Ulka Sasaki

Yuta "Ulka" Sasaki (佐々木 佑太, Sasaki Yūta, born October 7, 1989) is a Japanese mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Flyweight of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Shooto

Sasaki started his professional career in 2010. He fought mainly for Shooto, but also fought for DEEP and GCM early in his career.

Sasaki faced Yo Saito on December 18, 2010 at Shooto: The Rookie Tournament 2010 Final. He defeated Saito via unanimous decision after two rounds and became the 2010 Shooto 143-pound rookie champion.

Sasaki faced Tetsu Suzuki on January 20, 2013 at Shooto: 1st Round 2013 for the Shooto Pacific Rim 132-pound title. He won via unanimous decision and became the new champion.

Sasaki defended his title on July 27, 2013 at Shooto: 3rd Round 2013 against Kenji Yamamoto. He won via knockout at 11 seconds in the first round and retained the title. Shortly after the bout, Sasaki relinquished his title in order to be able to fight for Shooto's world title.

Sasaki faced current ZST 132 lb champion Keisuke Fujiwara on January 13, 2014 at Shooto: 1st Round 2014. He won via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In July 2014, it was announced that Sasaki had signed with the UFC. He made his debut against Roland Delorme at UFC Fight Night 48 on August 23, 2014. Sasaki won via submission in the first round. The win also earned Sasaki his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Sasaki faced Leandro Issa on December 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 58. He lost the fight by submission in the second round.

Sasaki faced Taylor Lapilus on June 20, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 69. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.

Sasaki faced Willie Gates May 8, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 87. He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Sasaki was expected to face Matheus Nicolau on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. However on November 3, Nicolau was pulled from the bout after USADA revealed a potential anti-doping violation from a sample taken October 13.

Sasaki is expected to face Wilson Reis in February 11, 2017 at UFC 208.

Mixed martial arts

• Shooto
  • Shooto Pacific Rim 132 lb title (One time)
  • One successful title defense
  • Shooto rookie 143 lb champion (2010)
• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Performance of the Night (One time)

Grappling

• Abu Dhabi Combat Club
  • 2013 ADCC Asia trials 1st place – under 66 kg

• Shu Hirata (March 24, 2013). "ADCC Asia trial: "Kid" Yamamoto's sister and a four-time world wrestling champ Seiko Yamamoto wins under 60 kg division". Adcombat.com. Retrieved December 19, 2013.