Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta

Weight Limit
124.78 LBS / 56.6 KG
Height
5'2" FT / 160 CM
Country
Age
37 Y
Team
Wajutsu Keishukai Hearts

About Yosuke Saruta

Former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Yosuke Saruta built the foundations of a highly successful martial arts career with gymnastics as a youth. However, he felt like he didn’t have a future in the sport and was left searching for a new challenge. 

Saruta would find his calling by chance when a mixed martial arts gym opened near his house and decided to start training. After just a year, the Japanese athlete was already stepping into the cage to compete, and he went on to have an impressive run as an amateur.

Encouraged by his success, he decided to embark on a career as a professional mixed martial artist and relocated to Tokyo to pursue his dreams full-time. However, the move was not without its obstacles, as his family didn’t approve of his new career path. Thankfully, he had the support of the love of his life, who would later become his wife. 

Spurred by her support, Saruta dedicated himself to his dreams and enjoyed a stellar run through the highly competitive Japanese scene, culminating in the Shooto Strawweight Title in 2017.

After 10 years of domestic success, Saruta finally had his chance to shine on the global stage by signing with ONE Championship, and he seized the golden opportunity. 

The Tokyo resident made an instant impact in his promotional debut, stunning former titleholder Alex Silva via unanimous decision in December 2018. Just one month later, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, dethroning Joshua Pacio to claim the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title.

Though he lost the belt to Pacio in his first World Title defense, Saruta is eager to reclaim the gold. He’ll kick-start another run at ONE Fight Night 19, where he faces Mansur Malachiev.

ONE Championship Records

Event Results

Result Method Round Method and round Opponent Opponent and event Country Date Event
LOSS
Unanimous Decision UD
R3 (5:00)
Unanimous Decision
R3 (5:00)
R3 (5:00)
Mansur Malachiev
Russia
Russia Feb 16, 2024
ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo on Prime Video
Feb 16, 2024
LOSS
Unanimous Decision UD
R3 (5:00)
Unanimous Decision
R3 (5:00)
R3 (5:00)
Gustavo Balart
Cuba
Cuba Apr 22, 2022
ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic
Apr 22, 2022
LOSS
TKO TKO
R1 (3:38)
TKO
R1 (3:38)
R1 (3:38)
Joshua Pacio
Philippines
Revolution
Sep 24, 2021
Philippines Sep 24, 2021
Revolution
Sep 24, 2021
WIN
Knockout KO
R2 (0:59)
Knockout
R2 (0:59)
R2 (0:59)
Daichi Kitakata
Japan
CENTURY PART II
Oct 13, 2019
Japan Oct 13, 2019
CENTURY PART II
Oct 13, 2019
LOSS
Knockout KO
R4 (2:43)
Knockout
R4 (2:43)
R4 (2:43)
Joshua Pacio
Philippines
Roots Of Honor
Apr 12, 2019
Philippines Apr 12, 2019
Roots Of Honor
Apr 12, 2019
WIN
Split Decision SD
R5
Split Decision
R5
R5
Joshua Pacio
Philippines
Eternal Glory
Jan 19, 2019
Philippines Jan 19, 2019
Eternal Glory
Jan 19, 2019

Breakdown

Wins - 3
Losses - 4
1
Knockout KO
1
0
TKO TKO
1
1
Unanimous Decision UD
2
1
Split Decision SD
0

Finish Rate

Finishes
1
Finish Rate
33%
Wins
3
Total Bouts
7

Bout Duration

Avg. Bout Duration
07m : 28s
Total Duration
0h : 52m : 20s

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