The legendary Rickson Gracie has had numerous memorable battles in his long fighting career. He’s fought various opponents with different styles and helped shape modern MMA.
Of all of his fights, there’s one in particular that is his most famous and mysterious. His no-holds-barred fight with Japanese pro wrestler Yoji Anjo.
If you’ve never heard this story, read below to hear about one of the wildest stories in grappling and fighting history. Here’s the story of Rickson Gracie viciously beating Japanese pro wrestler Yoji Anjo.
Nobuhiko Takada Challenges Rickson Gracie
The backdrop to this clash began earlier in 1994, when Nobuhiko Takada, a prominent figure in Japan’s UWF International (UWFi)—a shoot-style pro wrestling promotion—publicly challenged Rickson Gracie.
Takada’s challenge was part of a broader effort to get publicity for his pro wrestling promotion. Rickson quickly dismissed Takada’s invitations to fight in Japan.
Gracie stated that he would never participate in fixed pro wrestling bouts. He made it clear he’d only fight on his terms, either in a legitimate MMA setting or at his own gym.
Enter Yoji Anjo
Enter Yoji Anjo, a mid-card UWFi wrestler known as “Mr. 200%” for his tenacity. Anjo, a student of Takada, took it upon himself to restore the honor of Japanese pro wrestling. (Also attempting to get a higher position in the pro wrestling promotion.)
On December 7, 1994, he traveled to California with a contingent of Japanese reporters, arriving unannounced at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Santa Monica.
Rickson Gracie wasn’t there initially—his eldest son, Rockson, was present when Anjo demanded a fight. Refusing to leave without facing Rickson, Anjo’s persistence prompted the academy to call Rickson, who arrived shortly after.
The Beating
The stage was set for a confrontation, with the Japanese press eagerly waiting outside to document the outcome.
Rickson agreed to fight but imposed strict conditions: no media inside, no rules, no gloves, no referee, and no time limit. This wasn’t a sanctioned match—it was a raw test of honor.
According to accounts, Rickson Gracie famously told Anjo, “If we fight for money, I’ll stop hitting you when you ask me to. If we fight for honor, I’ll stop hitting you when I feel like it.”
Anjo, perhaps underestimating Rickson or pressured by the moment, accepted. One of Rickson’s students filmed the encounter, though the footage has never been publicly released.
The fight itself was a massacre. Rickson quickly took Anjo down, secured the mount position, and unleashed a barrage of punches. Anjo eventually turned to his back, exposing himself further.
Rather than finishing with a submission, Rickson opted to prolong the punishment, raining down strikes to send a message.
Eventually, after a relentless beating, he applied a choke, rendering Anjo unconscious. When the doors opened, reporters saw a bloodied, defeated Anjo and a triumphant Rickson, leaving no doubt about the victor.
The Aftermath
The aftermath was significant. Anjo returned to Japan humiliated, initially claiming he’d been jumped by multiple opponents—a story Rickson Gracie refuted by sending an associate to Japan with the fight tape to set the record straight, though it remained private.
Days later, Anjo sent Rickson a gift and an apology, acknowledging his defeat. The incident fueled the Gracie-Takada rivalry, leading to Rickson’s eventual fights with Takada in Pride Fighting Championships years later.
For Rickson, the beating of Anjo became a legendary tale of his prowess, though the unreleased footage keeps some details shrouded in myth, adding to the mystique of this brutal encounter.
On Joe Rogan’s podcast, Rickson joked about the encounter. He stated that he still shows the video to friends and family on special occasions, but will never release it publicly.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.