Kęstutis Smirnovas

Kestutis Smirnovas is a Lithuanian MMA fighter and Judoka who fought in Pride Fighting Championships, RINGS, Shooto and HERO'S. He is also a politician and a public figure.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Smirnovas started his career in 2000. He fought mainly for Rings Lithuania and Shooto Lithuania, obtaining a record of sixteen victories and five losses until the first half of 2005.

K-1 and K-1 Hero's Smirnovas faced Tadeush Cholodinskij on March 10, 2006, at K-1: East Europe Max GP for the K-1 East Europe Max heavyweight title. He won via split decision after three, five-minutes rounds.

Smirnovas faced Pride FC veteran Kazushi Sakuraba on August 5, 2006, at K-1 Hero's 6 in the quarterfinal of Hero's 2006 light heavyweight grand prix. Despite dominating the beginning of the contest, almost knocking Sakuraba out with a long sequence of ground-and-pound, Smirnovas lost via submission due to an armbar still in the first round.

Smirnovas replaced Sakuraba in the semifinal as he was unable to compete due to medical conditions. He faced Yoshihiro Akiyama on October 9, 2006, at K-1 Hero's 7, losing via TKO in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts K-1 K-1 East Europe Max heavyweight title (2006)

Since 2007 he is council member of Šakių district municipality.

Personal Daughter Julija Smirnovaitė from the first marriage with Gintarė, Simona, Paulina, Jakūbas from the second marriage.