Career
Shooto
Tanaka started his professional career in 2010. Pacific Xtreme Combat
Tanaka faced Crisanto Pitpitunge on May 18, 2013 at PXC 37 for the bantamweight title. He defeated Aguon via unanimous decision over five rounds.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In February 2014, it was announced that Tanaka has signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In his debut, Tanaka faced Roland Delorme on June 14, 2014 at UFC 174. Tanaka faced Kyung Ho Kang on September 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52.
He lost the fight via split decision. Subsequently, Tanaka had his bonus award rescinded and in turn, was suspended for nine months after testing positive for banned substances during his post fight drug screening.
Tanaka was briefly linked to a bout with Russell Doane on January 2, 2016 at UFC 195.
However, Doane was forced from the bout with injury and replaced by Joe Soto. Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Fight of the Night (One time) versus Kang Kyung-Ho
Pacific Xtreme Combat
PXC bantamweight title (one time)
One successful title defense
Shooto
Shooto rookie Most Valuable Player award (2011).