Hidehiko Yoshida
After Pride was disbanded in 2007, Takimoto earned the biggest victory of his MMA career, a split decision win over former UFC Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante at Yarennoka on Dec. 31, 2007. He then joined the Sengoku Raiden Championship and fought four times with the organization. Takimoto was expected to participate in ASTRA, the farewell event for Hidehiko Yoshida on April 25, 2010. However, he pulled out of the event and announced his retirement alongside Yoshida.