Mamoru Yamaguchi (born May 29, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in Pancrase. He is the former Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Champion, former Shooto Featherweight (132 lb) Champion, former Pancrase Flyweight Champion,[5] as well as a former King of the Cage Junior Flyweight Champion.[6] Mamoru is known for his counter striking and his trilogy with the former Shooto Bantamweight Champion Shinichi Kojima.
| Mamoru Yamaguchi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 29, 1977 Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Native name | 山口守 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[1] |
| Weight | 123 lb (56 kg; 8 st 11 lb) |
| Division | Bantamweight (1999-2002) Flyweight (2002-2019) |
| Style | Muay Thai,[2] Judo[3] |
| Fighting out of | Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Team | Shooting Gym Yokohama[4] |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 5 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 49 |
| Wins | 31 |
| By knockout | 11 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 16 |
| Losses | 13 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 8 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
He has been consistently ranked as one of the top flyweight in the world by Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings.[7] He is considered, by Fight Matrix, to be the third best flyweight in the history of mixed martial arts.[8]
His afro is a tribute to Japanese boxing legend, Yoko Gushiken.[9]
Martial arts career
Yamaguchi made his professional debut in 1999 during Shooto - Renaxis 2, against Shuichiro Katsumura.
After making his debut, Yamaguchi went on a five fight unbeaten streak. He earned a decision win over Jin Akimoto, a submission win over Ryan Diaz, a TKO win over Baret Yoshida, a draw against Masaru Gokita and a knee KO win over Yoshinobu Ota. These victories entitled win a fight for the inaugural Shooto Featherweight (132 lb) Championship, in a rematch against Jin Akimoto. Yamaguchi won a unanimous decision.[10]
After defeating Gildo Lima by an armbar, Yamaguchi was to defend his title against Masahiro Oishi. He lost through a triangle armbar.
Yamaguchi would drop down to bantamweight[11] and accumulate a 2-1 record. He was given a chance to win the inaugural Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship, when he faced Yasuhiro Urushitani. He won a unanimous decision,[12] winning a Shooto title in two different weight classes. This was the first fight where he wore his iconic afro.[13]
He beat Hiroaki Yoshioka in a rematch with a knee to the body, and defended his bantamweight title in a rematch against Robson Moura. He went on a four fight winning streak, most notably beating Junji Ikoma, before defending the bantamweight title for the second time against Shinichi Kojima. This would be the beginning of their rivalry.
Afterwards he TKO'd Setsu Iguchi and Erikas Suslovas, before rematching Shinichi Kojima. He lost in by way of rear naked choke in the first round. Achieving three wins in his next four fights, he fought Shinichi Kojima for the third time. He lost by way of guillotine choke.
Moving to King of the Cage he won the junior flyweight title by defeating Frank Baca with a rear naked choke.[14] He fought Greg Guzman next, but the fight wasn't a title defense, as his opponent missed weight.[15]
Returning to Japan, he fought mainly in Vale Tudo Japan. He won three fights, most notably against Yosuke Saruta, lost four and drew twice. He found greater success in Pancrase winning three of his next four fights. Interestingly, all four fights were split decisions. He was then scheduled to fight Ryuichi Miki during Pancrase: 285. He won through a split decision, winning his fourth major career title.[16]
He lost the title after dropping a unanimous decision to Senzo Ikeda. He fought once in 2018, losing by way of TKO to Yuya Wakamatsu, and once in 2019, losing a unanimous decision to Toru Ogawa.
Championships and Accomplishments
- Shooto
- Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship (One time)
- Two successful title defenses
- Shooto Featherweight (132 lb) Championship (One time)
- Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship (One time)
- King of the Cage
- Pancrase
- Pancrase Flyweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
| 49 matches | 31 wins | 13 losses |
| By knockout | 11 | 1 |
| By submission | 4 | 4 |
| By decision | 16 | 8 |
| Draws | 5 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 31–13–5 | Toru Ogawa | Decision (unanimous) | Pancrase: 305 | May 26, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 31–12–5 | Yuya Wakamatsu | TKO (punches) | Pancrase: 297 | July 1, 2018 | 2 | 0:39 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 31–11–5 | Senzo Ikeda | Decision (unanimous) | Pancrase: 289 | August 20, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Lost the Pancrase Flyweight Championship |
| Win | 31–10–5 | Ryuichi Miki | Decision (split) | Pancrase: 285 | March 12, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Won the Pancrase Flyweight Championship |
| Win | 30–10–5 | Luis Nogueira | Decision (split) | Pancrase: 281 | October 2, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 29–10–5 | Senzo Ikeda | Decision (split) | Pancrase: 277 | April 24, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 28–10–5 | Yuki Yasunaga | Decision (split) | Pancrase: 273 | December 13, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 28–9–5 | Yusuke Kitago | Decision (split) | Pancrase: 269 | August 9, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Draw | 27–9–5 | Kosuke Suzuki | Draw (split) | Shooto: Mobstyles 15th Anniversary Tour Fight & Mosh | May 3, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 27–9–4 | Yosuke Saruta | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Vale Tudo Japan: VTJ 6th | October 4, 2014 | 2 | 0:25 | Ota, Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 26–9–4 | Czar Sklavos | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Vale Tudo Japan: VTJ 4th | February 23, 2014 | 1 | 1:28 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Draw | 26–8–4 | Yoshiro Maeda | Draw (majority) | Deep: Tribe Tokyo Fight | October 20, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 26–8–3 | Mikihito Yamagami | Decision (majority) | Vale Tudo Japan: VTJ 2nd | June 22, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 26–7–3 | Darrell Montague | Decision (split) | Vale Tudo Japan: VTJ 1st | December 24, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 26–6–3 | Jussier da Silva | Decision (unanimous) | Tachi Palace Fights 10 | August 6, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 26–5–3 | Kevin Dunsmoor | KO (punch) | TPF 9: The Contenders | May 5, 2011 | 2 | 4:03 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 25–5–3 | Fumihiro Kitahara | KO (head kick) | Shooto: The Way of Shooto 6: Like a Tiger, Like a Dragon | November 19, 2010 | 1 | 2:33 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 24–5–3 | Greg Guzman | TKO (elbows) | KOTC: Sniper | August 5, 2010 | 2 | 2:21 | San Bernardino, California, United States | Non-title fight Guzman failed to make weight. |
| Win | 23–5–3 | Frank Baca | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KOTC: Toryumon | January 30, 2010 | 2 | 1:54 | Okinawa, Japan | Won KOTC Junior Flyweight (125 lb) Championship |
| Win | 22–5–3 | Kiyotaka Shimizu | Decision (majority) | Shooto: Revolutionary Exchanges 3 | November 23, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 21–5–3 | Jesse Taitano | TKO (punches) | Vale Tudo Japan 2009 | October 30, 2009 | 1 | 4:41 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 20–5–3 | Shinichi Kojima | Submission (guillotine choke) | Shooto: Shooto Tradition 2 | July 18, 2008 | 3 | 3:42 | Tokyo, Japan | For Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship |
| Win | 20–4–3 | Masaaki Sugawara | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Back To Our Roots 8 | March 28, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 19–4–3 | Yuki Shoujou | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Shooting Disco 4: Born in the Fighting | Feb 23, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 18–4–3 | Yasuhiro Urushitani | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Back To Our Roots 5 | September 22, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 18–3–3 | Yusei Shimokawa | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Shooting Disco 1: Saturday Night Hero | June 2, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 17–3–3 | Shinichi Kojima | Technical submission (rear naked choke) | Shooto: Champion Carnival | October 14, 2006 | 1 | 1:38 | Tokyo, Japan | Lost Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship |
| Win | 17–2–3 | Erikas Suslovas | TKO (punches) | Shooto 2006: 9/8 in Korakuen Hall | September 8, 2006 | 1 | 2:14 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 16–2–3 | Setsu Iguchi | TKO (cut) | Shooto: The Devilock | May 12, 2006 | 1 | 2:45 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Draw | 15–2–3 | Shinichi Kojima | Draw | Shooto: 3/24 in Korakuen Hall | March 24, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Defended Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship |
| Win | 15–2–2 | Daiji Takahashi | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: 12/17 in Shinjuku Face | Dec 17, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 14–2–2 | Pat Seidel | Submission (rear naked choke) | Shooto: 9/23 in Korakuen Hall | September 23, 2005 | 2 | 1:35 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 13–2–2 | Stonnie Dennis | KO (kick) | Shooto: 5/4 in Korakuen Hall | May 4, 2005 | 1 | 1:36 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 12–2–2 | Junji Ikoma | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: 1/29 in Korakuen Hall | Jan 29, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Draw | 11–2–2 | Robson Moura | Draw | Shooto: 9/26 in Kourakuen Hall | September 26, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Defended Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship |
| Win | 11–2–1 | Hiroaki Yoshioka | KO (knee to the body) | Shooto 2004: 5/3 in Korakuen Hall | May 3, 2004 | 3 | 4:41 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 10–2–1 | Yasuhiro Urushitani | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Year End Show 2003 | December 14, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Won Shooto Bantamweight (123 lb) Championship |
| Win | 9–2–1 | Homare Kuboyama | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: 3/18 in Korakuen Hall | March 18, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Loss | 8–2–1 | Robson Moura | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Treasure Hunt 10 | September 16, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 8–1–1 | Hiroaki Yoshioka | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Wanna Shooto 2002 | April 14, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Flyweight debut |
| Loss | 7–1–1 | Masahiro Oishi | Submission (triangle/armbar) | Shooto: To The Top 10 | November 25, 2001 | 1 | 1:44 | Tokyo, Japan | Lost Shooto Featherweight (132 lb) Championship |
| Win | 7–0–1 | Gildo Lima | Submission (armbar) | Shooto: To The Top 2 | March 2, 2001 | 1 | 3:57 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 6–0–1 | Jin Akimoto | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: R.E.A.D. Final | Dec 17, 2000 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Won Shooto Featherweight (132 lb) Championship |
| Win | 5–0–1 | Yoshinobu Ota | KO (knee) | Shooto: R.E.A.D. 9 | August 27, 2000 | 3 | 2:21 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Draw | 4–0–1 | Masaru Gokita | Draw | Shooto: R.E.A.D. 2 | March 17, 2000 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 4–0 | Baret Yoshida | TKO (punches) | Superbrawl 15 | Dec 7, 1999 | 3 | 1:18 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Ryan Diaz | Submission (armbar) | Shooto: Gateway to the Extremes | November 4, 1999 | 2 | 3:35 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 2–0 | Jin Akimoto | Decision (majority) | Shooto: Renaxis 4 | September 5, 1999 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 1–0 | Shuichiro Katsumura | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Renaxis 2 | July 16, 1999 | 2 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan |
Kickboxing record
| 4 wins, 1 loss | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-02-05 | Win |  Kazuyuki Fushimi | Shootboxing 2012 - Act 1 | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (majority) | 3 | 3:00 | 4-1 |
| 2009-09-04 | Win | Masahiro Fujimoto | Shootboxing - Bushido Road 4 | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 3-1 |
| 2009-05-01 | Win |  Naguranchan Masa M16 | Shootboxing - Bushido Road 3 | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 2-1 |
| 2009-04-03 | Loss | Akito Sakimura | Shootboxing - Bushido Road | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 1-1 |
| 2009-02-11 | Win | Noriyuki Enari | Shootboxing 2009 - Act 1 | Tokyo, Japan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | 1-0 |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
