event". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  13. ↑ "Tatsuya Kawajiri gets new opponent, UFC 171 adds Sean Spencer vs. Alex Garcia". mmafighting.com. December 12, 2013.
  14. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 34 results: Tatsuya Kawajiri impressive in debut, chokes out Sean Soriano". MMAjunkie.com. 2014-01-04.
  15. ↑ BWylie (2014-02-14). "Tatsuya Kawajiri returns at UFC Fight Night 39, faces Clay Guida in Abu Dhabi". fightsportasia.com. Retrieved 2014-02-14.
  16. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2014-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 39 results: UFC Fight Night 39 results: Clay Guida tops Kawajiri". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  17. ↑ Staff (2014-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 39 bonuses: Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri nab 'FOTN' honors". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  18. ↑ Anton Tabuena (2014-06-25). "Tatsuya Kawajiri out of UFC: Japan with detached retina". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-06-25.
  19. ↑ LeeLi (2015-04-02). "Tatsuya Kawajiri meets Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin, Germany". mma-in-asia.com. Retrieved 2015-04-02.
  20. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (2015-06-20). "UFC Fight Night 69 results: Tatsuya Kawajiri relies on wrestling, edges Dennis Siver". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  21. ↑ Staff (2015-09-10). "Mirsad Bektic vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri booked for TUF 22 Finale". themmareport.com. Retrieved 2015-09-10.
  22. ↑ Staff (2015-11-27). "Mirsad Bektic out vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri at TUF 22 Finale in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
  23. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (2015-12-01). "All eyes on 145". ufc.com. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  24. ↑ Steven Marrocco (2015-12-11). "TUF 22 Finale results: Tatsuya Kawajiri grounds and pounds Jason Knight for decision". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  25. ↑ Marc Raimondi (2016-01-07). "Dennis Bermudez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri targeted for UFC Pittsburgh". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
  26. ↑ Michael Stets (2016-02-21). "UFC Fight Night 83 results: Dennis Bermudez decisions Tatsuya Kawajiri". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
  27. ↑ Ariel Helwani (2016-06-14). "Cub Swanson vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri targeted for UFC Fight Night in Utah". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  28. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (2016-08-06). "UFC Fight Night 92 results: Cub Swanson survives Tatsuya Kawajiri takedowns for decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-06.
  29. ↑ MMAJunkie Staff (2016-10-17). "Veteran Japanese fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri says he's asked for release from UFC contract". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
  30. ↑ Ariel Helwani (2016-10-26). "Tatsuya Kawajiri signs with Rizin FF". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-10-26.
  31. ↑ Tim Burke (2016-10-30). "Tatsuya Kawajiri challenges Kron Gracie for first Rizin bout". bloddyelbow.com. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  32. ↑ http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Tatsuya-Kawajiri
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