Yoshiro Maeda: MMA Career and Key Results

Yoshiro Maeda is a Japanese mixed martial artist and former champion in Pancrase and DEEP. He competed in PRIDE Bushido, WEC, DREAM and RIZIN, and is known for taking on top bantamweights during the WEC era. Maeda remains active; his latest listed bout was a 2025 RIZIN win.

From Japanese promotions to WEC

Maeda built his early record in Pancrase and DEEP before fighting in PRIDE Bushido. In 2008 he moved to the WEC bantamweight division, opening with a first-round body-kick knockout of Charlie Valencia. That win earned him a title shot against champion Miguel Torres at WEC 34. Torres retained the championship by doctor stoppage after the third round.

DREAM, DEEP and RIZIN

Maeda later fought in DREAM and returned to Japan’s domestic promotions, where he held titles in DEEP and Pancrase. He also competed for RIZIN late in his career. At RIZIN 50 on March 30, 2025, he submitted Sanou Yokouchi with a rear-naked choke in the third round. This is his latest bout listed in Sherdog’s record, which shows 40 wins, 19 losses and three draws.

Maeda’s career ties together several eras of Japanese MMA, from Pancrase and PRIDE to RIZIN. Related coverage: Pancrase and fighters.

Selected Recorded Results

• Mar 30, 2025: Yoshiro Maeda won against Sanou Yokouchi at Rizin FF – Rizin 50; Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), round 3, 2:55.
• Nov 20, 2021: Yoshiro Maeda won against Mitsuhisa Sunabe at Rizin FF – Rizin 32; Decision (Unanimous), round 3, 5:00.
• Mar 20, 2021: Yoshiro Maeda lost to Tatsuro Taira at Shooto – Professional Shooto 2021 Vol. 2; Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), round 1, 1:01.
• Jul 12, 2020: Yoshiro Maeda lost to Ryuya Fukuda at Shooto – Professional Shooto 2020 Vol. 4; TKO (Punches), round 3, 4:57.
• Nov 17, 2019: Yoshiro Maeda won against Payoongsak Singchalad at Deep & Pancrase – Osaka Tournament 2019; Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), round 1, 3:18.

Sources

Sherdog: fight history; UFC: WEC athlete profile; Career or result cross-check.

Article Tags

Yoshiro Maeda, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports History