The 10 Best Mixed Martial Artists from Japan: Icons of the Octagon and Beyond
Japan’s contributions to mixed martial arts (MMA) are profound, with fighters who have shaped the sport from its gritty origins in promotions like Pancrase and Pride FC to the modern global stage of the UFC. Known for their technical mastery, resilience, and innovative styles, Japanese warriors have produced legends who influenced grappling, striking, and the overall evolution of MMA. As the sport thrives in 2025, we revisit the top 10 greatest Japanese mixed martial artists of all time, ranked by their achievements, impact, and enduring legacy.
This list of the 10 best mixed martial artists from Japan draws from historical dominance, championship pedigrees, and cultural significance.
1. Kazushi Sakuraba: The Gracie Hunter
Kazushi Sakuraba remains the undisputed pinnacle of Japanese MMA, earning the moniker “The Gracie Hunter” for his stunning victories over four members of the legendary Gracie family—Royce, Royler, Renzo, and Ryan—between 2000 and 2003. A professional wrestler turned MMA pioneer, Sakuraba’s unorthodox catch wrestling and low kicks defined the Pride FC era. With a 26-17-1 record, he claimed the UFC’s first Japanese tournament win in 1997 and defeated UFC champions like Ken Shamrock, Quinton Jackson, and Vitor Belfort. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2016, Sakuraba’s showmanship and heart made him a global icon, inspiring generations despite health setbacks later in his career.
2. Takanori Gomi: The Fireball Kid
Takanori “The Last Samurai” Gomi, also known as “The Fireball Kid” epitomized aggressive, high-octane striking in the lightweight division during the 2000s. As the final Pride FC Lightweight Champion, Gomi defended his title multiple times before capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2007 with a knockout over BJ Penn. His 35-11-0 record includes knockouts against Tatsuya Kawajiri and Marcus Aurelio, showcasing his wrestling-backed power. Gomi’s forward pressure and knockout artistry set benchmarks for Japanese strikers. Retiring in 2019 after a UFC tenure that included wins over Tyson Griffin and Mac Danzig, he remains a symbol of Japan’s golden MMA age.
3. Shinya Aoki: The Grandmaster of Submissions
Shinya Aoki is a submission virtuoso, holding the record for the most submission wins in major promotions with 15 in the UFC alone. A Shooto and DREAM Lightweight Champion, Aoki’s 46-11-0 record features triumphs over Eddie Alvarez, Gilbert Melendez, and Marcus Aurelio. His fluid transitions and bone-breaking holds, like the D’Arce choke, have dismantled top lightweights worldwide. After a brief UFC stint where he submitted Yves Edwards, Aoki’s dominance in ONE Championship and Rizin solidified his legacy as one of the most technical grapplers in MMA history, blending judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu seamlessly.
4. Masakatsu Funaki: Pancrase Pioneer
Masakatsu Funaki co-founded Pancrase in 1993, introducing shoot-style wrestling that influenced modern MMA rules and hybrid fighting. As a two-time Pancrase Openweight Champion, Funaki’s 10-4-2 record includes victories over Bas Rutten and Ken Shamrock in no-holds-barred bouts. His catch wrestling expertise and ground control were revolutionary, paving the way for submission-heavy styles. Injuries curtailed his prime, but Funaki’s 2019 UFC Hall of Fame induction honors his foundational role in Japanese MMA, where he trained countless talents and emphasized adaptability in the cage.
5. Hayato “Mach” Sakurai: The Bipolar
Hayato “Mach” Sakurai, nicknamed “The Bipolar” for his explosive power, was a welterweight sensation in Shooto and Pride FC. With a 23-13-1 record, Sakurai captured the Shooto Welterweight Championship and defeated Jens Pulver and Caol Uno in iconic wars. His liver shots and relentless pacing earned him the 2001 Fight of the Year against Takanori Gomi. Sakurai’s striking innovation, including early mixed-attacking techniques, influenced welterweight evolution. Retiring in 2015 after a career marked by resilience against larger foes, he remains a revered figure in Japan’s MMA heritage.
6. Yushin Okami: The Thunder
Yushin “The Thunder” Okami’s longevity and consistency make him a middleweight mainstay for over two decades. Boasting a 36-11-0 record, Okami challenged for the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2012, nearly upsetting Anderson Silva before a controversial stoppage. Wins over Nate Marquardt, Rich Franklin, and Mark Muñoz highlight his wrestling dominance and improved striking. As the last fighter to “defeat” Silva (via DQ in 2006), Okami’s professionalism has inspired many. At 45 in 2025, he continues competing in Rizin, embodying Japanese MMA’s enduring spirit.
7. Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto: The Featherweight Firecracker
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto was a bantamweight phenom known for his blistering speed and knockout power. With a 19-7-0 record, Yamamoto claimed the K-1 Hero’s Lightweight Championship and set the record for the fastest KO in major MMA history (4 seconds against Kazuyuki Miyata in 2006). His dynamic style, blending wrestling and striking, shone in Shooto and Pride. Despite health issues shortening his prime, Yamamoto’s explosive performances against top competition like Urijah Faber cemented his status as a featherweight trailblazer before his passing in 2018.
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri: The Crusher
Tatsuya “The Crusher” Kawajiri was a lightweight and welterweight powerhouse, amassing a 37-14-2 record across Shooto, Pride, and UFC. A former Shooto Welterweight Champion, Kawajiri’s grappling and knockout power led to wins over Gesias Cavalcante and Drew Fickett. His UFC debut in 2014 showcased resilience, though losses to top contenders followed. Kawajiri’s technical wrestling and endurance made him a staple in Japanese MMA, retiring in 2019 after defending his Pride Lightweight title multiple times and influencing the division’s evolution.
9. Megumi Fujii: The Female Phenom
Megumi Fujii revolutionized women’s MMA with an undefeated 22-0 streak before her first loss in Bellator. A Shooto and Smackgirl Strawweight Champion, Fujii’s judo-based submissions dismantled global talents, earning her the nickname “The Future.” Her 2010 Bellator debut loss to Zoila Gurgel ended a perfect run, but Fujii won four of her next six before retiring in 2013. As one of the greatest female fighters of her era, Fujii’s technical prowess paved the way for women’s divisions in major promotions, inspiring athletes like Ronda Rousey.
10. Kota Ibushi: The Golden Star
Kota Ibushi, transitioning from professional wrestling stardom, has made waves in MMA with Rizin FF, holding a 2-1 record as of 2025. Known for explosive athleticism and high-flying adapted from puroresu, Ibushi’s knockout over Yoel Romero in 2020 stunned the world. With a 75-14-1 overall combat sports record, including NJPW titles, Ibushi’s suplexes and kicks bring unique flair. His charisma and versatility position him as a potential full-time MMA force, keeping Japanese combat sports vibrant in 2025.
Japan’s MMA legacy endures through these titans, from pioneers like Funaki to modern dynamos like Ibushi. As emerging stars like Tatsuro Taira challenge for UFC gold, the Land of the Rising Sun continues to produce warriors who embody discipline and innovation. Who will rise next to join this elite pantheon?
