Keita Nakamura

Keitaro Nakamura (中村 K太郎) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist and grappler currently competing in the Welterweight division of RIZIN. A professional competitor since 2003, he has formerly competed for the UFC, World Victory Road, Pancrase, Shooto, DREAM, Vale Tudo Japan, and DEEP. He is the former Sengoku Welterweight Champion, Shooto Pacific Rim Middleweight Champion, and also won the World Victory Road Welterweight Grand Prix Tournament in 2010.

In submission grappling, Nakamura took part in both the 2009 and 2011 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, making it to the second round and winning via points in both.

Early career
Nakamura made his professional MMA debut in his native Japan in October 2003. Over nearly three years, he amassed a record of 15-0-2 with wins over Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Ronald Jhun, and Daisuke Nakamura.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Nakamura made his UFC debut in December 2006 against Brock Larson at UFC 81. He lost the fight via unanimous decision, ending his undefeated streak.

For his second fight with the promotion, Nakamura faced Drew Fickett at UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard in April 2007. He again lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nakamura lost by contentious split decision to Rob Emerson at UFC 81 on February 2, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nakamura dropped Emerson with a big knee at the end of the first round after Emerson had outstruck him for much of the round up until that point. Emerson came back strong in the second round landing crisp combinations that left Nakamura's face a mess at the end of the round. Nakamura scored takedowns in the third round on a visibly tiring Emerson while also landing some strong knees but it was not enough to win the decision as the scores read 30–27, 28-29 and 30–27 in favor of Emerson. Following this loss, Nakamura was released from the UFC.

After the fight, the 24-year-old Nakamura announced his retirement from MMA. Disappointed by his three UFC defeats, "K-Taro" also suffered from vision issues following the Emerson bout, due his opponent's toe impairing his vision after a high kick attempt.

Return to Japan
Despite his claim that he would become a police officer, Nakamura's retirement lasted a mere few months. He returned in September 2008 as he faced Adriano Martins in for the DREAM promotion. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nakamura suffered a devastating loss to heavy underdog Korean fighter, Jang Yong Kim in his second post-retirement comeback fight. Since then, he has seen a resurgence, going 13-2-1 over the next few years, including winning the Sengoku Welterweight Grand Prix with a submission victory over Yasubey Enomoto.

UFC return
Nakamura returned to the UFC in September 2015. He faced Li Jingliang on September 27, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 75. After being bloodied by his opponent over two rounds, Nakamura rallied back to win the fight via submission in the third round. The win also earned Nakamura his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Nakamura faced Tom Breese on February 27, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 84. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nakamura faced Kyle Noke on July 13, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 91. He won the fight via submission in final seconds of the second round.

Nakamura next faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on October 1, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 96. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nakamura faced Alex Morono at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami on September 23, 2017. He won the fight by split decision (29-28, 28–29, 29-28).

Nakamura faced Tony Martin on April 21, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 128. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Nakamura faced Salim Touahri on December 2, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142. He won the fight via split decision.

Nakamura faced Sultan Aliev on April 20, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In September 2019, it was reported that Nakamura was released by UFC.

Post-UFC career
After the release from the UFC, Nakamura signed with RIZIN. After winning his promotional debut via TKO, he next faced Lorenz Larkin at Bellator & RIZIN: Japan on December 29, 2019. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

On April 1, 2023 at Rizin 41 – Osaka, Nakamura defeated Kiichi Kunimoto via second round TKO stoppage after dropping Kunimoto and finishing him with a soccer kick.

Nakamura fought Roberto Satoshi de Souza in a non-title bout in the main event of RIZIN Landmark 9 on March 23, 2024. He lost the fight by corner stoppage in the first round after getting dropped by head kick.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Shooto
 * Shooto Pacific Rim Middleweight (167 lb) Championship (One time)
 * Sengoku Raiden Championship
 * SRC Welterweight Championship (One time)
 * 2010 Sengoku Welterweight Grand Prix Winner
 * Deep
 * DEEP Welterweight Championship (One time)
 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Li Jingliang