Kanako Murata • Stats, Record and Fight History

BIO

FIGHTS

STATS

UFC HISTORY & CAREER

• UFC Fight Night(10/7/23) Murata lost a three round unanimous decision to Vanessa Demopoulos
• UFC on ESPN(6/9/21) Murata lost via TKO (injury) to Virna Jandiroba at 5:00 of the second round
• UFC Fight Night(11/14/20) Murata won a three round unanimous decision over Randa Markos

IMPORTANT FACTS

Pro since 2016

Two wins by KO, four by submission (RNC, Anaconda choke, 2 shoulder choke)

Has won eight of her last 10

Three first-round finishes

Owns wins over UFC vets Angela Magana and Maia Stevenson

Lone pre-UFC defeat in 2016 to UFC vet Rin Nakai

Q & A

Q: When and why did you start training for fighting?

Q: What ranks and titles have you held?

ANSWER: I was the former Invicta strawweight champion

Q: Do you have any heroes?

ANSWER: Saori Yoshida and Ronda RouseyWhat does it mean for you to fight in the UFC?UFC is the reason why I started training MMA. But unfortunately, regular people do not recognize the UFC in Japan. MMA is not recognized as a legitimate sport, and we are not looked at as athletes in Japan. I want to utilize this opportunity to bring attention to the sport land earn respect for fighters in Japan like how Sakuraba did with his mask and performance. That is my goal

Q: Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?

ANSWER: I went to Nihon University and have a degree in physical education

Q: What was your job before you started fighting?

ANSWER: I started full-time MMA after graduating college

Q: Specific accomplishments in amateur competition?

ANSWER: I have won several National wrestling championships and the World Junior championship

Q: Ranks in any martial arts styles:

ANSWER: Purple belt in BJJFavorite grappling technique:ChokesFavorite Striking technique:Left body kick