Manabu Yamada is a retired Japanese mixed martial arts fighter.
14 Facts About Manabu Yamada
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Manabu Yamada is best known for his participation in Shooto and Pancrase fighting organizations.
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Manabu Yamada started training with Satoru Sayama at the Super Tiger Gym after a background in karate, debuting in Shooto in 1990.
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Manabu Yamada faced Kenji Kawaguchi twice in matches for the Shooto Middleweight Championship, but he was submitted in both occasions.
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Manabu Yamada had his Pancrase debut against Katsuomi Inagaki, winning rapidly by submission.
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Manabu Yamada lost points early due to a rear naked choke and a liver shot, but he came back knocking down Oetelaar with a high kick and then cutting him with a strike, winning the fight by doctor stoppage.
7.
In December 1994, Manabu Yamada took part in the tournament for the first King of Pancrase championship.
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Manabu Yamada eliminated Christopher DeWeaver in two minutes, moving forward to face rising star Frank Shamrock.
9.
Minoru came back strong, getting several near-holds, but Manabu Yamada kept defending and seeking for openings, which granted him another point by ankle hold.
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Manabu Yamada then overpowered Suzuki and controlled him until locked an armbar from side control, making Suzuki tap out for one of his biggest career wins.
11.
Manabu Yamada again resisted his opponent's grip while turtled up, threatening him with Kimura locks and rolling leglocks from the position, and he even threw a pro wrestling dropkick at the end of the bout, but he lost by decision at the end, with Shamrock being declared King of Pancrase.
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Manabu Yamada lost a match against Jason DeLucia by accidental eye gouge, but he got his course back defeating Pancrase founder Masakatsu Funaki and DeLucia in a revenge match.
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However, it would be short-lived, as Manabu Yamada dropped from main competition, losing to submission to DeLucia in only 1:13 and just getting an important win over Kiuma Kunioku.
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Manabu Yamada retired in January 2000, after losing to Yuki Kondo, and currently works as MMA trainer and seitai teacher.