was with the ONE FC organization on March 31, 2012, in the event ONE Fighting Championship: War of the Lions against Donald Sanchez, in which he added to his winning streak by defeating Sanchez via submission (triangle choke) at 3:27 of the first round. Ultimate Fighting Championship On October 22, 2013, it was announced that Kawajiri has signed with the UFC. Kawajiri was expected to face Hacran Dias on January 4, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 34, however, Dias pulled out of the bout citing an injury. Kawajiri eventually faced promotional newcomer Sean Soriano at the event. He won the fight via technical submission in the second round. Kawajiri faced Clay Guida at UFC Fight Night 39. He lost the fight by unanimous decision in a performance that earned both participants Fight of the Night honors. Kawajiri was briefly linked to a matchup with Darren Elkins on September 20, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 52, but the bout never materialized as Kawajiri was sidelined indefinitely with a detached retina. Kawajiri faced Dennis Siver on June 20, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 69. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Kawajiri was expected to face Mirsad Bektic on December 11, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. However, Bektic pulled out of the fight on November 27 citing injury. Kawajiri remained on the card and faced promotional newcomer Jason Knight. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Kawajiri next faced Dennis Bermudez on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Kawajiri faced Cub Swanson on August 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 92. He lost the back and forth fight via unanimous decision. Kawajiri announced on October 17, 2016, that he has asked for his release from the UFC. Rizin FF After his release from the UFC, Kawajiri immediately signed with Rizin Fighting Federation on October 26, 2016. Just a few days after signing with Rizin FF, it was announced that Kawajiri will be fighting Kron Gracie at Rizin World Grand-Prix 2016: 2nd Round. He lost the bout against Gracie via submission. Championships and accomplishments Shooto Shooto Welterweight Championship (One time) 2002 Shooto Welterweight Rookie Tournament Winner 1999 Amateur Shooto Eastern Japan Open Tournament Winner PRIDE Fighting Championships 2005 PRIDE Lightweight Grand Prix Semifinalist 2005 Fight of the Year- vs. Takanori Gomi on September 25 DREAM 2008 DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Semifinalist Ultimate