A professional competitor since 2003, Takaya has fought in the WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, Shooto, K-1 HERO'S, Pancrase, RIZIN, Vale Tudo Japan, and Cage Force.
Takaya then lost to Cub Swanson at WEC 37 losing by Unanimous Decision but won fight of the night honours.
[3] Takaya beat Jong Won Kim, Yoshiro Maeda and Hideo Tokoro en route to the finals, before losing to Bibiano Fernandes via split decision become the runner up of the tournament.
Takaya scored perhaps the biggest win of his career over former DREAM Lightweight Champion Joachim Hansen on May 29, 2010 at DREAM.14 with 28 seconds left in the first round.
Takaya defended his title on December 31, 2011 at Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011, defeating Takeshi Inoue via unanimous decision.