Profiles

Naoya Ogawa
193cm 115kg
Born in Suginami Ward, Tokyo on 1968/03/31

Started judo during high school. Entered Meiji University in '86. Ogawa won the All Japan Student Judo Championship in his freshman year. In '87, he won world judo championship in open weight division and became the youngest champion in the history. In the world championship of '89, he won both 95kg and open weight divisions. After graduating Meiji University in '90, Ogawa started working for Japan Racing Association. He also won silver medal in 95kg class in the '92 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Finished only as 5th during '96 Atlanta Olympics and retired from judo soon after. After coaching successors, he left JRA in '97 to become a professional fighter. Defeated Shinya Hashimoto in his debut on '97/04/12.


Original Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama)
173cm 95kg
Born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi on 1957/11/27

Joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling in '75. Debut against Shouji Kai on '76/05/28 at Kourakuen Hall in Tokyo. In '78, Sayama went to Mexico, where he became a legendary wrestler about whom people talk even today. After wrestling in Britain, Sayama returned to Japan as Tiger Mask in '81 and became a big sensation. In '83, he shocked the puroresu world by announcing his retirement. He returned to the ring in '84 as Super Tiger for the original UWF promotion. After having an infamous shoot match against Akira Maeda, Sayam again retired from puroresu in '85 and founded Japan Pro Shooting Association (a.k.a. Shooto) to continue on his own vision of martial arts. Returned to puroresu in '95 by participating as an opponent for Inoki's Final Countdown series. Renamed Tiger King after his match against Inoki on '97/04/12. Left UFO in '99 and started Seikendo.


Kazunari Murakami
186cm 95kg
Born in Yao, Toyama on 1973/11/29

Started judo during high school. While in judo team of Takushoku University, Murakami met Yoshinori Nishi. In '95/04, he joined Wajutsu Kenshuukai lead by Nishi. In August of the same year, he won Real Martial-Arts Trial Tournament Globe Rule Heavyweight division. In '96/10, he participated in the 3rd Extreme Fighting Championship and defeated Bart Vail by TKO in the first round. During the 4th EFC on '97/03/28, Murakami lost to EFC Heavyweight champion Maurice Smith. Defeated Joe Dixon on '97/10/11 in PRIDE-1's opening match. In '98/07, he founded International Jiujitsu Federation: Jundoh Kaikan. Became officially a member of UFO in '99/04.


Kazuyuki Fujita
182cm 115kg
Born in Funabashi, Chiba on 1970/10/16

After getting into amateur wrestling in high school, Fujita won All Japan Student Championship for four consecutive years while attending Nippon University. After graduating in '93, he joined Toukon Club to concentrate on Atlanta Olympics. Although he won All Japan championship twice, he was not given the right to wrestle for the Olympics. Joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling in '96. He became a big candidate for future top star with his incredible strength. However, he left New Japan in 2000/01 and became a mixed martial artist under management of Inoki. By participating in PRIDE series and defeating Mark Kerr, Fujita is now known as the last one to keep the tradition of the "Fighting Spirit".


Muhammad Ali, UFO President of Honor
Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1938.

The greatest superstar in the history of boxing who had a match of century against Inoki. Inoki's biggest opponent and a friend. Although Ali is suffering with his decease, he had a guest appearance at North Korea Peave Festival. He received worldwide attention as the last torch runner of the Atlanta Olympics. Ali also had a guest appearance for Inoki's retirement match. Becomes "President of Honor" at the foundation of the UFO. Former pro-boxing world heavyweight champion.


Toshio Fujiwara, special advisor
Bornin Miyako, Iwate on 1948/03/03

Joined Mejiro Gym in '69. Wins All Japan (kickboxing) Lightweight championship in '71. Defeated the reigning champion Charanpon Sotai during '77 Thailand tour. In the following year, Fujiwara becomes the first foreign holder of Rajadamnan Stadium Lightweight Title, defeating Monsawan Rukchenmai by KO. He holds the record of 126 wins (97 KOs), 13 losses, and 2 draws in his career of 141 matches. He currently coaches successors as the head of "New Martial Art: Fujiwara Dojo".


Brad Rheigans, special advisor
Born in Appleton, Minnesota on 1935/12/13

Started amateur wrestling at the age of 13 and wins 92kg class of '72 World Cup in free style. Ranked 4th in the greco-roman style during the Montreal Olmpics. Finished as the 3rd in '79 World Championship. Though he was almost promised the gold medal in the '80 Olympics in Moscow, he was unable to particiapte because of the boycott by U.S. government. Turn pro after being scouted by Verne Gagne. Wins AWA World Tag Team title with Ken Patera in '89/03. Currently, he has a gym in Minneapolis and trains the wrestlers such as Scott Norton. He's also a manager of Don Frye.