Prior to signing with the UFC, all of his fights have taken place in this promotion where he amassed a record of 6 wins and 2 losses.
Tamura trains out of the Krazy Bee camp alongside former top-ranked fighter Kid Yamamoto.
[5] On July 18, 2013, Korean MMA promotion ROAD FC announced that they had signed Issei Tamura to their roster.
[7] Tamura was then expected to face reigning champion Andy Main in the title unification bout at Pancrase 282 on November 13, 2016.
[9] Tamura was then scheduled to face Yuki Takahashi at Pancrase 317 on August 23, 2020, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
[17] Tamura faced Ryo Asami on December 25, 2022, at Pancrase 330, winning the bout via unanimous decision.