Masanori Kanehara (born November 18, 1982) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing the Bantamweight division in DEEP and Rizin FF. A professional competitor since 2003, Kanehara has formerly competed for World Victory Road, K-1, the UFC, Pancrase, ZST, and also made an appearance at Dynamite!! 2009. Kanehara is the 2009 Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Champion and inaugural Sengoku Featherweight Champion. Mixed martial arts career Early career Kanehara made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2003, and compiled a record of 13-6-5 before being signed by World Victory Road. Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Kanehara was announced as a participant in World Victory Road's Featherweight Grand Prix. He advanced to the semi-final round with a pair of closely contested decision victories over Jong Man Kim in the first round and Chan Sung Jung in the second round. Kanehara lost in the semi-finals to Hatsu Hioki, but ended up replacing Hioki in the final against judoka Michihiro Omigawa after Hioki was not medically cleared due to a concussion. A 17-to-1 long shot, Kanehara ended up winning the tournament, making him the 2009 Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix Champion and Sengoku Featherweight Champion. Following the announcement that Sengoku Lightweight Champion Mizuto Hirota would vacate his belt, Kanehara accepted a challenge from Marlon Sandro. The two met in a Featherweight title bout at World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 13. Kanehara lost via KO in the first round. Post-Sengoku After the demise of Sengoku, Kanehara compiled a record of 7-2 which included a 21-second knockout of Joe Pearson at Pancrase 252. Ultimate Fighting Championship In July 2014, it was announced that Kanehara had signed with the UFC. Kanehara was briefly linked to a bout with Urijah Faber on September 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52. However, before the bout was officially announced, Faber was removed and Kanehara instead faced Alex Caceres. He was successful in his debut winning via unanimous decision. Kanehara was expected to face Rani Yahya on June 27, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 70. However, as the event approached, several international fighters experienced travel restrictions due to technical issues within the Bureau of Consular Affairs division of the U.S. State Department which produces travel visas. The issue lead to a major altering of the card as multiple fights were postponed. Yahya/Kanehara eventually took place on July 15, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 71. Kanehara lost the fight by split decision.