Tatsuya Kawajiri

Born on the 8th of May, 1978 in Japan, Tatsuya Kawajiri is a professional mixed martial artist.  He goes by the nickname of "The Crusher" as he is widely known for his strength and his famous ground and pound technique. He has remarakable victories over the likes of Vitor Ribeiro, Yves Edwards and many others. His match against Takanori Gomi at Bushido tournament, was selected as the Fight of the Year. He is regarded as amongst the top 3 ranks in the lightweight division of mixed martial arts. Kawajiri has a record of 19 wins, 10 by knockout and 5 via submission, 4 losses and 2 draws.

At a Shooto match against Takumi Nakayama, Kawajiri began his mixed martial art career. He lost this match against Nakayama in the very first round by the rear naked choke. Kawajiri showed his true talents and capabilities after this loss. Up until 2002, he was undefeated. In 2002, he lost via decision to Vitor Ribeiro. However this loss did not break Kawajiri's spirit. He continued with his training, all the more determined to come prove himself.  He fought against Ribeiro yet again in 2004. In a remarkable victory Kawajiri outbeat and outshone Ribeiro. Ribeiro was defeated via TKO. With this victory, Kawajiri became the lightweight champion of Shooto.

Kawajiri yearned for more, Shooto did not satisfy him and so he made his debut in PRIDE in May 2005. In a quick victory over In Seok Kim, Kawajiri defeated him. He also fought against Luis Firmino and had a notable one-sided win over Firmino. It was Kawajiri's dream to prove himself as the best Mixed martial art's fighter in the lightweight division. Kawajiri entered the PRIDE fighting championships with the hope of being PRIDE'S first ever lightweight champion, while holding the Shooto championship as well. He had to fight Taknori Gomi in the first match. Gomi was the lightweight champion in mixed martial arts. Throughout the entire match, both Kawajiri and Gomi exchanged powerful hits and strikes. However ultimately, Gomi was the better of the two. He knocked Kawajiri and Kawajiri was defeated via a rear naked choke.

Later Kawajiri defended his lightweight championship in the Shooto, in a match against Joachim Hansen. There was a lot of expectations and anticipation of this match. Fans were very eager to catch this match. However barely a few seconds into the match, and it was stopped short as Hansen was disqualified. This was because Hansen had kicked Kawajiri in the groin. At this match, Kawajiri was declared the victor. In a fight against Charles Bennett, Kawajiri made his comeback at the PRIDE. In the very first round he submitted Bennett via kneebar. In yet another PRIDE competition he defeated Chirs Brennan in a quick victory in the very first round. Again in a non-title fight against Per Erklund, he had another victory.

On New Year's eve, at the PRIDE Shockwave 2006, he lost to Gilbert Melendez in the lightweight division. Unfortunately due to a thumb injury that he got during his fight with Melendez, Kawajiri had to relinquish his Shooto title. This was because he was unable to participate and defend his title in the next Shooto match.