Shinsho Anzai

is a Japanese mixed martial artist and wrestler. A professional competitor since 2009, he has fought in the UFC, Bellator, Pancrase and King of the Cage.

Background Born and raised in Japan, Anzai began wrestling in high school at the age of 15. Anzai later continued wrestling at Meiji University, and also attended Kokugakuin University. In amateur wrestling, Anzai was second place at the 2005 All-Japan Junior Olympic Cup, was first place at the 2008 All-Japan Combat Wrestling Championship (over 80 kg). Anzai also won the ADCC Asia Trials in 2011 at 99 kg and 2013 at 88 kg, respectively.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Anzai made his professional MMA debut in May 2009. He fought exclusively in his native Japan for the Pancrase and King of the Cage (Japan) promotions. During the next six years he amassed a record of 8–1.

Ultimate Fighting Championship In his UFC debut, Anzai stepped in to replace Sheldon Westcott against Alberto Mina on August 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 48. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

In his second fight for the promotion, Anzai faced Roger Zapata on September 26, 2015, at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson. He won the fight via TKO due to a hand injury Zapata sustained in the third round.

After nearly two years away from the promotion, Anzai returned to face Luke Jumeau on September 23, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Anzai faced Jake Matthews on June 23, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 132. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Anzai was released from the UFC in July 2019.

Post-UFC career After his release from the UFC, Anzai won one fight in his native Deep promotion before signing with the Bellator. He made his promotional debut against Michael Page at Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019. He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

After an almost 3 year layoff, Anzai returned against Victor Valenzuela on May 13, 2023 at Combate Global: Mexico vs. Japan, losing the bout via ground and pound TKO in the second round.

Anzai fought Igor Tanabe at RIZIN 46 on December 31, 2023. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Championships and achievements Pancrase Middleweight King of Pancrase (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Igor Tanabe Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) Rizin 45

Saitama, Japan Loss

Victor Valenzuela TKO (elbows and punches) Combate Global: Mexico vs. Japan

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Michael Page KO (punch) Bellator 237

Saitama, Japan Win

Yoichiro Sato Technical Decision (majority) DEEP 91 Impact

Tokyo, Japan Loss

Jake Matthews Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Edwards

Kallang, Singapore Win

Luke Jumeau Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Okami

Saitama, Japan Win

Roger Zapata TKO (hand injury) UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

Saitama, Japan Loss

Alberto Mina TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Le

Macau SAR, China Win

Ryo Kawamura TKO (punches) Pancrase 259

Tokyo, Japan Win

Will Noland TKO (punches) Pancrase 252: 20th Anniversary

Yokohama, Japan Win

Yuji Hisamatsu Decision (unanimous) Pancrase 247

Tokyo, Japan Win

Lee Hyun-gwan TKO (soccer kick) Pancrase: Progress Tour 12

Tokyo, Japan Win

Yuji Sakuragi Decision (unanimous) Pancrase: Progress Tour 3

Tokyo, Japan Win

Akihito Tanaka TKO (punches) Pancrase: Impressive Tour 8

Tokyo, Japan Loss

Jerry Nelson Decision (split) KOTC: Toryumon

Ginowan, Japan