Mamoru Yamaguchi

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 (1977-05-29) May 29, 1977
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Native name山口守
NationalityJapanese
Height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[1]
Weight123 lb (56 kg; 8 st 11 lb)
DivisionBantamweight (1999-2002)
Flyweight (2002-2019)
StyleMuay Thai,[2] Judo[3]
Fighting out ofKawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
TeamShooting Gym Yokohama[4]
Years active1999–present
Kickboxing record
Total5
Wins4
Losses1
Mixed martial arts record
Total49
Wins31
By knockout11
By submission4
By decision16
Losses13
By knockout1
By submission4
By decision8
Draws5
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

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
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
Kickboxing record
4 wins, 1 loss
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2012-02-05Win Kazuyuki FushimiShootboxing 2012 - Act 1Tokyo, JapanDecision (majority)33:004-1
2009-09-04Win Masahiro FujimotoShootboxing - Bushido Road 4Tokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:003-1
2009-05-01Win Naguranchan Masa M16Shootboxing - Bushido Road 3Tokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:002-1
2009-04-03Loss Akito SakimuraShootboxing - Bushido RoadTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:001-1
2009-02-11Win Noriyuki EnariShootboxing 2009 - Act 1Tokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:001-0

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References
  1. "Mamoru Yamaguchi". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  2. "【Fight&Lifeコラム】Soft Muay Thai/高島学". fnlweb.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  3. "INTERVIEW マモル". KAKUDEN WEB. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  4. "Shooting Gym Yokohama". itscom.net. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  5. "Pancrase 285 Results: Malegarie Submits Tamura, Yamaguchi Edges Miki". combatpress.com. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  6. http://www.x-shooto.jp/what/index.html
  7. Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings
  8. "Mamoru Yamaguchi". Fightmatrix.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  9. Shooto’s Mamoru-BJ Trilogy Worth a Look
  10. "Mamoru Yamaguchi vs. Jin Akimoto". Tapology. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  11. "[修斗] 2002年6月・5月度ランキング。マモルはバンタム級に転向". boutreview.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  12. "Mamoru Yamaguchi is a true pioneer of the flyweight division". Fightmatrix.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  13. "(レポ＆写真) [修斗] 12.14 NK：宇野薫、新王者シャオリン挑戦に名乗り。ルミナ秒殺負け". boutreview.com. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  14. "【KOTC】田村＝一本勝ち完勝、マモル＝逆転TKO勝ち". mmaplanet.jp. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  15. "【KOTC】マモル王座防衛戦、一転ノンタイトルマッチに". mmaplanet.jp. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  16. "【パンクラス】マレガリエ、田村一聖をスリーパーで秒殺し新王者に". efight.jp. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
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