Hatsu Hioki
Hatsu Hioki | “Iron Broom”
Ht: 5’11 – Wt: 145 – Age: 29
Born: Tokyo, Japan
Fights out of: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Team: ALIVE Shooto and Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Tristar Gym
Overall Record: 26-5-2
UFC Record: 2-1
Background:
Hatsu Hioki began his career in Japan’s legendary Shooto organization, putting together an 8-1-1 record. Hioki traveled to North America, where he fought Mark Hominick for the Canadian TKO featherweight championship. Hioki won the fight via triangle choke. Hioki would return to Japan, debuting in PRIDE, where he defeated Jeff Curran via decision. Hioki would continue to compete mostly in Shooto before signing with Sengoku in 2009. Hioki took part in Sengoku’s featherweight grand prix tournament. Hioki went on to defeat Chris Manuel, Ronnie Mann, and Masanori Kanehara before being unable to continue in the finals against Michihiro Omigawa. Hioki would get his chance to face Omigawa later that year, but lost a controversial decision. Hioki returned to Shooto where he defeated Takeshi Inoue for the Shooto lightweight (143 lbs.) championship in 2010. Hioki did not waste anytime collecting another belt in Sengoku as he defeated Brazilian phenom Marlon Sandro via unanimous decision. Hioki would compete once more in Japan before signing with the UFC in 2011. Hioki debuted with an uninspiring performance against George Roop at UFC 137.
2011 Breakdown:
Hioki fought twice in 2011, winning both contests.
Hioki kicked off the year against Donald Sanchez in Shooto. Hioki ended up scoring a submission victory in the 2nd round. Hioki relinquished his title as he made his way to the UFC.
Hioki made his official UFC debut against George Roop at UFC 137. Roop was considered a fringe contender that likely lacked the ground game to compete with Hioki, thus it seemed to be a showcase fight for Hioki to introduce himself to UFC fans. Someone forgot to send that memo to Roop, as he put up a spirited effort, though he eventually lost via split decision.
2012 Forecast:
Hioki is still considered to be a perennial Top 5 fighter in the featherweight division. It is hard to argue otherwise, considering his wins over Marlon Sandro and most of the top Japanese featherweights. Hioki is one of the tallest featherweights in the division, and uses that length to score submissions and institute superior ground control. Hioki’s striking is not considered a strength, but his reach allows him to be a solid counter striker. Hioki’s UFC debut did little to showcase his skills to UFC fans. Many expected Hioki to get an immediate title shot upon signing with the UFC, but it now seems as if Hioki will have to win impressively to become the next title contender.
Hatsu Hioki Fight Record
Overall Record: 25-4-2
2008-2011 Record: 12-1-1
2011 Record: 2-0
Win | George Roop | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 10/29/2011
Win | Donald Sanchez | Sub | Rd 2 | | 04/29/2011
2010 Record: 3-0
Win | Marlon Sandro | Dec | Rd 5 | Seng | 12/30/2010
Win | Jeff Lawson | Sub | Rd 1 | Seng | 08/22/2010
Win | Takeshi Inoue | Dec | Rd 3 | | 05/30/2010
2009 Record: 3-1
Loss | Michihiro Omigawa | Dec | Rd 3 | Seng | 11/07/2009
Win | Masanori Kanehara | Dec | Rd 3 | Seng | 08/02/2009
Win | Ronnie Mann | Sub | Rd 1 | Seng | 05/02/2009
Win | Chris Manuel | Sub | Rd 1 | Seng | 03/20/2009
2008 Record: 4-0-1
Win | Rumina Sato | Tko | Rd 1 | | 11/29/2008
Win | Thierry Quenneville | Sub | Rd 1 | | 10/03/2008
Draw | Hiroshi Nakamura |Draw| Rd 3 | | 08/03/2008
Win | Baret Yoshida | Tko | Rd 1 | | 03/28/2008
Win | Katsuya Toida | Sub | Rd 2 | | 01/26/2008
