Takeya Mizugaki is widely recognized as one of the most durable and consistent Japanese fighters to ever compete in North American MMA.
A pioneer for Asian fighters in the lighter weight classes, he built a reputation as a tough “gatekeeper” to the elite during his long tenure in the WEC and UFC.
In this article, you will know Takeya Mizugaki’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more.
Takeya Mizugaki’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Takeya Mizugaki |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1983 |
| Age | 42 |
| Education | Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Kanto Gakuin University) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1 Million |
| Career Earnings | Est. $600,000+ |
| Wife | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @takeyamizugaki |
| Twitter Profile | @takeyamizugaki |
Early Career
Before he became a staple of the UFC bantamweight division, Takeya Mizugaki was making waves in the Japanese regional scene while simultaneously pursuing high-level academics.
He began his professional career in 2005, quickly establishing himself as a top prospect by winning the Shooto Bantamweight Rookie Tournament that same year.
Remarkably, Mizugaki balanced his early fighting career with rigorous studies, eventually earning a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kanto Gakuin University. His intellectual approach to life contrasted with his gritty fighting style.
He went on to capture the Cage Force Bantamweight Championship in Japan, a victory that put him on the radar of international promoters and set the stage for his move to the United States.
Professional Career
Mizugaki’s North American debut remains one of the most memorable in WEC history. In 2009, he challenged dominant champion Miguel Torres for the WEC Bantamweight title. Although he lost by decision, the five-round war earned “Fight of the Night” honors and proved he belonged among the world’s best.
After the WEC merged with the UFC in 2011, Mizugaki became a fixture in the division. He compiled an impressive five-fight win streak between 2012 and 2014, defeating notable names like Bryan Caraway, Erik Perez, and Francisco Rivera.
However, his path to a title was often blocked by the division’s elite; he suffered high-profile losses to champions like Urijah Faber, Dominick Cruz, and Cody Garbrandt.
Mizugaki officially retired in 2020 after a final stint in Rizin, finishing with a legacy as one of Japan’s most successful MMA exports.
Takeya Mizugaki’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Takeya Mizugaki has an estimated net worth of $1 million. His wealth comes from over a decade of fighting in top organizations like the UFC and WEC, as well as his post-fighting career as a gym owner.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel Torres | WEC 40 | Loss | ~$16,000 (inc. bonus) |
| Urijah Faber | WEC 52 | Loss | $10,000 |
| Chris Cariaso | UFC 144 | Loss* (Paid Win Bonus) | ~$24,000 |
| George Roop | UFC Fight Night 75 | Win | ~$35,000+ (inc. Reebok) |
| Dominick Cruz | UFC 178 | Loss | ~$29,000+ |
Endorsements
During his UFC tenure, Mizugaki secured sponsorships from brands relevant to his interests, including Alienware, a major computer hardware company, which aligned perfectly with his engineering background.
He was also sponsored by combat sports brands like Revgear and East & West Inc..
In the later part of his UFC career, he received standardized payout tiers from the Reebok sponsorship program, earning up to $15,000 per fight due to his high number of Zuffa-era bouts.
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 23 Wins – 14 Losses – 2 Draws |
| Knockouts | 5 |
| Submissions | 1 |
| Decisions | 17 |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Reach | 70 inches |
FAQs
1. What is Takeya Mizugaki’s net worth?
Takeya Mizugaki has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. This wealth was accumulated through his 15-year professional fighting career in the WEC, UFC, and Rizin.
2. When did Takeya Mizugaki retire?
He officially announced his retirement in June 2020 after a 14-year career. His decision came after a final fight in Rizin against Manel Kape in August 2019.
3. Does Takeya Mizugaki have a degree?
Yes, he holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kanto Gakuin University in Japan. He completed his studies while actively competing as a professional fighter.
4. Who did Takeya Mizugaki fight in his WEC debut?
He fought Miguel Torres for the WEC Bantamweight Championship in 2009. It was a classic five-round battle that earned “Fight of the Night” honors and instantly made him a fan favorite.
5. What is Takeya Mizugaki doing now?
Since retiring, he has transitioned to coaching and business ownership. In 2021, he opened his own gym in Japan called “Belva Fight and Fitness” to train aspiring martial artists.
