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Naoya Uematsu (植松直哉) is a Japanese mixed martial artist, who fought primarily for the Shooto organization. He was a mainstay in Shooto's 143 lb and 132 lb divisions and fought many of the best fighters of the era, including UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, and WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

Biography
Uematsu was born September 10, 1978 in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. He began training judo at age 12, and started training in sambo during high school.

He made his MMA debut in 1997, defeating three opponents in one night to win the Lumax Cup tournament, submitting future Shooto champion Caol Uno in the process. This would mark the beginning of a 13 fight unbeaten streak that would last until 2002, with notable victories over the likes of Noboru Asahi, Katsuya Toida and the aforementioned Caol Uno.

Uematsu would suffer the first losses of his career, losing to Bao Quach in September of 2002 and João Roque in January of 2003. After the losses Uematsu went 3-1, submitting the likes of Jin Kazeta, Katsuya Toida (again) and Hideki Kadowaki, but was knocked out by Jens Pulver in their 2004 bout.

Uematsu would go just 1-4 in his last 5 before retiring in 2008 after being knocked out by Daiki Hata.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Mixed martial arts
 * Lumax Cup Tournament of J '97 Lightweight Tournament Champion


 * Grappling
 * 2008 All Japan Sambo Championship MVP Award