Keiichiro Yamamiya

Keiichiro Yamamiya (born July 12, 1972) is a Japanese former professional mixed martial artist. A veteran of 90 fights who began his career in 1996 and last competed in 2015, he fought in the UFC, Pancrase, DEEP, and World Victory Road. He was the inaugural King of Pancrase Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Yamamiya signed with the UFC in 1999. He made his debut against Eugene Jackson at UFC 23 on November 19, 1999, and lost via first-round knockout. Yamamiya was then granted his release to return to Pancrase.

Pancrase

Yamamiya's history with Pancrase goes back his professional debut in 1996, when he faced Satoshi Hasegawa at the 1996 Pancrase Neo-Blood Tournament. He won his debut by split decision. He then lost in the quarter-finals of the tournament, falling to now-MMA legend Yuki Kondo by TKO.

He faced Ryo Kawamura to become the Light Heavyweight King Of Pancrase at Pancrase: Shining 8 on October 1, 2008. He lost via unanimous decision.

On June 5, 2010, Yamamiya challenged Kengo Ura to become the Welterweight King Of Pancrase at Pancrase: Passion Tour 5. He lost the fight via split decision. Yamamiya faced Yuji Hisamatsu at Pancrase 250 on July 28, 2013. Though Yamamiya was the heavy favorite on multiple media scoring websites, Hisamatsu won a majority decision.

DEEP

Yamamiya made his DEEP debut on January 8, 2001, when he faced Paulo Filho at DEEP: 1st Impact. He lost via second-round TKO. He faced Yuki Okano at DEEP: 65 Impact on March 22, 2014. Yamamiya was quickly taken down and submitted with a rear naked choke in the first round. Yamamiya faced UFC veteran Keita Nakamura at DEEP: 67 Impact on June 22, 2014. He lost the fight via TKO (punches) in the first round, putting Yamamiya at four losses in a row.

Sengoku

Though not currently active for the promotion, Yamamiya signed a contract with Sengoku and made his debut against Alexandre Ribeiro at Sengoku 8 on May 2, 2009. He lost via third-round knockout.

Championships and accomplishments

• Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling
  • Pancrase Light Heavyweight Championship (One time, inaugural champion)
  • 2013 Pancrase Neo Blood Tournament Finalist
  • 2004 Pancrase Neo Blood Tournament Finalist
  • 2000 Pancrase Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament Winner
  • 1997 Pancrase Neo Blood Tournament Winner
  • 1996 Pancrase Neo Blood Tournament Semi-Finalist

Mixed martial arts record

References

External links

• Professional MMA record for Keiichiro Yamamiya from Sherdog
• Keiichiro Yamamiya at UFC