Mixed martial arts in Japan


Mixed martial arts has been legal in Japan since at least the 1980s, Pancrase began to be held.

History

A early percusor to mixed martial arts was Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki event.
Pride FC for much of early 21st century in the 2000s was one of the preeminent Mixed martial arts organizations until it was discovered it was being run by the Yakuza.

Domestic organizations

The major MMA organizations in Japan are Rizin Fighting Federation, Pancrase, Shooto and ZST.