Riki Fukuda

Riki Fukuda (Japanese: 福田 力, Fukuda Riki; born January 6, 1981), is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division. A professional competitor since 2004, he has formerly competed for the UFC, EliteXC, DEEP, DREAM, K-1 (MMA), Shooto, and Pancrase. Currently, he runs an izakaya-style restaurant in Leiden, The Netherlands.

Fukuda was a member of the Yamanashi Gakuin University's wrestling team. At the All Japan University Championships, he placed third in 2002 and second in 2003 in his weight class. Fukuda then joined Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling and made his professional wrestling debut in March 2003.

In his professional mixed martial arts debut at SuperBrawl, Fukuda surprised many by taking Joe Doerksen to decision. Over the years, he has worked for the Japanese promotions Shooto, Pancrase and K-1. In February 2007, he made his debut in the EliteXC promotion at EliteXC Destiny. He then lost a close decision to Joey Villasenor on the September 15, 2007 EliteXC: Uprising card.

Fukuda fought at DREAM.8 as a late replacement for Yoon Dong-Sik, where he defeated Murilo Rua by unanimous decision. At DEEP 42, Riki defeated Yuichi Nakanishi via unanimous decision to become the DEEP Middleweight Champion. Fukuda successfully defended the title against Hiromitsu Kanehara at DEEP 46. At DEEP 49, Riki successfully defended the title against Ryuta Sakurai winning the fight via TKO due to knees. During his bout with Sakurai, Fukuda was able to push the pace, causing Sakurai to fall out of the cage twice. In the first round, Fukuda successfully completed a takedown, but in the process Sakurai fell out of the ring and hit his face on the bell. In the second round, Fukuda landed a knee to the midsection which cause Sakurai to fall, but as he fell he landed on the ground outside the ring; head first. Fukuda was given the victory by TKO, when Sakurai was not able to continue from the head injury.

In October 2010, it was revealed Fukuda had signed with the UFC. Fukuda made his promotional debut against TUF 11 alumni, Nick Ring on February 27, 2011, at UFC 127. Fukuda lost his UFC debut by a controversial unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). All three judges gave Ring the first two rounds with Fukuda winning the final round, despite controlling all three rounds with takedowns. Despite the loss on the scorecards, UFC president Dana White felt Fukuda won the bout and stated on his Twitter account that both fighters would be paid a win bonus.

Fukuda was expected to face Rafael Natal on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133. However, Fukuda was forced out of the bout due to a knee injury sustained in a car accident and replaced by Costas Philippou.

Fukuda faced Steve Cantwell on February 26, 2012, at UFC 144. Fukuda defeated Cantwell via unanimous decision.

Fukuda lost to Costas Philippou on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148 via unanimous decision.