Shinsho Anzai

Shinsho Anzai (安西信昌) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and wrestler. A professional competitor since 2009, he has fought in the UFC, Bellator, Pancrase and King of the Cage.

Background
Born and raised in Japan, Anzai began wrestling in high school at the age of 15. Anzai later continued wrestling at Meiji University, and also attended Kokugakuin University. In amateur wrestling, Anzai was second place at the 2005 All-Japan Junior Olympic Cup, was first place at the 2008 All-Japan Combat Wrestling Championship (over 80 kg). Anzai also won the ADCC Asia Trials in 2011 at 99 kg and 2013 at 88 kg, respectively.

Early career
Anzai made his professional MMA debut in May 2009. He fought exclusively in his native Japan for the Pancrase and King of the Cage (Japan) promotions. During the next six years he amassed a record of 8–1.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his UFC debut, Anzai stepped in to replace Sheldon Westcott against Alberto Mina on August 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 48. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

In his second fight for the promotion, Anzai faced Roger Zapata	on September 26, 2015, at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson. He won the fight via TKO due to a hand injury Zapata sustained in the third round.

After nearly two years away from the promotion, Anzai returned to face Luke Jumeau on September 23, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Anzai faced Jake Matthews on June 23, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 132. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Anzai was released from the UFC in June 2019.

Post-UFC career
After his release from the UFC, Anzai won one fight in his native Deep promotion before signing with the Bellator. He made his promotional debut against Michael Page at Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019. He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

After an almost 3 year layoff, Anzai returned against Victor Valenzuela on May 13, 2023 at Combate Global: Mexico vs. Japan, losing the bout via ground and pound TKO in the second round.

Anzai fought Igor Tanabe at RIZIN 46 on December 31, 2023. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Championships and achievements

 * Pancrase
 * Middleweight King of Pancrase (One time)