Yuta Sasaki (佐々木 佑太 Sasaki Yūta, born October 7, 1989 in Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Ulka Sasaki (佐々木憂流迦 Sasaki Uruka), who currently works for Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah), where he is a former one-time GHC National Champion.
Background[]
Born and raised in Shizuoka, Sasaki was a talented wrestler and also began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from a young age. He wrestled for three seasons at Hiryū High School, finishing in the top 16 at the All-Japan High School Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships, and in 2009 Sasaki won the All-Japan Combat Wrestling Open Championships for the under 66 kg division.
Professional wrestling career[]
Pro Wrestling NOAH (2023–Present)[]
On October 23, 2023, it was announced by Sasaki himself that he would be making his professional wrestling debut for Pro Wrestling Noah's November 24 episode of Monday Magic. In a statement made during the October 23 show, he specified that it had been a dream of his to perform in Noah, as he had been a fan of the promotion since he had been a child and later stated on social media that he would "throw all of [his] soul" to enable him to compete in professional wrestling. On November 27, Nosawa Rongai announced that Sasaki would be making his Noah debut at The New Year on January 2, 2024, with his opponent being Takashi Sugiura. Afterwards, Sasaki asked Sugiura for a handshake, before being attacked by him, stating that the "pro wrestling fight has already begun". At The New Year, Sasaki was defeated by Sugiura in his debut match.
Afterwards, Sasaki began regularly teaming with Sugiura, even becoming his protege. From February 24 to March 10, Sasaki and Sugiura took part in the 2024 Victory Challenge Tag League. They finished the tournament with a record of three wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. On May 14, Pro Wrestling Noah held a press conference, officially announcing that Sasaki had signed with the promotion. On June 16 at Grand Ship In Yokohama, Sasaki challenged HAYATA to a title match for the GHC National Championship. On July 13 at Destination, Sasaki defeated HAYATA to become the new champion. In August, Sasaki took part in the 2024 N-1 Victory, finishing the tournament with a record of three wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. On September 14, Sasaki lost the GHC National Championship to Manabu Soya.
On October 14, Keiji Mutoh, NOAH's scouting advisor, came to the ring for a major announcement. Afterwards, Shinsuke Nakamura appeared in a pre-taped vignette, annoucing that he would be facing Sasaki at The New Year. Sasaki and Nakamura were senior and junior at the martial arts gym "Wajutsu Keishukai". When Sasaki entered the UFC, they had formed a friendly relationship, especially in the United States. On October 27, Team 2000 X attacked Sasaki, after his match. Afterwards, they began targetting Sasaki, with Jack Morris confronting Sasaki, demanding a match against him on November 17, the winner facing Nakamura at The New Year. At Deathnity, Sasaki defeated Morris, confirming his match with Nakamura for the event. At The New Year, on January 1, 2025, Sasaki was defeated by Nakamura.