[2] Nakajima began his kickboxing career in 2006 with the Shoot Boxing organization, winning all four of his fights.
In 2009 after fighting for a number of promotions he joined Krush and won their "Road to MAX" 70 kg tournament at the end of the year.
He went into the competition on a hot winning streak, having won all eleven of his fights, an impressive seven by KO.
At the tournament in Saitama Nakajima made his way to the final, stopping both of his opponents including a 0:58 second knockout of fellow prospect Hinata Watanabe.
In the second round Nakajima managed to knock down Nagashima but was unable to press home his advantage, losing in the third by knockout.