須藤元気
Takaya made his professional debut in the Shooto organization in a fight against Hayate Usul in 2003. After a 9-4-1 record in Shooto, Hero's, and Cage Force including bouts against top mixed martial artists like current Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez, Hero's Lightweight runner up Genki Sudo, and former Hero's Middleweight Champion Gesias Calvancante Takaya made his American debut at WEC 32 where he fought, and lost to, Leonard Garcia by knockout. Takaya then lost to Cub Swanson at WEC 37 losing by Unanimous Decision but won fight of the night honours.