Yuya Shirai

Yuya Shirai  (born April 2, 1980) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Shirai has fought for ONE FC, DEEP, BAMMA, Glory World Series, M-1 Global, Pancrase, DREAM, and is a former DEEP Welterweight Champion.

Background
Shirai comes from a judo background and holds a black belt in the discipline. On June 8, 2003, he won the Japanese National Sambo Championship in the under 90 kilograms weight class.

Early career
Shirai made his debut in mixed martial arts on September 15, 2003. He is currently signed with DEEP in the Welterweight division,  and won the DEEP Welterweight Championship in January 2010 by defeating Seichi Ikemoto.

He also took part in the DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix 2009, losing to Jason High by rear naked-choke in the first round. He then beat Che Mills at Hidehiko Yoshida's farewall event ASTRA.

On February 26, 2011, he faced Paul Daley at BAMMA 5: Daley vs. Shirai in Manchester, England. Shirai lost the fight via KO in the first round.

It was announced on 14 June 2011 that he would be facing Murilo Bustamante at a Clube da Luta event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the 20th July. However Bustamante later pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Delson Heleno in what will now be a 180-pound catchweight contest.

He will face Tommy Depret at Glory 2: Brussels on October 6, 2012, in Brussels, Belgium.

Championships and accomplishments

 * DEEP Welterweight Championship (One time)