Junya Kodo

Junya Kodo  鼓童淳也 (born March 24, 1983) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Flyweight division of Shooto organization. Kodo is also the head coach and representative of Shooto Gym Kobe. KODO replaced Norifumi Yamamoto in 2 days notice to fight Joseph Benavidez on DREAM 5 Lightweight GP Final 2008.

KODO was ranked 3 in Japan Amateur Shooto Championships then going on to be Kansai Amateur Shooto Champion securing his rank as a professional A-Class Shooter.

Early career
Kodo started his career in early 2006, facing Tomohiko Yoshida at Powergate 6 on March 5, 2006. After three hard fought rounds, Kodo would win the fight via split decision. Kodo would fight against lower-tier opponents in Shooto, compiling a professional record of 6–1–2, before signing with Dream.

Dream
In his debut fight with Dream, Kodo faced current UFC fighter Joseph Benavidez at the Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2006 Finals on July 21, 2008. Benavidez, who was relatively unknown at the time, defeated Kodo via first round guillotine choke. Kodo subsequently re-signed with Shooto shortly after the fight.

Vale Tudo Japan
Following a long stint with Shooto, Kodo made his VTJ debut on June 28, 2014, facing Hidenobu Izena at VTJ 5th in Osaka. He won the fight via third round guillotine choke.