Michinori Tanaka is a Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division. Tanaka has fought in various promotions including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
You can follow Michinori Tanaka’s biography, personal details, career overview, net worth, fight purse, records, achievements, and more here.
Michinori Tanaka’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Michinori Tanaka |
| Nickname | – |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1990 |
| Age | 34 |
| Place of Birth | Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 1.65 m (5’5″) |
| Weight | 61 kg (135 lbs) |
| Weight Class | Bantamweight |
| Reach | 1.71 m (67″) |
| Leg Reach | 0.94 m (37″) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Reversal Gym Yokohama Ground Slam |
| Professional Debut | October 16, 2010 |
| UFC Debut | June 14, 2014 |
| Current Promotion | Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) |
| UFC Record | 2 wins, 3 losses |
| Total UFC Octagon Time | 1:15:00 |
| Last UFC Fight | February 4, 2017 |
| Last Recorded Fight | July 9, 2023 (Pancrase 336) |
Professional Career
Michinori Tanaka’s professional mixed martial arts career began in 2010 and has spanned over a decade. He started his journey in Shooto, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning the 2011 Shooto Rookie 132-pound tournament.
Tanaka’s success in Shooto led him to Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), where he captured the bantamweight title in 2013 by defeating Crisanto Pitpitunge and successfully defended it against Kyle Aguon.
In 2014, Tanaka’s career reached new heights when he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He made his UFC debut with a unanimous decision victory over Roland Delorme at UFC 174.
During his UFC tenure, Tanaka faced tough competition, including a notable split decision loss to Kyung Ho Kang, which was initially awarded Fight of the Night before being rescinded due to Tanaka testing positive for banned substances.
After his release from the UFC in 2017, Tanaka continued to compete in various promotions, including Pancrase and the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). His most recent recorded victory was against Sindile Manengela at Pancrase 336 on July 9, 2023.
Michinori Tanaka’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Michinori Tanaka’s net worth is estimated to be $500k.
Tanaka’s primary earnings sources likely include fight purses from his professional MMA career in various promotions such as UFC, PXC, and LFA, potential win bonuses, and possible sponsorship deals.
Fight Purse
| Event | Opponent | Date | Fight Purse |
| UFC 195 | Joe Soto | 2016-01-02 | $24,000 ($12,000 to show, $12,000 win bonus) |
Career Earnings
Tanaka’s UFC career, spanning from 2014 to 2017, likely contributed significantly to his earnings.
According to the fighter pay list, Tanaka earned approximately $102,500 during his time in the UFC.
Fight Records
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses | Draws |
| 20 | 16 | 4 | 0 |
| Win Method | Count |
| Submission | 6 |
| Decision | 10 |
| KO/TKO | 0 |
Achievements
- PXC Bantamweight Champion (2013)
- One successful PXC title defense
- Shooto Rookie 132 lb Champion (2011)
- Shooto Rookie MVP Award (2011)
- UFC Fight of the Night bonus (vs. Kang Kyung-ho, later rescinded)
FAQs
1. Who is Michinori Tanaka?
Michinori Tanaka is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in the bantamweight division. He has fought in promotions like Shooto, Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
2. What is Michinori Tanaka’s MMA record?
As of 2025, Michinori Tanaka holds a professional MMA record of 16 wins and 4 losses, with 6 victories by submission and 10 by decision.
3. What are Michinori Tanaka’s notable achievements in MMA?
PXC Bantamweight Champion with one successful title defense.
Shooto Rookie 132-pound Champion (2011).
UFC Fight of the Night bonus against Kang Kyung-ho (later rescinded).
4. When did Michinori Tanaka make his professional MMA debut?
He made his professional debut on October 16, 2010, at Shooto: Shooting Disco 13.
5. What fighting style does Michinori Tanaka use?
Tanaka primarily utilizes a mix of judo and grappling, complemented by technical striking and takedowns. He is known for his submission skills and quick transitions.
