Originally from the Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan, Ishida was a talented wrestler, ranking in the top five nationally during his high school years for the Greco-Roman category.

As a result of the loss to Gomi, he was unable to defend his Shooto Pacific Rim Welterweight Championship at a mandatory title defense in February 2007.

[2] At Yarennoka!, Ishida handed future Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez his first loss, in a unanimous decision.

Ishida made his United States mainland debut at Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion defeating Justin Wilcox by armbar.

On March 15, 2008, Ishida competed in the opening round of the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix, defeating Korean judoka Jung Bu-Kyung.