Kana Watanabe Bio
Kana Watanabe is a Japanese mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of Bellator MMA. Born on August 21, 1988, in Tokyo, Japan, she has a distinguished background in judo, holding a 4th dan black belt. Since transitioning to MMA in 2017, Watanabe has established herself as a formidable competitor both in Japan and internationally.
Early Life and Background
Kana Watanabe was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She began practicing judo at the age of seven at Rinkai Juku. During her junior high school years, she competed in the 63 kg category at the National Junior High School Judo Tournament. In high school, she achieved notable placements including second place at the Kinwashi-ki competition and the Inter High School Championships. Watanabe continued her judo career at Tokai University, where she won the All-Japan Junior Championships as a freshman and placed in several national competitions throughout her collegiate years.
After university, she joined JR East’s judo team and earned third place at the 2013 individual business championships. She later moved up to the 57 kg weight class and contributed to team successes, including a second-place finish in the 2016 Jitsugyo team competition. Watanabe retired from competitive judo and briefly worked as a coach before deciding to pursue mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Watanabe transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2017, joining Fighter’s Flow, a gym run by mixed martial artist Takao Ueda. Her judo expertise provided a strong foundation for her MMA career. She debuted in the sport at DEEP Deep Jewels 18, winning her first fight by submission. Watanabe quickly gained recognition in Japan’s MMA scene, competing in promotions such as Rizin and Deep Jewels with multiple victories.
Her early MMA career was marked by decisive wins, including a knockout victory over Shizuka Sugiyama at Rizin’s 2018 year-end event. Watanabe’s success in Japan set the stage for her eventual move to international competition.
Kana Watanabe Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Watanabe began her professional MMA career in 2017 with DEEP Deep Jewels, securing a submission win in her debut. She followed this with a unanimous decision victory at Rizin World Grand Prix 2017 and a string of wins in Deep Jewels and Rizin events. Notable achievements during this period include a first-round armbar submission and a knockout win in just 11 seconds against Shizuka Sugiyama at Rizin’s 2018 year-end show.
Throughout these years, Watanabe demonstrated versatility and skill, compiling an impressive record and establishing herself as a top contender in the Japanese women’s flyweight division.
Bellator MMA Breakthrough (2020–Present)
In December 2020, Kana Watanabe signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA, marking her entry into the global MMA stage. She made her U.S. debut at Bellator 255 in April 2021, winning a split decision against Alejandra Lara. Watanabe faced Liz Carmouche at Bellator 261 but suffered her first professional loss by TKO early in the fight.
She bounced back with a submission victory over Denise Kielholtz at Bellator 281 in May 2022. In April 2023, Watanabe fought Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in a closely contested bout, losing via split decision. She returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision win over Veta Arteaga at Bellator MMA x Rizin 2 in July 2023.
Professional Fighters League Era (2024–Present)
Watanabe debuted in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in April 2024, winning her first bout by unanimous decision. She faced Liz Carmouche again in June 2024 but lost via armbar submission in the third round. The promotion announced her participation in the 2025 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament, where she competed in the quarterfinals in April 2025 but was defeated by unanimous decision.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kana Watanabe’s fighting style is heavily influenced by her judo background, emphasizing grappling, throws, and submissions. She fights from an orthodox stance and is known for her tenacity and technical skill on the ground. Her ability to control opponents and execute submissions has been a key factor in her victories.
Notable Events and Milestones
Watanabe’s rapid knockout of Shizuka Sugiyama in 11 seconds at Rizin’s 2018 year-end event stands out as a career highlight. Her transition to Bellator MMA and subsequent victories have marked her as a significant figure in women’s mixed martial arts globally.
Kana Watanabe Career Wins
As of 2025, Kana Watanabe has amassed a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 4 losses. Her victories include wins by knockout, submission, and decision, showcasing her well-rounded skill set.
Deep Jewels and Rizin Highlights
Watanabe secured multiple wins in Deep Jewels and Rizin promotions, including a notable first-round armbar submission and a swift knockout victory. Her success in these Japanese organizations helped build her reputation and paved the way for her international career.
Bellator MMA Highlights
In Bellator, Watanabe has recorded important wins against top contenders such as Alejandra Lara and Denise Kielholtz. Despite some losses, she remains a competitive force in the flyweight division.
Kana Watanabe Family
Personal Life
Kana Watanabe resides in Tokyo, Japan. Public information about her family and personal relationships is limited, reflecting her focus on her professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kana Watanabe competed in the PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament. She participated in the quarterfinal round but was defeated by unanimous decision. Her involvement in the tournament demonstrates her ongoing commitment to competing at a high level internationally. Watanabe continues to train with Fighter’s Flow and aims to build on her experiences to achieve further success in upcoming seasons.