 After losing two fights against Guy Mezger, Otsuka was put against Pride middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva, who had defeated many Japanese names in his way, including Kazushi Sakuraba and Daijiro Matsui.Despite his technical inferiority, Otsuka characteristically built the fight over his toughness and defensive abilities.He survived for two rounds, absorbing punches, knees and soccer kicks in his attempts to get the takedown, which he accomplished, gaining north/south position at the end of the second time, though he couldn't capitalize on it.