Best fights of Masakatsu Funaki
Over 19 years as a professional, Masakatsu Funaki has compiled a 39-13-2 (38) record, including five title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Masakatsu Funaki submits Yuki Kondo in their 3rd fight
On December 20, 1997 Masakatsu Funaki fought Yuki Kondo for the Pancrase Openweight title. It was their third meeting. Funaki was 28 years old with a record of 32-7, and Kondo was 22 with a record of 17-4-1. Both Funaki and Kondo were on a 4-fight winning streak. Funaki submitted Yuki Kondo via triangle kimura in the 1st round. Crowned the new champion.
2. Masakatsu Funaki submits Ikuhisa Minowa in 52 seconds
On September 23, 2008 Masakatsu Funaki faced Ikuhisa Minowa in a light heavyweight bout. Funaki was 39 years old with a record of 38-13-1, and Minowa was 32 with a record of 40-28-8. Funaki was on a 3-fight losing streak, while Minowa was coming off a win. Funaki submitted Ikuhisa Minowa via heel hook in the 1st round.
3. Masakatsu Funaki submits Guy Mezger in their 2nd fight
On September 6, 1997 Masakatsu Funaki faced Guy Mezger in a lightweight bout. It was their second meeting. Funaki was 28 years old with a record of 30-7, and Mezger was 29 with a record of 14-4-2. Funaki was on a 2-fight winning streak and Mezger was on a 3-fight winning streak. Funaki submitted Guy Mezger via triangle armbar in the 1st round.
4. Masakatsu Funaki defeats Semmy Schilt in their 2nd fight
On March 18, 1998 Masakatsu Funaki faced Semmy Schilt. It was their second meeting. Funaki was 29 years old with a record of 34-7, and Schilt was 24 with a record of 5-6. Funaki was on a 6-fight winning streak, while Schilt was coming off a loss. Funaki won via unanimous decision.
5. Masakatsu Funaki submits Ken Shamrock in their 2nd fight
On September 1, 1994 Masakatsu Funaki faced Ken Shamrock. It was their second meeting. Funaki was 25 years old with a record of 8-2, and Shamrock was 30 with a record of 8-2. Funaki was coming off a win and Shamrock was on a 3-fight winning streak. Funaki submitted Ken Shamrock via rear-naked choke in the 1st round.
6. Masakatsu Funaki chokes out Minoru Suzuki
On October 15, 1994 Masakatsu Funaki faced Minoru Suzuki. Funaki was 25 years old with a record of 9-2, and Suzuki was 26 with a record of 9-2. Both Funaki and Suzuki were on a 2-fight winning streak. Funaki submitted Minoru Suzuki via choke-out in the 1st round.
7. Masakatsu Funaki loses to Guy Mezger in their 3rd fight via unanimous decision
On April 26, 1998 Masakatsu Funaki defended his Pancrase Openweight lightweight title against Guy Mezger. It was their third meeting. Funaki was 29 years old with a record of 35-7, and Mezger was 30 with a record of 19-5-2. Funaki was on a 7-fight winning streak and Mezger was on a 5-fight winning streak. Funaki lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title.
8. Masakatsu Funaki submits Osami Shibuya in their 2nd fight
On July 26, 1998 Masakatsu Funaki faced Osami Shibuya. It was their second meeting. Funaki was 29 years old with a record of 35-8, and Shibuya was 0 with a record of 0-0. Funaki was coming off a loss. Funaki submitted Osami Shibuya via arm triangle choke in the 1st round.
9. Masakatsu Funaki submits Tony Petarra
On September 18, 1999 Masakatsu Funaki faced Tony Petarra. Funaki was 30 years old with a record of 37-10-1, and Petarra was 0 with a record of 0-0. Funaki submitted Tony Petarra via punches in the 1st round.
10. Masakatsu Funaki submits John Renken
On December 19, 1998 Masakatsu Funaki faced John Renken. Funaki was 29 years old with a record of 36-10, and Renken was 0 with a record of 0-0. Funaki was on a 2-fight losing streak. Funaki submitted John Renken via punches in the 1st round.