Mizuto Hirota (Japanese: 廣田瑞人, Hirota Mizuto, born May 5, 1981)[1] is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Rizin Fighting Federation. A professional competitor since 2005, he appeared in the Japanese MMA event Dynamite!! 2009 event and has also competed for Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shooto, and Strikeforce.

Mizuto Hirota
Born (1981-05-05) May 5, 1981 (age 42)[1]
Isahaya, Nagasaki, Japan
Native name廣田 瑞人
Other namesPugnus
Pug Prince (破拳王子)
Kobushi no pitbull(拳のピットブル)
NationalityJapanese
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[2]
Weight71 kg (157 lb; 11 st 3 lb)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight
Reach67 in (170 cm)[2]
StyleBoxing, Sumo
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofSumida, Tokyo, Japan
TeamGutsman Shooto Dojo
[1] Cave Gym (2010-present)
Years active2005–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total31
Wins18
By knockout10
By decision8
Losses11
By knockout1
By submission1
By decision9
Draws2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: August 2, 2009

Background edit

Born and raised in Japan, Hirota experienced success as an amateur boxer and sumo, winning All-Japan titles in both disciplines.[3]

Mixed martial arts career edit

Early career edit

Hirota made his professional debut for Shooto, winning his first two fights by TKO and then won his next four fights all by unanimous decision to reach an undefeated professional record of 6–0. Hirota then faced Takashi Nakakura for the newly vacated Shooto Pacific Rim Welterweight Championship. Hirota was handed his first professional loss via unanimous decision and then lost his next fight, also by unanimous decision.

Hirota then signed with Cage Force, and in his debut, knocked out his opponent 16 seconds into the fight before getting another win via TKO.

In his next fight in April 2008, at Cage Force 6, Hirota defeated Tomonari Kanomata to win the Cage Force Lightweight Championship.

Sengoku edit

Hirota then entered the Sengoku 2008 Lightweight Grand Prix where he won his first-round fight by knocking out the last IFL Lightweight Champion, Ryan Schultz, at Sengoku 4 in August 2008. He was then eliminated from the tournament in the semi-finals after losing by unanimous decision against Kazunori Yokota at World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 6 in November the same year.[4]

In February 2009 he defended his Cage Force title when he fought to a draw with multiple-time King of Pancrase, Katsuya Inoue, and in May 2009 he defeated PRIDE veteran Mitsuhiro Ishida by knockout at Shooto Tradition Final.[4]

On August 2, 2009, at Sengoku 9, Hirota was matched up with the eventual Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix Champion and the inaugural Sengoku Lightweight Champion, Satoru Kitaoka.[4] Hirota, who was an underdog going in to the fight,[5] had to defend multiple submission-attempts by Kitaoka during the first round, but came back in the second landing strikes on the feet while stopping Kitaoka's takedown-attempts.[6] In the third, Kitaoka was able to take Hirota down and control him on the ground eventually resulting in a yellow-card inactivity-warning for Hirota as he did not improve his position.[6] The fourth round saw Hirota damage Kitaoka with knee-strikes while on the feet, prompting Kitaoka to shoot in for a takedown. Hirota defended it and continued to land knees to the head of the grounded Kitaoka which forced the referee to step in at 2:50, giving Hirota the TKO victory to become the new Sengoku Lightweight Champion.[5][6]

Dynamite!! 2009 edit

On December 31, 2009, Hirota faced DREAM and WAMMA Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki. In the first round Aoki caught Hirota in a hammerlock. When Hirota refused to submit, Aoki broke Hirota's arm and won the fight.[7]

On March 7, 2010, Hirota announced during Sengoku 12 that he would be vacating his belt due to his injuries sustained at Dynamite!! 2009.[8]

DEEP edit

A year after he officially vacated his Sengoku Lightweight Championship belt, Hirota began fighting for DEEP. Hirota's debut for the organization was against Katsunori Kikuno for the DEEP Lightweight Championship and Hirota won via unanimous decision, and then defended his belt against Seichi Ikemoto, winning again via unanimous decision. Hirota then vacated his title in April 2012.

Strikeforce edit

On May 29, 2012, it was announced that Hirota would make his United States debut for Strikeforce in July 2012 against Pat Healy.[9] In a back and forth bout, Hirota showcased technical boxing and some take down defense, but Healy was able to land more during the clinch. Hirota lost the close battle by unanimous decision (30-27, 29–28, 29–28). Strikeforce commentator and former UFC Middleweight Champion Pat Miletich stated the decision was affected by the home town favoring their own fighter.

Hirota was next scheduled to face Jorge Gurgel on September 29, 2012, but the event was cancelled before the company ceased operations. Hirota was signed along with many other Strikeforce competitors to compete in the UFC.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship edit

Hirota faced Rani Yahya on March 3, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 8. The fight was Hirota's first fight as a Featherweight.[11] After losing the first two rounds, Hiroto was able to keep the fight standing in the third, but it was not enough under the scorecard and he lost his debut via unanimous decision.

In his second UFC fight, Hirota faced Rodrigo Damm at UFC on Fuel TV: Nogueira vs. Werdum on June 8, 2013. He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision and was subsequently released from the promotion following the loss.

Road to UFC: Japan edit

In June 2015, Hirota was announced as one of the eight featherweights competing on Road to UFC: Japan, a show in the style of The Ultimate Fighter. On the show he faced Nobumitsu Osawa in the quarter-finals and won by decision. He then faced Daiki Hata in the semifinals and again won by decision. Hirota ultimately faced Teruto Ishihara in the finals at UFC Fight Night 75.[12] Post-fight the UFC announced that Hirota and Ishihara would both be awarded contracts.[13]

Hirota was expected to face Cole Miller on October 15, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 97.[14] However, the promotion announced on October 6 that they had cancelled the event entirely.[15][16] In turn, the fight was rescheduled and eventually took place on December 17, 2016, at UFC on Fox 22[17] Hirota won the bout by unanimous decision.[18]

Mizuto Hirota faced Alexander Volkanovski on June 10, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 110.[19] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[20]

Hirota was expected to face Charles Rosa on September 23, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 117.[21] After struggling with the weigh-in, Hirota was forced to pull from the event due to health concerns. He was deemed unfit to compete by the UFC medical team.[22]

Hirota faced Ross Pearson in a lightweight bout on February 11, 2018, at UFC 221.[23] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[24]

Hirota faced Christos Giagos on December 2, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 142.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Rizin edit

After being released from the UFC after three straight losses, Hirota signed with Rizin Fighting Federation and is expected to face Roberto de Souza at Rizin 17 on July 28, 2019.[27] He lost the bout in the first round via knockout.[28]

Championships and accomplishments edit

Mixed martial arts record edit

Professional record breakdown
31 matches 18 wins 11 losses
By knockout 10 1
By submission 0 1
By decision 8 9
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 18–11–2 Roberto de Souza KO (punches) Rizin 17 July 28, 2019 1 3:05 Saitama, Japan
Loss 18–10–2 Christos Giagos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa December 2, 2018 3 5:00 Adelaide, Australia
Loss 18–9–2 Ross Pearson Decision (unanimous) UFC 221 February 11, 2018 3 5:00 Perth, Australia Return to Lightweight.
Loss 18–8–2 Alexander Volkanovski Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt June 11, 2017 3 5:00 Auckland, New Zealand
Win 18–7–2 Cole Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson December 17, 2016 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Draw 17–7–2 Teruto Ishihara Draw (split) UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson September 27, 2015 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Road to UFC: Japan Tournament Final.
Win 17–7–1 Kyu Hwa Kim TKO (soccer kick and punches) DEEP: Dream Impact 2014: Omisoka Special December 31, 2014 2 0:33 Saitama, Japan
Win 16–7–1 Masakazu Imanari TKO (punches) DEEP: 69 Impact October 26, 2014 2 1:38 Tokyo, Japan
Win 15–7–1 Daisuke Nakamura Decision (unanimous) DEEP: 66 Impact April 29, 2014 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 14–7–1 Rodrigo Damm Decision (split) UFC on Fuel TV: Nogueira vs. Werdum June 8, 2013 3 5:00 Fortaleza, Brazil
Loss 14–6–1 Rani Yahya Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann March 3, 2013 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Featherweight debut.
Loss 14–5–1 Pat Healy Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy July 14, 2012 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States
Win 14–4–1 Seichi Ikemoto Decision (unanimous) DEEP: 57 Impact February 18, 2012 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Defended the DEEP Lightweight Championship.
Win 13–4–1 Katsunori Kikuno Decision (unanimous) DEEP: 55 Impact August 26, 2011 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Won the DEEP Lightweight Championship.
Loss 12–4–1 Shinya Aoki Technical Submission (hammerlock) Dynamite!! The Power of Courage 2009 December 31, 2009 1 2:17 Saitama, Japan
Win 12–3–1 Satoru Kitaoka TKO (knees) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 9 August 2, 2009 4 2:50 Saitama, Japan Won the Sengoku Lightweight Championship. Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix Final.
Win 11–3–1 Mitsuhiro Ishida TKO (punches) Shooto: Shooto Tradition Final May 10, 2009 1 1:33 Tokyo, Japan
Draw 10–3–1 Katsuya Inoue Draw GCM: Cage Force EX February 28, 2009 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Retained the Cage Force Lightweight Championship.
Loss 10–3 Kazunori Yokota Decision (unanimous) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 6 November 1, 2008 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix Semifinal.
Win 10–2 Ryan Schultz KO (superman punch) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 4 August 24, 2008 2 4:25 Saitama, Japan Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 9–2 Tomonari Kanomata TKO (punches) GCM: Cage Force 6 April 5, 2008 1 1:00 Tokyo, Japan Won the Cage Force Lightweight Championship.
Win 8–2 Johnny Frachey TKO (punches) Cage Force EX Eastern Bound February 11, 2008 2 0:08 Tokyo, Japan
Win 7–2 Do Gi Sin KO (punches) Cage Force 5 December 1, 2007 1 0:16 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 6–2 Ganjo Tentsuku Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Shooting Disco 2: The Heat Rises Tonight August 5, 2007 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 6–1 Takashi Nakakura Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Back To Our Roots 1 February 17, 2007 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan For the Shooto Pacific Rim Welterweight (154 lbs) Championship.
Win 6–0 Jin Kazeta Decision (unanimous) Shooto: The Devilock May 12, 2006 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 5–0 Danilo Cherman Decision (unanimous) Shooto: The Victory of the Truth February 17, 2006 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 4–0 Kabuto Kokage Decision (unanimous) Shooto: 12/17 in Shinjuku Face December 17, 2005 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 3–0 Yoshihiro Koyama Decision (unanimous) Shooto: 9/23 in Korakuen Hall September 23, 2005 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 2–0 Komei Okada TKO (punches) Shooto: 6/3 in Kitazawa Town Hall June 3, 2005 1 4:56 Tokyo, Japan
Win 1–0 Masaaki Yamamori TKO (punches) Shooto: 2/6 in Kitazawa Town Hall February 6, 2005 2 1:27 Tokyo, Japan

[30]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Sherdog.com. "Fight Finder - Mizuto Hirota's Mixed Martial Arts Statistics". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  2. ^ a b "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Barnett vs. Nelson". UFC.com. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  3. ^ "Mizuto Hirota - Official UFC® Fighter Profile". www.ufc.com. Archived from the original on 2014-09-11.
  4. ^ a b c Sherdog.com. "Sengoku 'Ninth Battle' Preview". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Michael David (2009-02-18). "Mizuto Hirota Stuns Satoru Kitaoka for Sengoku Lightweight Title". MMA FanHouse. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  6. ^ a b c d Morgan, John. "WVR crowns featherweight grand prix winner, lightweight belt on line at "Sengoku Ninth Battle"". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  7. ^ "Shinya Aoki's Post-Fight Behavior After Breaking Hirota's Arm Crosses Line". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2009-12-31.
  8. ^ "Hirota Vacates Sengoku Title; Kanehara to Defend Belt at Sengoku 13". 7 March 2010.
  9. ^ "'Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy' adds Healy-Hirota, Mein-Stinson, High-Moore | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2012-06-01.
  10. ^ "Mizuto Hirota ("Pugnus") | MMA Fighter Page".
  11. ^ "Strikeforce's Hirota vs. Yahya added to UFC on FUEL TV 8". mmajunkie.com. January 5, 2013.
  12. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2014-09-26). "UFC Fight Night 75 results: Mizuto Hirota, Teruto Ishihara fight to rare split draw". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-26.
  13. ^ Staff (2015-09-27). "Botched Road to UFC Final ends in a draw, but both fighters awarded contracts". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
  14. ^ Staff (2016-08-30). "UFC Fight Night 97 in Philippines adds two bouts, including Cole Miller vs. Mizuto Hirota". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-30.
  15. ^ Staff (2016-10-06). "UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs. Penn to be rescheduled". ufc.com. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  16. ^ Staff (2016-10-06). "After B.J. Penn's withdrawal, UFC cancels next week's UFC Fight Night 97 event in Philippines". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  17. ^ Staff (2016-11-21). "Cole Miller vs. Mizuto Hirota joins UFC on FOX 22 lineup". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  18. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-12-17). "UFC on FOX 22 results: Mizuto Hirota finishes strong in decision win over Cole Miller". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  19. ^ Tristen Critchfield (2017-04-29). "Mizuto Hirota to meet Alexander Volkanovski at UFC Fight Night 110 in New Zealand". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2017-04-29.
  20. ^ Ban Fowlkes (2017-06-10). "UFC Fight Night 110 results: Alex Volkanovski cruises to unanimous-decision win vs. Mizuto Hirota". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-06-10.
  21. ^ Dann Stupp (2017-08-06). "Slew of bouts official for UFC Fight Night 117 in Japan". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  22. ^ "Hirota Pulled From UFC Fight Night Japan | Fightful MMA". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  23. ^ Staff (2017-12-21). "Mizuto Hirota vs. Ross Pearson set for UFC 221 in Australia". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-12-21.
  24. ^ "UFC 221 results: Ross Pearson snaps four-fight skid with decision over Mizuto Hirota". MMAjunkie. 2018-02-11. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
  25. ^ Marcel Dorff (2018-11-14). "Mizuto Hirota vs. Christos Giagos added to UFC Adelaide" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2018-11-14.
  26. ^ Sherdog.com. "UFC Fight Night 142 Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-12-02.
  27. ^ Guilherme Cruz (June 21, 2019). "Road FC champion Seo Hee Ham, BJJ star Roberto Satoshi among additions to Rizin 17". mmafighting.com.
  28. ^ Carroll, Petter (28 July 2019). "Rizin 17 results and highlights: Mikuru Asakura dominates Yusuke Yachi in grudge match". MMAFighting. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  29. ^ "Profile at G-C-M.net" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  30. ^ Sherdog.com. "Mizuto". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-12-02.

External links edit

Preceded by 2nd Sengoku Lightweight Champion
August 2, 2009 – March 7, 2010
Vacant
due to injury