Rinya Nakamura

is a Japanese mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler who currently competes in the bantamweight division. Competing at 61 kilograms, Nakamura became the 2017 U23 World Champion during his wrestling career, before retiring at age 25 to pursue mixed martial arts.

Background Rinya is the son of Kozo Nakamura, who was involved in the early development of Shooto in the 90's. A multiple-time Japanese National medalist at two different weight classes, his most remarkable achievement of his career came at the 2017 U23 World Championships, where he became the champion at 61 kilograms. After the delay of the 2020 Summer Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nakamura announced his retirement from wrestling in order to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.

He then made his sophomore appearance against Akuri Ronda at Shooto 0725 on 25 July 2021.

Nakamura faced Yasuyuki Nojiri at Shooto 0116 on January 16, 2022.

On April 24, 2022, he fought against Aliandro Caetano in POUNDSTORM, and although he was punched in round 1 and cut his right eyelid leading to intense bleeding, he utilised his takedown advantage and won the 3–0 decision.

Road to UFC Nakamura faced Gugun Gusman in the Quarter-Finals of the Bantamweight tournament on June 9, 2022, in Road to UFC Season 1: Episode 3. He won the bout in the first round via Americana submission.

Nakamura faced Shohei Nose in the Semi-Finals of the Bantamweight tournament on October 23, 2022, at Road to UFC Season 1: Episode 6. He won the bout in the first round, knocking out Nose.

In the finals of the tournament, Nakamura faced Toshiomi Kazama on February 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivac. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. This win earned Nakamura his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Nakamura faced Fernie Garcia at UFC Fight Night 225 on August 26, 2023. He won the bout in dominant fashion via unanimous decision.

Nakamura was scheduled to face Brady Hiestand on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298. However, Hiestand pulled out due injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Carlos Vera. Nakamura dominated most of the bout on the ground and won by unanimous decision.

Nakamura faced Muin Gafurov on January 18, 2025, at UFC 311. He lost the fight by unanimous decision, leading to his first loss in mixed martial arts.

Nakamura faced Nathan Fletcher on August 2, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 71. He won the fight by technical knockout via a body kick one minute into the first round.

Nakamura was scheduled to face Luan Lacerda on March 14, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 269. However, Nakamura withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Hecher Sosa.

Nakamura's bout with Brady Hiestand was rebooked and will take place on September 26, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 289.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Nathan Fletcher TKO (body kick and punches) UFC on ESPN: Taira vs. Park

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Muin Gafurov Decision (unanimous) UFC 311

Inglewood, California, United States Win

Carlos Vera Decision (unanimous) UFC 298

Anaheim, California, United States Win

Fernie Garcia Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. The Korean Zombie

Kallang, Singapore Win

Toshiomi Kazama KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivac

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Shohei Nose KO (punches) Road to UFC Season 1: Episode 6

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Gugun Gusman Submission (keylock) Road to UFC Season 1: Episode 3

Kallang, Singapore Win

Aleandro Caetano Decision (unanimous) LDH Martial Arts: Pound Storm

Tokyo, Japan Win

Yasuyuki Nojiri TKO (punches) Shooto: 2022 Vol. 1

Tokyo, Japan Win

Akuri Ronda KO (head kick) Shooto: 2021 Vol. 5

Tokyo, Japan Win

Takumi Arai KO (punch) LDH Martial Arts: Fighting Dreamers

Tokyo, Japan

Freestyle record

Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location

Loss 36–9

Tokyo, Japan Win 36–8

Win 35–8

Win 34–8

Win 33–8

Win

Tokyo, Japan Win 32–8

Loss 31–8

Win 31–7

Win 30–7

Loss

Tokyo, Japan Win 29–7

Win 28–7

Iowa City, Iowa Win 27–7

Win 26–7

Bydgoszcz, Poland Win 25–7

Win 24–7

Win 23–7

Loss 22–7

Paris, France Win 22–6

Win 21–6

Loss 20–6

Win 20–5

Win 19–5

Tokyo, Japan Win 18–5

Win 17–5

Win 16–5

Loss 15–5

Madrid, Spain Win 15–4

Win 14–4

Win 13–4

Tokyo, Japan Win 12–4

Win 11–4

Win 10–4

Tokyo, Japan Loss 9–4

Win 9–3

Win 8–3

Loss 7–3

Madrid, Spain Win 7–2

Win 6–2

Win 5–2

Win 4–2

Tokyo, Japan Loss 3–2

Win 3–1

Win 2–1

Loss 1–1

Tokyo, Japan Win 1–0