After plying his trade and gaining widespread fame in Japan during his run in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Masakatsu Funaki made an immediate and lasting impact on the history of MMA when he co-founded Pancrase, an MMA organization that predated the UFC. In addition to his obligations as a fight promoter and founder, Funaki was also the most popular fighter in the Pancrase organization, and during his early years in the sport he defeated some of the biggest stars in the world, including both Frank and Ken Shamrock, as well as Bas Rutten.

Known predominantly for his catch wrestling style of fighting, Funaki has defeated the vast majority of his professional opponents by submission, often favoring leg locks, heel hooks, and toe holds to chokes and arm locks. Funaki was the first fighter in his own organization to become King of Pancrase two times. Funaki returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling in August of 2009, reemerging as a top star in Japanese professional wrestling.