Kazuyuki Miyata: A Retrospective on the MMA Fighter’s Career
Kazuyuki “Little Hercules” Miyata is a Japanese former mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He used his wrestling base across K-1 HERO’S, DREAM, DEEP and RIZIN, and earned a DREAM featherweight title shot against champion Hiroyuki Takaya.
Wrestling base and early MMA
Miyata entered MMA in 2004, facing jiu-jitsu champion Royler Gracie at Rumble on the Rock 6. He later built a run in Japanese promotions and became known for his explosive wrestling attacks. One of his most memorable losses came against Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at K-1 HERO’S 5 in 2006: Yamamoto stopped him with a flying knee just four seconds into the bout.
DREAM title challenge and RIZIN farewell
In 2011, Miyata challenged DREAM featherweight champion Hiroyuki Takaya. The close fight went to the scorecards, with Takaya retaining by split decision. Miyata later competed for RIZIN. In December 2018 he submitted Erson Yamamoto at RIZIN 14; that bout was announced as his retirement fight.
Miyata’s career connected elite wrestling to Japan’s evolving MMA scene. His bouts in DREAM and RIZIN placed him alongside some of the era’s best-known fighters.
Selected Recorded Results
- Dec 31, 2018: Kazuyuki Miyata won against Erson Yamamoto at Rizin FF – Rizin 14; Submission (Hammerlock), round 2, 3:23.
- Dec 29, 2016: Kazuyuki Miyata won against Andy Souwer at Rizin 3 – Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2016: 2nd Round; Submission (Armbar), round 1, 4:39.
- Dec 23, 2014: Kazuyuki Miyata won against Askar Umbetov at RFC – Real Fight Championship 1; Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke), round 1, 1:13.
- Jul 16, 2007: Kazuyuki Miyata lost to Vitor Ribeiro at K-1 HERO's – Middleweight Tournament Opening Round; Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke), round 2, 1:54.
- Mar 12, 2007: Kazuyuki Miyata won against Kultar Gill at K-1 – Hero's 8; Submission (Guillotine Choke), round 1, 3:38.
- Oct 9, 2006: Kazuyuki Miyata won against Ian James Schaffa at K-1 – Hero's 7; TKO (Cut), round 1, 0:49.
Sources
Sherdog: fight history; Sherdog: DREAM title fight result; Career or result cross-check; Biographical source.
Article Tags
Kazuyuki Miyata, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports History
