Kazuo Misaki is a Japanese professional mixed martial arts fighter and former judoka. He is the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight Grand Prix winner, and is currently ranked #5 by MMA Weekly in the middleweight division.On route to the finals he defeated Phil Baroni and PRIDE Welterweight Champion Dan Henderson in a non-title bout. Misaki was eliminated in the semifinals by Paulo Filho, but Filho injured his knee during the contest and was unable to continue to the finals. Misaki was named as his replacement and defeated Denis Kang by split decision.

His last fight in Pride was a unanimous decision loss to Frank Trigg at PRIDE 33 on February 24, 2007. At the Yarennoka event on New Year's Eve 2007, he fought Yoshihiro Akiyama. The original result of the match was a knockout victory for Misaki, but Akiyama protested the finish. The knockout kick came as Akiyama attempted to get back to his feet after being knocked down by Misaki. Akiyama contested that one or more of his hands were on the mat at the time of the kick, which would make the kick illegal under Yarennoka! rules. After reviewing video of the knockout, the Yarennoka executive committee agreed; the official result was then changed to "no contest."

He went on to fight in World Victory Road's inaugural event "Sengoku", on March 5, 2008, where he defeated Shooto light heavyweight champion Siyar Bahadurzada and won by guillotine choke at 2:02 of the second round.

His next fight was at Sengoku 3 on June 8, 2008, where he beat Logan Clark by unanimous decision.

His latest fight was at Strikeforce: At The Mansion II where he defeated Joe Riggs by TKO at 2:29 of the second round.

Misaki faced off against MWGP winner Jorge Santiago to determine WVR's first MW champion. Misaki and Santiago fought a great fight. By far the best fight on the card. Misaki was utilizing his crisp striking to keep Santiago at a distance, countering his kicks and punches. Misaki was winning the fight until he got taken down and submitted in the final round.