Kleber Koike Erbst
Kleber Koike Erbst (born October 16, 1989; ) is a Brazilian-born Japanese mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division. He is currently fighting for the Japanese organization Rizin Fighting Federation and is the former KSW Featherweight Champion. Background. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, to a Japanese father and a Brazilian mother, Kleber lived in Brazil in his teenage years, until financial troubles led his parents to move to Japan. Erbst initially stayed in Brazil with relatives, but at the age of 14, joined them in Japan. Initially intending to help his parents and return to  Brazil, but once he met jiu-jitsu, he decided to stay in Japan. When financial crisis hit Japan, his parents decided to move back to Brazil, leaving behind an 18 years old Erbst who wanted to stay. To finance his fighting career, Erbst took odd jobs such as construction, trash collection, etc. to pay for the sign-up fees. Mixed martial arts career. Bonsai Jiu-jitsu club competitor, submission specialist. His favorite technique is Triangle choke. A holder of a black belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu from the city of Iwata. In 2008–2014 he fought mainly at Japanese galas DEEP and  Rings, beating at that time, among others of the former Shooto champion of Hideki Kadowaka. Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki. At the gala: Genesis defeated Anzor Azhiev by triangular choke in the 1st round. After a successful debut for the federation KSW, he took part in a featherweight tournament organized by the Chinese federation Rebel FC, which won and became a champion, defeating the American Miguel Torres. At , which took place on November 28, 2015, fought a duel with Artur Sowiński for the inaugural KSW Featherweight Championship, eventually losing by the judges' decision. After another stint returning to Asia, picking two third  round submission wins at Pancrase 277 and Rebel FC 4, Kleber returned to KSW, facing Leszek Krakowski on October 1, 2016 at . He won the bout via triangle choke in the first round. On May 27, 2017, at the gala held at the Stadion Narodowy, he won the KSW Featherweight Championship, defeating then featherweight champion Marcin Wrzosek unanimously for points. Kleber was to defend his title against Artur Sowiński at on December 23, 2017. However, after missing weight, Erbst was stripped of the belt, meaning only Sowiński was eligible for the title. Erbst won the bout via rear-naked choke  in the third round. Kleber was to rematch Marcin Wrzosek for the vacant featherweight title on June 9, 2018 at . However Wrzosek suffered a pectoral muscle tear and was forced out of the rematch. As a result, Marian Ziolkowski stepped in against Erbst in a catchweight fight. Erbst won the bout via armbar in the first round. Kleber faced Mateusz Gamrot on December 1, 2018 at . He lost the bout via an unanimous decision. Rizin Fighting Federation. After a first round submission win at ONE Japan Series against Akiyo Nishiura,Kleber made his Rizin debut on December 31, 2020 at  during Rizin 26 against Kyle Aguon He won the bout via brabo choke in the first round. Kleber faced Kazumasa Majima at Rizin 27 on March 21, 2021. He won via triangle choke in the second round. Kleber faced Mikuru Asakura at Rizin 28.He won the bout after choking Mikuru unconscious via triangle choke. Kleber headlined Rizin Trigger 2 on February 23, 2022 against Ulka Sasaki. After overcoming a knockdown in the first round, Kleber submitted Sasaki in the second round via rear-naked choke.