Tadao Yasuda, a former sumo wrestler and New Japan Pro-Wrestling champion, died Feb. 10, 2026. He was 62.
Yasuda entered professional sumo in 1979 at age 15, joining the Kokonoe stable. Competing under the name Takanofuji Tadao, he reached the top makuuchi division in 1986 and eventually achieved the rank of komusubi. He retired from the sport in 1992 to transition into professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
His career in combat sports gained significant momentum in December 2001 when he defeated Jérôme Le Banner in a mixed martial arts bout. Following that victory, Yasuda reached the height of his professional wrestling career in 2002 by winning a tournament for the vacant IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He defeated Yuji Nagata in the final and held the title for 48 days.
Outside of the ring, Yasuda faced significant financial difficulties resulting from a gambling addiction. These personal struggles earned him the nickname "Debt King" among fans and peers. He continued to compete in professional wrestling until his retirement in 2011.