Kanako Murata is a talented MMA fighter who has captured the attention of fans and critics alike with her impressive skills and determination in the octagon. Competing in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Murata has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with.
Born on August 10, 1993, Murata embarked on her combat sports journey in judo, where she excelled and won national championships. She then transitioned to freestyle wrestling and became a Junior World Champion in 2011. In 2016, Murata made her professional MMA debut, showcasing her incredible athleticism and technique.
In her early career, Murata made waves in Rizin Fighting Federation, earning victories over formidable opponents in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Her impressive performance caught the attention of international promotions, where she demonstrated her striking prowess and finishing ability.
Murata’s championship success continued when she signed with Invicta FC in 2018. In November 2019, she secured the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship with a hard-fought split decision win. Her grappling skills and submission prowess were on full display during her Invicta FC tenure.
After making her UFC debut in 2020 with a victory, Murata faced setbacks in subsequent fights, including a loss due to a debilitating arm injury. However, her determination and resilience remain unwavering as she prepares for her future bouts.
With a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Murata has proven herself as a rising star in the Strawweight division. Her journey, stats, and latest fights are a testament to her skillset and potential for growth in the MMA world.
Early Career and Rizin Fighting Federation
After making her professional debut in 2016, Kanako Murata quickly made waves in the MMA world, establishing herself as a rising star. She kicked off her career in the prestigious Rizin Fighting Federation, showcasing her skills across two weight divisions: strawweight and flyweight. With notable victories over opponents such as Natalya Denisova, Maia Kahaunaele-Stevenson, and Ilona Wijmans, Murata proved that she had what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Not limiting herself to national competitions, Murata also ventured into international promotions, including the esteemed Shoot Box Girls S-Cup. It was in these arenas that she demonstrated her striking prowess and finishing ability, leaving a lasting impression on both fans and critics alike.
Invicta FC and Championship Success
In 2018, Kanako Murata signed with Invicta FC, one of the premier organizations in women’s MMA. Competing in the strawweight division, Murata quickly made her mark by securing impressive victories.
Her journey in Invicta FC culminated in November 2019 when she faced Emily Ducote for the vacant Invicta FC Strawweight Championship. In a hard-fought battle, Murata emerged victorious with a split decision, claiming the title. This victory solidified her status as a rising star in the strawweight division.
Throughout her tenure in Invicta FC, Murata showcased her exceptional grappling skills, consistently displaying her submission prowess. Notable among her victories were her rear-naked choke finishes against Liana Pirosin and Saray Orozco, further establishing her dominance on the ground.
“Invicta FC has been a pivotal platform for me to showcase my skills and prove myself as a champion,” says Murata. “The strawweight title win was a true testament to my determination and dedication to the sport.”
Ultimate Fighting Championship Debut and Setbacks
After signing with the UFC in 2020, Kanako Murata made her highly anticipated Octagon debut in November of that year. The Japanese MMA fighter showcased her well-rounded skills and impressed fans and critics alike with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Randa Markos. It was a promising start to her UFC career, hinting at the potential for future success.
However, Murata faced setbacks in her subsequent fights. In June 2021, she encountered a formidable opponent in Virna Jandiroba, and unfortunately, a doctor stoppage was required due to an arm injury caused by an armbar submission. This loss was undoubtedly disappointing for Murata, but it also showcased her resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Following the setback, Kanako Murata faced another challenge in October 2023 when she took on Vanessa Demopoulos. Despite a two-year layoff, Murata displayed her trademark toughness and fought hard, but ultimately lost via unanimous decision. These setbacks serve as learning opportunities and motivation for Murata to refine her skills and come back stronger in her future UFC endeavors.
Fight Record and Statistic Highlights
Kanako Murata has built an impressive fight record throughout her MMA career. With a total of 12 wins and 3 losses, her record speaks to her skill and determination inside the octagon. Her victories have come through a variety of methods, showcasing her versatility as a fighter.
- Wins by knockout: 2
- Wins by submission: 4
- Wins by decision: 6
Throughout her career, Murata has faced and defeated notable opponents, including Randa Markos, Emily Ducote, and Angela Magana. These victories demonstrate her ability to rise to the occasion against experienced fighters and further solidify her standing as a rising star in the world of MMA.
Future Prospects and Growth in MMA
Looking ahead, Kanako Murata’s future in MMA holds great potential for growth and evolution. Despite the setbacks she has faced, Murata’s determination and drive to improve are evident in her training and preparation for future fights.
With her background in judo and wrestling, Murata brings a unique skill set to the Strawweight division. Her expertise in grappling and ground game, combined with her striking abilities, make her a well-rounded fighter.
Murata’s plans moving forward include honing her skills and strategizing for upcoming bouts. She is continuously working on refining her techniques and refining her game plan to maximize her performance inside the octagon.
