Yasuhiro Urushitani


Yasuhiro Urushitani 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.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career in Japan

Urushitani made his professional MMA debut for the Shooto promotion in January 2001 in his native Japan. Over the next decade, he amassed a record of 19 wins, 4 losses and 6 draws.
Urushitani competed for the Shooto Bantamweight championship in 2003 and 2007, but lost both championship fights due to a decision and a draw, respectively. He eventually fought for the belt a third time, facing Ryuichi Miki in May 2010. He won the title via decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Urushitani signed with the UFC to compete in a tournament to crown the newly minted UFC Flyweight Championship.
Urushitani faced Joseph Benavidez on March 3, 2012 at UFC on FX 2 in the semi-finals of the tournament. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
Urushitani was expected to face John Lineker on September 1, 2012 at UFC 151. However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, Urushitani/Lineker was rescheduled and took place on November 10, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 6. Urushitani lost the bout via unanimous decision. Urishitani was then released from the promotion.

ONE Fighting Championship

After Urushitani got released from the UFC he was signed by ONE FC. He debuted on their May 31, 2013 card against Rey Docyogen. He won the fight via split decision.
After two consecutive wins, Urushitani faced Brazilian Adriano Moraes at One FC 14: War of Nations. After winning the first round, Urushitani was taken down and submitted in the second round by rear naked choke.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts