Mario Yamasaki facts for kids

Mario Yamasaki, born on April 22, 1964, is a famous Brazilian referee for mixed martial arts (MMA) fights. He is well-known for his work with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He also started and leads the International Yamasaki Academy, where he teaches martial arts. Mario Yamasaki has refereed over 400 fights in big organizations like the UFC, Strikeforce, WEC, EliteXC, and Pride Fighting Championships.

Early Life and Martial Arts Training

Mario Yamasaki was born in São Paulo, Brazil. He is the older of two sons. His family has been teaching martial arts in Brazil for many years. His father, Shigeru Yamasaki, is half-Japanese.

Mario and his younger brother, Fernando, started training in judo when they were kids. Their father, Shigeru, was an 8th-degree Red/White belt in judo. Their uncle, Shigueto Yamasaki, also taught them.

In 1986, when Mario was 22, he began learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He trained under Marcelo Behring, a 5th-degree black belt. Marcelo taught at the same gym in São Paulo where Mario taught judo.

Mario's training with Marcelo Behring was short because Mario moved to the United States. He often traveled back to Brazil to continue his jiu-jitsu. Later, he trained with his brother Fernando. Fernando had started training under Otavio de Almeida and Roberto Lage.

In January 2002, Mario Yamasaki earned his 4th-degree black belt. This high rank was given to him by Otavio de Almeida. Almeida was the president of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation of São Paulo.

Mario Yamasaki's UFC Career

Mario Yamasaki first worked with the UFC when he and his brother helped organize their first event in Brazil. This event was called UFC Brazil: Ultimate Brazil and took place in São Paulo.

After the event, Mario asked UFC referee 'Big' John McCarthy about referee jobs. He was told they were looking for someone. This was the start of Mario Yamasaki's career as an MMA referee.

At UFC 142, Mario Yamasaki made a controversial decision. He disqualified Erick Silva for hitting Carlo Prater illegally. After the fight, the announcer, Joe Rogan, said Yamasaki made a bad call. However, the UFC supported Yamasaki's decision.

Mario Yamasaki was also criticized at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders. Many people, including Dana White (the UFC president), felt he should have stopped a fight sooner. This fight was between Valentina Shevchenko and Priscila Cachoeira. Shevchenko landed many more strikes than Cachoeira. Yamasaki later said he let the fight continue because he wanted Cachoeira to show she was a "warrior."

Because of these and other similar situations, Dana White has often said Yamasaki should not referee UFC events. Since that time, Yamasaki has not applied for UFC referee jobs. However, he has refereed fights for other smaller organizations.

In 2021, Mario Yamasaki announced his plans to referee more often. He also planned to take a course to become a judge for fights. This course was organized by the California State Athletic Commission.

Personal Life

Mario Yamasaki lives in both São Paulo, Brazil, and Bethesda, Maryland. He lives with his wife and children. In the United States, he co-owns and runs several Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools. He also owns a construction company there.

Mario comes from a family deeply involved in martial arts. His father, Shigueru Yamasaki, and his uncle, Shigueto Yamasaki, are both high-ranking judoka in Brazil. His brother, Fernando Yamasaki, holds black belts in both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo. His cousin, Shigueto Yamasaki, Jr., even competed in judo for Brazil at the 1992 Summer Olympics.