Hiroshi Izumi is a Japanese judoka and mixed martial artist.
Background
Izumi, was born in Aomori, Japan and comes from a fishing family in the Shimokita Peninsula. His father, who can often be seen spectating his son"s judo and Mobile Marketing Association matches, still fishes for bluefin tuna at over 70 years of age.
Career
He has fought in World Victory Road and had a one-fight stint in the Dream promotion for the Dream Light Heavyweight Championship. Izumi also appeared in both Dynamite!! 2009 and Dynamite!! 2010 New Year"s Eve events. Izumi made his mixed martial arts debut against New Zealand kickboxing specialist, Antz Nansen for Japan"s Sengoku promotion in September 2009 after Izumi signed with World Victory Road.
Instead of using his judo techniques to his advantage during his debut, Izumi attempted to trade punches with the world-class striker.
Izumi was beaten badly in his debut and lost the fight by TKO. After his poor performance in his debut, Izumi began turning his mixed martial arts career around. At Dynamite!! After being dominated through the first few rounds, Izumi came back in the second half of the very final round, landing a great sequence of punches and controlling Shibata on the ground, where he utilized many hammerfists.
2010, against former PRIDE veteran and Dream Super Hulk Tournament Champion Ikuhisa Minowa by TKO. Izumi then earned a title shot at Gegard Mousasi for the Dream Light Heavyweight Championship, but lost by TKO.