Mixed martial arts in Japan has been legal since at least the 1980s, Pancrase began to be held.

[2] Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki took place in Japan between American boxer Muhammad Ali and Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976.

[3] The classic match-up between professional boxer and professional wrestler turned sour as each fighter refused to engage in the other's style of fighting style, and after 15 round stalemate it was declared a draw.

[5] Pride FC for much of early 21st century in the 2000s was one of the preeminent Mixed martial arts organizations until it was discovered it was being run by the Yakuza.

[9][10][11][12] The major MMA organizations in Japan are Rizin Fighting Federation, Pancrase, Shooto and ZST.