Masakazu Imanari

After a childhood marked by a spinal condition which required surgery three times, Masakazu had his first contact with combat sports at age 18, training kickboxing and catch wrestling at the Fujiwara Dojo by Satoru Sayama's mediation.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1yLDPtVo4Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/T1yLDPtVo4Y |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The Grappling Dummy: Masakazu Imanari|date=18 May 2011|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=2017-03-05}}{{cbignore}} He later moved to Antonio Inoki's Universal Fighting-Arts Organization, and then Kingdom Ehrgeiz, where he trained shoot fighting (a fighting style based on catch wrestling) and MMA with Hidetada Irie before doing his amateur debut.

Imanari gained popularity during his mixed martial arts career in Japanese promotion ZST fighting the likes of top Lightweights including Dokonjonosuke Mishima, Jorge Gurgel and Marcus Aurélio despite being a much smaller Featherweight. He defeated Gurgel, who is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt former UFC fighter via catch wrestling staple submission (heel hook) while being lighter in weight. Imanari also defeated former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Danny Batten. In the first round Batten took Imanari down on the ropes but Imanari attempted a triangle choke. Batten escaped it but Imanari then transitioned to an armbar causing Batten to submit in just over 40 seconds.

Imanari moved on to compete in DEEP where he defeated a top WEC contender and the former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown via submission (heel hook) where Brown's leg became dislocated. Imanari now a top contender in DEEP went on to compete for the title shot against Yoshiro Maeda in which he defeated Maeda via submission (toe hold) to become the new DEEP Featherweight Champion. Imanari made his first KO victory in his first defense for the belt against Takeshi Yamazaki with an up kick.

His next fight, which was his first fight outside Japan, was in London, England where he became the Cage Rage World Featherweight Champion by defeating Robbie Olivier with a flying armbar at Cage Rage 20. This accomplishment made him the only mixed martial artist in the Featherweight division to hold belts in two separate major promotions (DEEP and Cage Rage). He defended his Cage Rage belt for the first time against Jean Silva, winning by reverse heel hook in the first round, injuring Silva's knee in the process.

Imanari was a participant in the Dream Featherweight (63 kg / 138 lb) Grand Prix{{cite web |url=http://mmafighting.com/news/2009/02/05/13-fighters-announced-dream-featherweight-gp |title=Archived copy |website=mmafighting.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206232150/http://mmafighting.com/news/2009/02/05/13-fighters-announced-dream-featherweight-gp |archive-date=6 February 2009 |url-status=dead}} and won his first-round matchup against Atsushi Yamamoto by split decision at DREAM 7 but lost to current DREAM Featherweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes by unanimous decision at DREAM 9.

In 2011 Imanari returned to DREAM to take part in the DREAM Bantamweight Japan Tournament. He won his first two tournament fights in a single night defeating both Keisuke Fujiwara and Kenji Osawa at Dream: Fight for Japan!. The tournament finals took place at Dream: Japan GP Final where Imanari faced off with Hideo Tokoro. Tokoro defeated Imanari to win the tournament, the second-place finish gained Imanari entrance into the Bantamweight Grand Prix. Imanari faced Abel Cullum in the opening round of the Bantamweight Grand Prix at Dream 17 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on Sept. 24.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/bantamweight-pairings-announced-for-grand-prix-at-dream-17 |title=Bantamweight Pairings Announced for Grand Prix at Dream 17 |date=August 5, 2011 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |accessdate=2011-08-05}} He won the bout via submission in the third round. In the semifinal round at Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011, Imanari lost to Antonio Banuelos via split decision.

On January 31, 2012 it was announced that Imanari would be fighting for ONE Fighting Championship, who have a partnership with DREAM which allows both organizations to share fighters. He faced unbeaten URCC Flyweight Champion Kevin Belingon at ONE Fighting Championship 3 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on March 31.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/1/31/2760503/renato-sobral-vs-melvin-manhoef-to-headline-one-fc-3-at-singapore|title=Renato Sobral vs Melvin Manhoef to Headline ONE FC 3 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in March|date=31 January 2012|website=Mmamania.com}} He won the fight via submission in the first round.

After over a year away from the sport, Imanari returned to face Yuta Nezu at Road to ONE 3: Tokyo Fight Night on September 10, 2020.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/road-to-one-3-brings-back-shinya-aoki-and-masakazu-imanari/ | title=Road to One 3 Brings Back Shinya Aoki and Masakazu Imanari | date=27 August 2020 }} Imanari lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Imanari faced Kenta Takizawa in the opening round of the Bantamweight Grand Prix at Rizin 29 on May 30, 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-23|title=Yusuke Yachi faces Yuki Kawana at Rizin 29 {{!}} Asian MMA|url=https://asianmma.com/yusuke-yachi-faces-yuki-kawana-at-rizin-29/|access-date=2021-04-23|website=AsianMMA|language=en}} He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=2021-06-26|title=RIZIN 29 Full Results|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/26/rizin-29-full-results/|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Imanari faced Takeshi Kasugai on October 10, 2021 at Rizin Landmark Vol.1.{{cite web|title=【RIZIN】瀧澤謙太に惜敗の"足関十段"今成正和が春日井"寒天"たけしと対戦＝10・2新イベント「ランドマーク」開催|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/97fe744f3c0ead5bde8bbe05da15855e6696fd0a|access-date=23 August 2021|website=news.yahoo.co.jp}} He won the bout via armbar in the first round.{{Cite web|title=【RIZIN】45歳の今成正和が5年ぶり勝利 「珍しくすっきり勝っちゃってうれしいです」（ENCOUNT）|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c6a47efd9e4c6963041fe5773c4d3a5fa97f7da7|access-date=2021-10-03|website=Yahoo!ニュース|language=ja}}

Imanari faced Chihiro Suzuki at Rizin Landmark 4 on November 6, 2022. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |title=【RIZIN】平本蓮が弥益ドミネーターを空手＆ケージDFでドミネートし判定勝ち、鈴木千裕が今成越え、元谷が倉本と大激闘、SARAMIが魂のテイクダウンでラーラを下す、中村が征... |url=https://gonkaku.jp/articles/12040?page=2 |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU}}

Imanari faced Kazumasa Majima in the co-main event of Rizin Landmark 8 on February 24, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Kian |title=Masakazu Imanari Returns To MMA At RIZIN Landmark 8 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/masakazu-imanari-returns-to-mma-at-rizin-landmark-8/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=20 February 2024 |access-date=20 February 2024}} He won the fight by submission in the second round.{{cite web |title=Masakazu Imanari Lands Wild Comeback Armbar At RIZIN Landmark 8 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/masakazu-imanari-lands-wild-comeback-armbar-at-rizin-landmark-8/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=25 February 2024 |access-date=25 February 2024}}

Imanari competed at the 6th All Japan Combat Wrestling Championship on March 20, 2000 in Tokyo. He placed second in the 69 kg division behind Kazuya Abe.

Imanari competed at the 7th All Japan Combat Wrestling Championship on March 20, 2001. He placed second again, this time in the 76 kg division behind Rumina Sato.

Imanari competed at Quintet Fight Night 5 on October 27, 2020 as a part of Team Tokoro Plus α 2nd. He registered two draws at the event but his team won the tournament.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/quintet-fight-night-5-full-results-and-review/ | title=Quintet Fight Night 5 Full Results and Review | date=28 October 2020 }}

He then faced Kenta Iwamoto in the main event of Battle Hazard 8 on November 22, 2020.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/shuichiro-katsumura-discusses-battle-hazard-8-imanari-v-iwamoto/ | title=Shuichiro Katsumura Discusses Battle Hazard 8: Masakazu Imanari v Kenta Iwamoto | date=14 November 2020 }} He lost the match by submission after Iwamoto caught him in an arm-triangle choke.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/battle-hazard-8-full-results-and-play-by-play/ | title=Battle Hazard 8 Full Results and Play by Play | date=22 November 2020 }}

Imanari competed against Mikey Musumeci in a submission grappling match at ONE 156 on April 22, 2022.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mikey-musumeci-to-face-masakazu-imanari-in-one-championship-debut/ | title=Mikey Musumeci to Face Masakazu Imanari in ONE Championship Debut | date=31 March 2022 }} Musumeci submitted him with a rear-naked choke at 4:09 that earned a $50,000 'Performance Bonus'.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mikey-musumeci-earns-50k-for-submitting-masakazu-imanari-at-one-156/ | title=Mikey Musumeci Earns $50k for Submitting Masakazu Imanari at One 156 | date=24 April 2022 }}

Imanari challenged Takuma Sudo for the featherweight title at Level-G Pro on June 16, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Kian |title=Masakazu Imanari Returns To Grappling To Face Takuma Sudo At Level-G Pro |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/masakazu-imanari-returns-to-grappling-to-face-takuma-sudo-at-level-g-pro/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=14 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024}} He lost the match by submission.

Imanari competed against Marcelo Garcia at ONE 170 on January 24, 2025.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Sabrina |title=Marcelo Garcia Set To Face Masakazu Imanari At ONE 170 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/marcelo-garcia-set-to-face-masakazu-imanari-at-one-170/ |website=Jits Magazine |access-date=4 December 2024}} He lost the match by submission with a north-south choke.{{cite web |title=Marcelo Garcia Puts On Incredible Display Against Masakazu Imanari In His Return At ONE 170 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/marcelo-garcia-puts-on-incredible-display-against-masakazu-imanari-in-his-return-at-one-170/ |website=Jits Magazine |access-date=24 January 2025}}

Imanari left catch wrestling-based team Team Roken in 2008 and founded Nippon Top Team with Shinya Aoki and Satoru Kitaoka. However, Aoki left for Evolve MMA of Singapore, whereas Kitaoka joined Lotus Paraestra, Setagaya branch of Paraestra. Consequently, Imanari founded his own team, Imanari Jiu JItsu.

Imanari is an A-level shoot wrestler (better known as catch wrestling in the west) under Yuki Nakai. He was later also presented a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt by Marco Barbosa.[http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-news/best-jiu-jitsu-fighter-in-mma-today Top BJJ Fighters in MMA today], BJJ Heroes

Imanari is primarily a grappler, and is universally known for his skill and preference for leglocks,Snowden, Jonathan. MMA Encyclopedia, ECW Press, 2010 which gained him the nickname of "Ashikan Judan" ("The Great Master of Leg Submissions"). Though his striking game is considered inferior, Imanari often engages in stand-up battles in order to bait the opponent to the ground, usually by dropping down after or while seizing control of his leg{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/5/2/2993977/bloody-elbow-judo-chop-masakazu-imanari-scares-kevin-belingon-and-the|title=Imanari gets another leg|date=2 May 2012|publisher=Bloody Elbow|accessdate=2017-03-05}} or by way of ashi garami.{{cite web|url=https://awesomejiujitsu.com/2015/06/23/ashi-garami/|title=Ashi Garami|date=23 June 2015|website=Awesomejiujitsu.com|accessdate=2017-03-05}} He stands out for his dexterity in toehold and heel hook variations, and is an avid user of the 50/50 guard in order to transition between submission attempts. He describes his signature leglock style as not based in sambo as it is popularly believed, but "purely self-taught", and explained his preference for it as "because it hurts the opponent".{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/3/9/2856661/belingon-vs-imanari-manny-pacquiao-mma-one-fc-interview|title=Interview: Imanari Loves Leg Locks 'Because It Hurts The Opponent', Says Belingon Can Be MMA's Manny Pacquiao|date=9 March 2012|publisher=Bloody Elbow}}

The "Imanari Roll"{{cite news|title=The Evolution Of The Imanari Roll In MMA & BJJ|url=http://www.flograppling.com/article/51840-the-evolution-of-the-imanari-roll-in-mma-bjj|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=FloGrappling.com}}{{cite news|title=Imanari roll to inside heel hook - Learn to Grapple|url=http://learntograpple.com/imanari-roll-inside-heel-hook/|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=LearntoGrapple.com|date=10 January 2016}} (rolling from a stand up position into a leglock) and the "leggy neck choke"{{cite news|title=The 411 MMA Year-End Awards: Part Five – The Best Submissions of 2016|url=http://411mania.com/mma/the-411-mma-year-end-awards-part-five-the-best-submissions-of-2016/|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=411mania.com}}{{cite news|last1=Sanchez|first1=Josh|title=Mackenzie Dern already in talks with the UFC|url=http://campussports.net/2016/10/26/mackenzie-dern-already-in-talks-with-the-ufc/|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=CampusSports.net|date=26 October 2016}} (a combination of an omoplata and a rear naked choke) are grappling moves named after him due to his usage of them.

• Cage Rage
• Cage Rage World Featherweight Championship (One time, only)
• One successful title defense
• DEEP
• DEEP Bantamweight Championship (One time; first)
• Two successful title defenses
• DEEP Featherweight Championship (Two times, first)
• One successful title defense
• DREAM
• 2011 Japan Bantamweight Grand Prix runner-up
• 2011 World Bantamweight Grand Prix semifinalist

• Japan Combat Wrestling Association
• 6th All Japan Combat Wrestling Championship (2000) - 69kg, 2nd place{{Cite web |last= |date=2000-03-20 |title=第６回全日本コンバットレスリング選手権大会結果 |url=https://japancombatwrestling.blogspot.com/2000/03/all06.html |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Japan Combat Wrestling Association |language=JA}}
• 7th All Japan Combat Wrestling Championship (2001) - 76kg, 2nd place{{Cite web |last= |date=2001-03-20 |title=第７回全日本コンバットレスリング選手権大会結果 |url=https://japancombatwrestling.blogspot.com/2012/12/all07.html |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Japan Combat Wrestling Association |language=JA}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws= 2

| nc=

| ko-wins= 1

| ko-losses= 4

| sub-wins= 29

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins= 10

| dec-losses= 18

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center |40–22–2

|Kazumasa Majima

|Submission (armbar)

|Rizin Landmark 8

|{{dts|2024|February|24}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:37

|Saga, Japan

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center| 39–22–2

|Chihiro Suzuki

|Decision (unanimous)

|Rizin Landmark 4

|{{dts|2022|November|6}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Nagoya, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center | 39–21–2

|Takahiro Ashida

|Decision (unanimous)

|Deep: 109 Impact

|{{dts|2022|August|21}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center | {{nowrap|39–20–2}}

|Takeshi Kasugai

|Submission (armbar)

|Rizin Landmark 1

|{{dts|2021|October|2}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:50

|Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center | 38–20–2

|Kenta Takizawa

|Decision (unanimous)

|Rizin 29

|{{dts|2021|June|27}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Osaka, Japan

|{{small|Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix 2021 Opening Round.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center | 38–19–2

| Yuta Nezu

| Decision (unanimous)

| Road to ONE 3: Tokyo Fight Night

| {{dts|2020|September|10}}

| align=center | 3

| align=center | 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center | 38–18–2

| Kwon Won-il

| Submission (heel hook)

| ONE: Call to Greatness

| {{dts|2019|February|22}}

| align=center | 1

| align=center | 0:53

| Kallang, Singapore

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center | 37–18–2

| Radeem Rahman

| Submission (armbar)

| ONE: Pursuit of Greatness

| {{dts|2018|October|26}}

| align=center | 1

| align=center | 1:23

| Yangon, Myanmar

|

|-

| {{no2}} Loss

| align=center| 36–18–2

| Kim Dae-hwan

| Decision (unanimous)

| ONE: Heroes of Honor

| {{dts|2018|April|20}}

| align=center|3

| align=center|5:00

| Manila, Philippines

|

|-

| {{no2}} Loss

| align=center| 36–17–2

| Yusup Saadulaev

| Decision (unanimous)

| ONE: Kings of Courage

| {{dts|2018|January|20}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Jakarta, Indonesia

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 36–16–2

| Juri Ohara

| Submission (leglock)

| DEEP 78 Impact: Welterweight GP 2nd Round

| {{dts|2017|March|18}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:23

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 35–16–2

| Tatsunao Nagakura

| Decision (split)

| DEEP Cage Impact 2016: DEEP vs. WSOF-GC

| {{dts|2016|December|17}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Won the vacant DEEP Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 34–16–2

| Yoshihiko Shinzato

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP: Cage Impact 2016

| {{dts|2016|October|18}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:32

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}} Loss

| align=center| 33–16–2

| Byeon Jae-eun

| Decision (Majority)

| DEEP: 77 Impact

| {{dts|2016|August|27}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 33–15–2

| Nam Phan

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP Cage Impact 2016

| {{dts|2016|April|23}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:35

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}} Loss

| align=center| 32–15–2

| Kazunori Yokota

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 74 Impact

| {{dts|2015|December|20}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 32–14–2

| Yang Mun-hwan

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP: Cage Impact 2015

| {{dts|2015|August|29}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:21

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 31–14–2

| Cristian Binda

| Submission (armbar)

| Venator FC: Guerrieri Italiani Finals

| {{dts|2015|May|30}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:33

| Bologna, Italy

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 30–14–2

| Daisuke Maku

| Submission (armbar)

| DEEP: Hachioji Chojin Matsuri

| {{dts|2015|April|5}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:11

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}} Win

| align=center| 29–14–2

| Kenichi Ito

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Grandslam MMA 2: Way of the Cage

| {{dts|2015|February|8}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:06

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}} Loss

| align=center| 28–14–2

| Mizuto Hirota

| TKO (punches)

| DEEP: 69 Impact

| {{dts|2014|October|26}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:38

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Featherweight bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 28–13–2

| Park Chan-jung

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP: 68 Impact

| {{dts|2014|August|23}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:22

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 27–13–2

| Haruo Ochi

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| DEEP: 67 Impact

| {{dts|2014|June|22}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 0:51

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 27–12–2

| Yuki Motoya

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 65 Impact

| {{dts|2014|March|22}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 27–11–2

| Kenichi Ito

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 61 Impact

| {{dts|2013|February|16}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 26–11–2

| Masahiro Oishi

| Submission (toe hold)

| DEEP: 59 Impact

| {{dts|2012|August|18}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:01

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 25–11–2

| Leandro Issa

| Decision (unanimous)

| ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors

| {{dts|2012|June|23}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 25–10–2

| Kevin Belingon

| Submission (reverse heel hook)

| ONE FC: War of the Lions

| {{dts|2012|March|31}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:18

| Kallang, Singapore

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 24–10–2

| Antonio Banuelos

| Decision (split)

| Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011

| {{dts|2011|December|31}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|DREAM World Bantamweight Grand Prix Eliminator (Semifinal).}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 24–9–2

| Abel Cullum

| Submission (armbar)

| Dream 17

| {{dts|2011|September|24}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 0:46

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|DREAM World Bantamweight Grand Prix Eliminator (Opening Round).}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 23–9–2

| Hideo Tokoro

| Decision (unanimous)

| DREAM: Japan GP Final

| {{dts|2011|July|16}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|DREAM Bantamweight Tournament Final.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 23–8–2

| Kenji Osawa

| Submission (heel hook)

| rowspan=2|DREAM: Fight for Japan!

| rowspan=2|{{dts|2011|May|29}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 0:58

| rowspan=2|Saitama, Japan

| {{small|DREAM Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–8–2

| Keisuke Fujiwara

| Decision (unanimous)

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| {{small|DREAM Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 21–8–2

| Hiroshi Nakamura

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 52 Impact

| {{dts|2011|February|25}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Non-title bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–7–2

| Daiki Hata

| Decision (majority)

| DEEP: 50 Impact

| {{dts|2010|October|24}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Non-title bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–7–2

| Tomoya Miyashita

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 49 Impact

| {{dts|2010|August|27}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Defended the DEEP Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–7–2

| Isao Terada

| Submission (armbar)

| DEEP: 47 Impact

| {{dts|2010|April|17}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 0:27

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–7–2

| Justin Cruz

| Submission (omoplata crossface)

| DEEP: Cage Impact 2009

| {{dts|2009|December|19}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:39

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Catchweight (137 lb) bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–7–2

| Tomohiko Hori

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 43 Impact

| {{dts|2009|August|23}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Defended the DEEP Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–7–2

| Bibiano Fernandes

| Decision (unanimous)

| DREAM 9

| {{dts|2009|May|26}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–6–2

| Atsushi Yamamoto

| Decision (split)

| DREAM 7

| {{dts|2009|March|8}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|Dream Featherweight Grand Prix Opening Round.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–6–2

| Hiroshi Umemura

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP: 37 Impact

| {{dts|2008|August|17}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:29

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Won the inaugural DEEP Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 14–6–2

| Dokonjonosuke Mishima

| Decision (majority)

| DEEP: 35 Impact

| {{dts|2008|May|19}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Lost the DEEP Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–5–2

| Jean Silva

| Submission (heel hook)

| Cage Rage 25

| {{dts|2008|March|8}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:30

| London, England

| {{small|Defended the Cage Rage Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–5–2

| Hiroyuki Abe

| Submission (toe hold)

| DEEP: 32 Impact

| {{dts|2007|October|9}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:32

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–5–2

| Kim Jong-Man

| Submission (armbar)

| DEEP: 31 Impact

| {{dts|2007|August|5}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:28

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Defended the DEEP Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–5–2

| Robbie Olivier

| Submission (armbar)

| Cage Rage 20

| {{dts|2007|February|10}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:27

| London, England

| {{small|Won the inaugural Cage Rage Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–5–2

| Takeshi Yamazaki

| KO (upkick)

| DEEP: 26 Impact

| {{dts|2006|October|10}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 1:49

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Defended the DEEP Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 9–5–2

| Fredson Paixão

| Decision (majority)

| DEEP: 25 Impact

| {{dts|2006|August|4}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–4–2

| Yoshiro Maeda

| Submission (toe hold)

| rowspan=2|DEEP: 22 Impact

| rowspan=2|{{dts|2005|December|2}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 1:31

| rowspan=2|Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|Won the inaugural DEEP Featherweight Championship. Won the DEEP Featherweight Tournament.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–4–2

| Mike Brown

| Submission (rolling kneebar)

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:38

| {{small|DEEP Featherweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–4–2

| Fábio Mello

| Decision (unanimous)

| DEEP: 21st Impact

| {{dts|2005|October|28}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

| {{small|DEEP Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 6–4–2

| Joachim Hansen

| KO (knee)

| PRIDE Bushido 8

| {{dts|2005|July|17}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:34

| Nagoya, Japan

| {{small|Lightweight bout.}}

|-

| {{draw}}Draw

| align=center| 6–3–2

| Yoshiro Maeda

| Draw (majority)

| DEEP: 18th Impact

| {{dts|2005|February|5}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–3–1

| Renato Tavares

| Submission (heel hook)

| DEEP: 17th Impact

| {{dts|2004|December|17}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:36

| Nagoya, Japan

| {{small|Return to Featherweight.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 5–3–1

| Luiz Firmino

| Decision (unanimous)

| PRIDE Bushido 5

| {{dts|2004|October|14}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Osaka, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 5–2–1

| Marcus Aurélio

| Decision (split)

| Zst: Grand Prix Final Round

| {{dts|2004|January|11}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–1–1

| Jorge Gurgel

| Submission (heel hook)

| Zst: Grand Prix Opening Round

| {{dts|2003|November|23}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:32

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 4–1–1

| Dokonjonosuke Mishima

| TKO (punches)

| DEEP: 11th Impact

| {{dts|2003|July|13}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:58

| Osaka, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0–1

| Danny Batten

| Submission (armbar)

| Zst: The Battlefield 3

| {{dts|2003|June|1}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:43

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0–1

| Erikas Petraitis

| Decision (unanimous)

| Zst: The Battlefield 2

| {{dts|2003|June|1}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0–1

| Yuji Oba

| Decision (majority)

| Pancrase: 2002 Anniversary Show

| {{dts|2002|September|29}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Yokohama, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0–1

| Tokusaburo Iwama

| Submission (heel hook)

| Premium Challenge

| {{dts|2002|May|6}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:24

| Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{draw}}Draw

| align=center| 0–0–1

| Ryoji Sai

| Technical Draw

| Titan Fighting Championship 1

| {{dts|2000|September|29}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:29

| Tokyo, Japan

|

{{end}}

• List of current ONE fighters

{{Reflist}}

• {{Sherdog}}
• [https://jiujitsupedia.co.uk/free-jiu-jitsu-instructional-by-masakazu-imanari/ Free instructional - Master of Leglocks by Masakazu Imanari] Free online instructional by Masakazu Imanari

{{DEFAULTSORT:Imanari, Masakazu}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Living people

Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists

Category:Deep (mixed martial arts) champions

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Japanese catch wrestlers

Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists

Category:Japanese practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Japanese submission wrestlers

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing catch wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing shoot wrestling

Category:ONE Championship mixed martial artists

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People from Hadano, Kanagawa

Category:Martial artists from Kanagawa Prefecture