Background
Uyenoyama was born and raised in San Francisco/South San Francisco area, and is a third-generation Japanese-American.
Uyenoyama was born and raised in San Francisco/South San Francisco area, and is a third-generation Japanese-American.
Uyenoyama attended El Camino High School where he participated in wrestling, and then began training at Ralph Gracie"s Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy.
A professional competitor since 2002, Uyenoyama has formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce, DREAM, DEEP, and Shooto. Uyenoyama had a successful career in BJJ, winning tournaments, and eventually transitioned his skills to mixed martial arts Early career
DREAM
Uyenoyama made his DREAM debut against Hideo Tokoro and lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Strikeforce
Uyenoyama made his Strikeforce debut, defeating Andrew Valladerez via a rear-naked choke submission in 59 seconds at Strikeforce: Young Guns.
Uyenoyama"s third and final Strikeforce appearance took place at Strikeforce: Destruction. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Uyenoyama signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2011.
Uyenoyama made his bantamweight debut against Japanese superstar Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC on Fox: Velasquez versus Dos Santos. Uyenoyama defeated heavy favorite Yamamoto via unanimous decision.
Uyenoyama was expected to make his Flyweight debut at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012 against John Dodson.
However, Uyenoyama was forced out of the bout and replaced by promotional newcomer Tim Elliott. Uyenoyama was expected to face Louis Gaudinot on October 5, 2012 at UFC on Forex 5. However, Gaudinot was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Philosophy Harris.
Uyenoyama submitted Harris in the second round with a rear-naked choke.
Uyenoyama faced Joseph Benavidez on April 20, 2013 at UFC on Fox 7. Uyenoyama lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
Uyenoyama was expected to face John Moraga on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9. However, Moraga pulled out of the bout with an undisclosed injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Alptekin Özkiliç.
Uyenoyama lost the fight via split decision, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.
Post-UFC career
Following his release from the UFC, Uyenoyama signed with Pacific Xtreme Combat in September 2014, and is expected to face Shane Alvarez at PXC 45 on October 24, 2014.