11 days ago
Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka Yoshinari made a statement in his kickboxing debut, defeating Har Ling Om via unanimous decision in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 3, which aired live from Yokohama Buntai in **** an on Saturday, September 12.
Both men entered the bout stepping into unfamiliar territory. Nadaka, widely considered **** an's greatest Muay Thai practitioner, was making his first foray into professional kickboxing. Har Ling Om, a Lethwei and Muay Thai veteran from Myanmar, arrived in enemy territory believing his heavier hands could shock the **** anese star in front of his own fans.
In round one, the man who hasn't lost in seven years adapted to the new rule set well, using his straight left to snap his opponent's head back while teasing teeps into Har Ling Om's midsection. A big right hand from the 28-year-old Myanmar slugger showed Nadaka his opposite number had genuine power, but it did little to change the outcome.
The Eiwa Sports Gym representative picked up two warnings for excessive clinching in round two. However, he quickly returned to the game plan, doubling up on left kicks and continuing to pepper his foe with the same piston-like straight left he used in the first three minutes. Har Ling Om played to the crowd, but he did little to sway the judges.
Photo Credit: ONE Championship
#nadaka #myanmar #territory #round
Both men entered the bout stepping into unfamiliar territory. Nadaka, widely considered **** an's greatest Muay Thai practitioner, was making his first foray into professional kickboxing. Har Ling Om, a Lethwei and Muay Thai veteran from Myanmar, arrived in enemy territory believing his heavier hands could shock the **** anese star in front of his own fans.
In round one, the man who hasn't lost in seven years adapted to the new rule set well, using his straight left to snap his opponent's head back while teasing teeps into Har Ling Om's midsection. A big right hand from the 28-year-old Myanmar slugger showed Nadaka his opposite number had genuine power, but it did little to change the outcome.
The Eiwa Sports Gym representative picked up two warnings for excessive clinching in round two. However, he quickly returned to the game plan, doubling up on left kicks and continuing to pepper his foe with the same piston-like straight left he used in the first three minutes. Har Ling Om played to the crowd, but he did little to sway the judges.
Photo Credit: ONE Championship
#nadaka #myanmar #territory #round
13 days ago
Competing at the highest level of Muay Thai leaves an unforgivingly slim margin for error, a harsh reality Suablack Tor Pran49 has learned firsthand.
With that in mind, he enters ONE SAMURAI 3 as a completely reinvented martial artist, firmly rebuilt at flyweight and carrying a momentum that once felt entirely out of reach.
On Saturday, September 12, the revitalized Thai veteran will face ****** anese phenom Shimon Yoshinari in a high-stakes flyweight Muay Thai clash at Yokohama Buntai in ****** an.
Nothing about this moment came easily.
Successive defeats had pushed him to the edge. However, a stunning comeback knockout of Stephen "El Matador" Irvine at ONE Fight Night 45 last July reignited everything he had been building toward.
#flyweight #pran49 #samurai
With that in mind, he enters ONE SAMURAI 3 as a completely reinvented martial artist, firmly rebuilt at flyweight and carrying a momentum that once felt entirely out of reach.
On Saturday, September 12, the revitalized Thai veteran will face ****** anese phenom Shimon Yoshinari in a high-stakes flyweight Muay Thai clash at Yokohama Buntai in ****** an.
Nothing about this moment came easily.
Successive defeats had pushed him to the edge. However, a stunning comeback knockout of Stephen "El Matador" Irvine at ONE Fight Night 45 last July reignited everything he had been building toward.
#flyweight #pran49 #samurai
24 days ago
ONE Championship has finalized the ONE SAMURAI 3 card with three exciting additions that bring the complete lineup into shape for a spectacular night of martial arts.
The blockbuster card will feature Seiichiro Ito meeting Kazusa Kurobe in strawweight MMA action, Asahi Shinagawa facing Tuakiao in a strawweight Muay Thai clash, and Aiji squaring off against Yuki Tanaka in a featherweight kickboxing contest.
The event takes place on Saturday, September 12, live from Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, ***** an.
The strawweight MMA contest between Ito and Kurobe adds a fascinating storyline to the card as the former Pancrase Flyweight Champion looks to claim his first ONE victory.
The 32-year-old Reversal Gym Yokohama Groundslam product carries an 18-5 career record into his sophomore promotional appearance, having made his ONE debut at the inaugural ONE SAMURAI 1 in April against the experienced Tatsumitsu "The Sweeper" Wada, a veteran who has shared the ring with MMA GOAT Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson.
#strawweight #samurai
The blockbuster card will feature Seiichiro Ito meeting Kazusa Kurobe in strawweight MMA action, Asahi Shinagawa facing Tuakiao in a strawweight Muay Thai clash, and Aiji squaring off against Yuki Tanaka in a featherweight kickboxing contest.
The event takes place on Saturday, September 12, live from Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, ***** an.
The strawweight MMA contest between Ito and Kurobe adds a fascinating storyline to the card as the former Pancrase Flyweight Champion looks to claim his first ONE victory.
The 32-year-old Reversal Gym Yokohama Groundslam product carries an 18-5 career record into his sophomore promotional appearance, having made his ONE debut at the inaugural ONE SAMURAI 1 in April against the experienced Tatsumitsu "The Sweeper" Wada, a veteran who has shared the ring with MMA GOAT Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson.
#strawweight #samurai
30 days ago
Two established fan favorites look to reassert their standing at the top of a talent-laden women's atomweight MMA division at ONE SAMURAI 4.
Itsuki "Android 18" Hirata and Jihin "Shadow Cat" Radzuan will settle unfinished business when they meet in a pivotal atomweight MMA rematch, which emanates live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, **** an, on Saturday, October 17.
Hirata originally burst onto the global stage with real fanfare, backing up her widespread popularity with formidable judo skills. The 27-year-old ignited her promotional tenure with a flawless 4-0 run that featured three finishes.
However, that momentum came to a screeching halt when her path first crossed with Jihin's at the historic ONE X in 2022.
Entering the highly anticipated bout as the clear favorite, the Tokyo native found her signature hip throws repeatedly neutralized by the resilient Malaysian underdog. Jihin executed clever escapes and expertly timed strikes to control the exchanges, ultimately leaving Hirata trailing on the judges' scorecards to secure a split-decision upset.
#jihin
Itsuki "Android 18" Hirata and Jihin "Shadow Cat" Radzuan will settle unfinished business when they meet in a pivotal atomweight MMA rematch, which emanates live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, **** an, on Saturday, October 17.
Hirata originally burst onto the global stage with real fanfare, backing up her widespread popularity with formidable judo skills. The 27-year-old ignited her promotional tenure with a flawless 4-0 run that featured three finishes.
However, that momentum came to a screeching halt when her path first crossed with Jihin's at the historic ONE X in 2022.
Entering the highly anticipated bout as the clear favorite, the Tokyo native found her signature hip throws repeatedly neutralized by the resilient Malaysian underdog. Jihin executed clever escapes and expertly timed strikes to control the exchanges, ultimately leaving Hirata trailing on the judges' scorecards to secure a split-decision upset.
#jihin
30 days ago
Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka is a generational talent whose mastery inside the ring transcends eras.
The **** anese phenom stands as the archetype of a complete striker, seamlessly fusing speed, precision, and fight-ending power. Yet beyond his physical gifts, his elite fight IQ and mental fortitude separate him from his peers.
As the only non-Thai athlete in history to simultaneously hold the coveted Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium World **** les, the **** anese superstar boasts a 67-6 professional record.
Having not lost a bout in over six years, his five consecutive victories against the elite in ONE Championship have stretched that remarkable run to an astonishing 41 straight wins.
Nadaka now looks to conquer new territory when he steps into the world of kickboxing for the first time against Har Ling Om at ONE SAMURAI 3 on September 12, streamed live from Yokohama Buntai. Just a month later, the defending champion returns to defend his Muay Thai crown against Rifdean "Magic Boy" Masdor at ONE SAMURAI 4 on October 17 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
#nadaka #samurai #elite
The **** anese phenom stands as the archetype of a complete striker, seamlessly fusing speed, precision, and fight-ending power. Yet beyond his physical gifts, his elite fight IQ and mental fortitude separate him from his peers.
As the only non-Thai athlete in history to simultaneously hold the coveted Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium World **** les, the **** anese superstar boasts a 67-6 professional record.
Having not lost a bout in over six years, his five consecutive victories against the elite in ONE Championship have stretched that remarkable run to an astonishing 41 straight wins.
Nadaka now looks to conquer new territory when he steps into the world of kickboxing for the first time against Har Ling Om at ONE SAMURAI 3 on September 12, streamed live from Yokohama Buntai. Just a month later, the defending champion returns to defend his Muay Thai crown against Rifdean "Magic Boy" Masdor at ONE SAMURAI 4 on October 17 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
#nadaka #samurai #elite
1 month ago
On the global stage of ONE Championship, Jonathan "The General" Haggerty has made a habit of putting on a show. Lately, he has started wondering if the red carpet might follow suit.
The reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion defends his gold against former divisional king Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17.
That fight will come soon enough. Beyond the gym walls and the ring, though, Haggerty has become a familiar face at a couple of film premieres in the United Kingdom.
He attended the London premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina last June, and more recently walked the carpet for Giant, the biopic charting the rise of boxing icon Naseem Hamed – better known to fans of the sweet science as Prince Naseem – when it hit British cinemas this past January.
Those appearances were not simply a passing novelty for the 29-year-old, either.
#haggerty #World #kickboxing
The reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion defends his gold against former divisional king Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17.
That fight will come soon enough. Beyond the gym walls and the ring, though, Haggerty has become a familiar face at a couple of film premieres in the United Kingdom.
He attended the London premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina last June, and more recently walked the carpet for Giant, the biopic charting the rise of boxing icon Naseem Hamed – better known to fans of the sweet science as Prince Naseem – when it hit British cinemas this past January.
Those appearances were not simply a passing novelty for the 29-year-old, either.
#haggerty #World #kickboxing
1 month ago
ONE SAMURAI 3 has been bolstered by another massive addition, as four-time Muay Thai World Champion Ryuya Okuwaki collides with Chokdee Maxjandee in an atomweight Muay Thai showdown built for fireworks.
Their high-stakes clash emanates live from Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, ****** an, on Saturday, September 12, further fueling the buzz around a card already featuring some of ****** an's finest martial artists — reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka, former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya "Little Piranha" Wakamatsu, Hyu "Mister Pepper" and Shimon Yoshinari.
That evening, Okuwaki, who trains out of EIWA Sports Gym in Yokohama, will have a chance to improve to 4-0 inside ONE Championship on home turf.
The 25-year-old brings an eight-fight winning streak into this matchup, a run built on speed, explosiveness, and a knack for picking his shots with surgical precision. Since making his promotional debut in August 2025, Okuwaki has proven himself every step of the way.
He opened his account with a second-round head kick knockout of Nueaphet Kelasport, followed that up with a clean unanimous decision over Pet Suanluangrodyok, and most recently folded Hern Looksuan with a vicious body-shot barrage in the second round.
#okuwaki #built
Their high-stakes clash emanates live from Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama, ****** an, on Saturday, September 12, further fueling the buzz around a card already featuring some of ****** an's finest martial artists — reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka, former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya "Little Piranha" Wakamatsu, Hyu "Mister Pepper" and Shimon Yoshinari.
That evening, Okuwaki, who trains out of EIWA Sports Gym in Yokohama, will have a chance to improve to 4-0 inside ONE Championship on home turf.
The 25-year-old brings an eight-fight winning streak into this matchup, a run built on speed, explosiveness, and a knack for picking his shots with surgical precision. Since making his promotional debut in August 2025, Okuwaki has proven himself every step of the way.
He opened his account with a second-round head kick knockout of Nueaphet Kelasport, followed that up with a clean unanimous decision over Pet Suanluangrodyok, and most recently folded Hern Looksuan with a vicious body-shot barrage in the second round.
#okuwaki #built
1 month ago
For three rounds at The Inner Circle 25, three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian reminded everyone exactly why he is one of the sport's most dangerous fighters.
The Armenian delivered a striking masterclass against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium this past Friday, August 7, officially booking his ticket into the semifinals of the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament.
Grigorian walked into fight week supremely confident he had the technical tools to get the job done, and that reminder came exactly as advertised on the subscriber-exclusive spectacle on live.onefc.com.
The Hemmers Gym representative relied heavily on his Dutch-style kickboxing throughout the clash, utilizing heavy punch-kick combinations, relentless forward pressure, and masterful footwork that left his foe with very few answers.
Fresh off his 71st professional triumph and a fourth successive win on the global stage, the 35-year-old took a moment to thank the fans for their unwavering support:
#kickboxing #World #marat
The Armenian delivered a striking masterclass against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan in Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium this past Friday, August 7, officially booking his ticket into the semifinals of the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament.
Grigorian walked into fight week supremely confident he had the technical tools to get the job done, and that reminder came exactly as advertised on the subscriber-exclusive spectacle on live.onefc.com.
The Hemmers Gym representative relied heavily on his Dutch-style kickboxing throughout the clash, utilizing heavy punch-kick combinations, relentless forward pressure, and masterful footwork that left his foe with very few answers.
Fresh off his 71st professional triumph and a fourth successive win on the global stage, the 35-year-old took a moment to thank the fans for their unwavering support:
#kickboxing #World #marat
1 month ago
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Credit: Vertical
First a viral ****** y glasses moment, and now everyone is talking about Andrew Garfield's hair. And I can't say I blame them. Yet it hasn't seem to come up during press tours. Most of the time the actor is fielding questions about Spider-Man. Until now. Someone finally asked Garfield about him growing out his long, luscious locks and I can't get enough of his answer.
Garfield and Claire Foy joined Entertainment Tonight to chat about their upcoming movie The Magic Faraway Tree when the conversation took a turn to his hair. And Foy, speaking for all of us, needed to know what his "updo of choice" is. But I never expected the answer to involve Tom Cruise. As he put it:
I might need an intervention with this. I do a little bit of Last Samurai Tom Cruise. I do a little bit of just pulling up that bit and leaving the rest down.
#answer #future #first
Credit: Vertical
First a viral ****** y glasses moment, and now everyone is talking about Andrew Garfield's hair. And I can't say I blame them. Yet it hasn't seem to come up during press tours. Most of the time the actor is fielding questions about Spider-Man. Until now. Someone finally asked Garfield about him growing out his long, luscious locks and I can't get enough of his answer.
Garfield and Claire Foy joined Entertainment Tonight to chat about their upcoming movie The Magic Faraway Tree when the conversation took a turn to his hair. And Foy, speaking for all of us, needed to know what his "updo of choice" is. But I never expected the answer to involve Tom Cruise. As he put it:
I might need an intervention with this. I do a little bit of Last Samurai Tom Cruise. I do a little bit of just pulling up that bit and leaving the rest down.
#answer #future #first
2 months ago
ONE SAMURAI 4 arrives at the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, ***** an, on Saturday, October 17, bringing a pair of World ***** le fights to what is already one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
Reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion "The Kicking Machine" Superlek will defend his 26 pounds of gold against reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella in a blockbuster cross-division showdown. Also on the card, reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka puts his crown on the line against Malaysia's surging finishing specialist Rifdean "Magic Boy" Masdor.
Rooted in the honor and discipline of the Bushido spirit, these high-stakes World Championship showdowns join the previously announced ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World ***** le defense featuring reigning king Jonathan "The General" Haggerty against former ***** leholder Hiroki Akimoto.
The occasion is further elevated by the prestigious ONE Championship Hall of Fame induction of Interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Takeru "Natural Born Krusher" Segawa.
After spending the past two years competing in the bantamweight ranks, "The Kicking Machine" is finally coming home. Once he settles unfinished business against Abdulla "Smash Boy" Dayakaev at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, Superlek will shift his full focus back to the division he has long ruled.
#kickboxing #champion #flyweight
Reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion "The Kicking Machine" Superlek will defend his 26 pounds of gold against reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella in a blockbuster cross-division showdown. Also on the card, reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka puts his crown on the line against Malaysia's surging finishing specialist Rifdean "Magic Boy" Masdor.
Rooted in the honor and discipline of the Bushido spirit, these high-stakes World Championship showdowns join the previously announced ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World ***** le defense featuring reigning king Jonathan "The General" Haggerty against former ***** leholder Hiroki Akimoto.
The occasion is further elevated by the prestigious ONE Championship Hall of Fame induction of Interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Takeru "Natural Born Krusher" Segawa.
After spending the past two years competing in the bantamweight ranks, "The Kicking Machine" is finally coming home. Once he settles unfinished business against Abdulla "Smash Boy" Dayakaev at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, Superlek will shift his full focus back to the division he has long ruled.
#kickboxing #champion #flyweight
2 months ago
Kaito Ono arrived in ONE Championship as one of ******* an's most highly respected strikers. But after his first two appearances on the global stage, the decorated fighter found himself trapped in a period of unfamiliar darkness.
Mohammad Siasarani spoiled his promotional debut by unanimous decision in May 2025, before Marat Grigorian stopped him at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April, leaving the 28-year-old with hazy memories of the bout.
Kaito now rematches Siasarani in the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament quarterfinal, which serves as the co-main event at ONE SAMURAI 2 this Saturday, August 8. The explosive card broadcasts live in Asia primetime on live.onefc.com from Tokyo's EBARA WAVE Arena Ota.
A victory would perfectly avenge his first ONE loss, earn a coveted semifinal place in the eight-man bracket, and move him one step closer to reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
He recalled:
#samurai #first
Mohammad Siasarani spoiled his promotional debut by unanimous decision in May 2025, before Marat Grigorian stopped him at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April, leaving the 28-year-old with hazy memories of the bout.
Kaito now rematches Siasarani in the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament quarterfinal, which serves as the co-main event at ONE SAMURAI 2 this Saturday, August 8. The explosive card broadcasts live in Asia primetime on live.onefc.com from Tokyo's EBARA WAVE Arena Ota.
A victory would perfectly avenge his first ONE loss, earn a coveted semifinal place in the eight-man bracket, and move him one step closer to reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
He recalled:
#samurai #first
2 months ago
Masaaki Noiri believes every piece of his grand redemption story has already fallen into place. Now, the ***** anese superstar simply must deliver the definitive results to complete it.
The former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion will rematch "Spirit Dragon" Liu Mengyang in the quarterfinals of the highly anticipated ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at ONE SAMURAI 2. The blockbuster event takes place on Saturday, August 8, broadcasting live from Tokyo's EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, streaming via live.onefc.com.
Their first meeting in December 2024 ended with Liu handing Noiri his second straight loss in ONE Championship, marking the very first time the ***** anese standout had suffered consecutive defeats in his illustrious career. The Chinese striker stepped in on short notice, surprised Noiri in the first round, and ultimately earned a unanimous decision.
More than a year and a half later, the 33-year-old finally has the coveted opportunity to settle the score and advance in an elite eight-man tournament. The eventual winner of this prestigious bracket will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
The ***** anese veteran recalled:
#japanese
The former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion will rematch "Spirit Dragon" Liu Mengyang in the quarterfinals of the highly anticipated ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at ONE SAMURAI 2. The blockbuster event takes place on Saturday, August 8, broadcasting live from Tokyo's EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, streaming via live.onefc.com.
Their first meeting in December 2024 ended with Liu handing Noiri his second straight loss in ONE Championship, marking the very first time the ***** anese standout had suffered consecutive defeats in his illustrious career. The Chinese striker stepped in on short notice, surprised Noiri in the first round, and ultimately earned a unanimous decision.
More than a year and a half later, the 33-year-old finally has the coveted opportunity to settle the score and advance in an elite eight-man tournament. The eventual winner of this prestigious bracket will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
The ***** anese veteran recalled:
#japanese
2 months ago
Liu "Spirit Dragon" Mengyang has unfinished business with Masaaki Noiri, and the ultimate prize waiting at the end of the tournament makes the stakes even higher.
The 23-year-old Chinese striking sensation faces the former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion in the highly anticipated main event of ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8. The blockbuster event broadcasts from the EBARA WAVE Arena Ota in Tokyo, ******* an, streaming live via live.onefc.com.
The high-stakes bout serves as a quarterfinal matchup in the prestigious ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament, with the eventual winner of the 8-man bracket earning a guaranteed World ******* le shot against reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
When these two elite strikers last met in December 2024, Liu announced himself to the world in the most spectacular fashion possible.
Inside the opening 20 seconds, the Chinese powerhouse dropped Noiri to the canvas before expertly controlling the remainder of the contest to earn a unanimous decision. It was a shocking result that stunned the kickboxing ecosphere and firmly established Liu as one of the division's premier forces.
#kickboxing #World #featherweight #stakes
The 23-year-old Chinese striking sensation faces the former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion in the highly anticipated main event of ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8. The blockbuster event broadcasts from the EBARA WAVE Arena Ota in Tokyo, ******* an, streaming live via live.onefc.com.
The high-stakes bout serves as a quarterfinal matchup in the prestigious ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament, with the eventual winner of the 8-man bracket earning a guaranteed World ******* le shot against reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
When these two elite strikers last met in December 2024, Liu announced himself to the world in the most spectacular fashion possible.
Inside the opening 20 seconds, the Chinese powerhouse dropped Noiri to the canvas before expertly controlling the remainder of the contest to earn a unanimous decision. It was a shocking result that stunned the kickboxing ecosphere and firmly established Liu as one of the division's premier forces.
#kickboxing #World #featherweight #stakes
2 months ago
Confidence has never been in short supply for three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian, and that self-belief shows no signs of wavering as he heads into his next test at The Inner Circle 25.
The Armenian knockout machine carries that same conviction into the first round of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan.
Their clash will be part of several exciting matchups on the Asia primetime spectacle inside Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, which will broadcast live exclusively to subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Grigorian arrives on the back of a three-fight winning streak. Two of those victories ended in highlight-reel fashion, first against Abdelali "Black Diamond" Zahidi, then against Kaito at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April in Tokyo.
Sandwiched between those finishes was a hard-fought win over Rukiya "Demolition Man" Anpo at ONE 173, a rivalry that carried its own share of fireworks.
#first #live #confidence #champion
The Armenian knockout machine carries that same conviction into the first round of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan.
Their clash will be part of several exciting matchups on the Asia primetime spectacle inside Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, which will broadcast live exclusively to subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Grigorian arrives on the back of a three-fight winning streak. Two of those victories ended in highlight-reel fashion, first against Abdelali "Black Diamond" Zahidi, then against Kaito at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April in Tokyo.
Sandwiched between those finishes was a hard-fought win over Rukiya "Demolition Man" Anpo at ONE 173, a rivalry that carried its own share of fireworks.
#first #live #confidence #champion
2 months ago
The Inner Circle 25 arrives on Friday, August 7, featuring a stacked card that guarantees high-stakes martial arts action from top to bottom. Broadcasting live in Asia primetime from Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium, the blockbuster event streams exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com.
A bantamweight Muay Thai World ******* le eliminator will determine who faces the divisional king next, the highly anticipated ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament roars to life with a clash between two elite strikers, and one of the most debated results of the year gets its definitive answer in a monumental rematch.
Here are three compelling reasons The Inner Circle 25 is absolutely unmissable this Friday.
Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane and three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Suakim PongSuphan PK will clash in a massive World ******* le eliminator. The victor earns the coveted right to challenge reigning divisional king Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon.
Anane's remarkable journey through ONE Championship has been nothing short of extraordinary. The towering 6-foot-4 Algerian-Thai striker arrived as the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai World Champion. After an initial setback against "The Kicking Machine" Superlek in his debut, he returned with unmatched focus, systematically clearing out top contenders before defeating Nico "King of the North" Carrillo to claim interim gold in 2025.
#muay #inner #circle #stadium
A bantamweight Muay Thai World ******* le eliminator will determine who faces the divisional king next, the highly anticipated ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament roars to life with a clash between two elite strikers, and one of the most debated results of the year gets its definitive answer in a monumental rematch.
Here are three compelling reasons The Inner Circle 25 is absolutely unmissable this Friday.
Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane and three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Suakim PongSuphan PK will clash in a massive World ******* le eliminator. The victor earns the coveted right to challenge reigning divisional king Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon.
Anane's remarkable journey through ONE Championship has been nothing short of extraordinary. The towering 6-foot-4 Algerian-Thai striker arrived as the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai World Champion. After an initial setback against "The Kicking Machine" Superlek in his debut, he returned with unmatched focus, systematically clearing out top contenders before defeating Nico "King of the North" Carrillo to claim interim gold in 2025.
#muay #inner #circle #stadium
2 months ago
For three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian, an illustrious martial arts career has unlocked doors he never could have imagined while growing up.
That incredible journey continues next week as the 35-year-old superstar returns to action against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan. The two will meet in a highly anticipated first round of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at The Inner Circle 25.
The star-studded card broadcasts live in Asia primetime from Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, August 7, exclusively available to subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Intense training camps and the heavy demands of competing on the global stage may dominate his calendar, but the Armenian athlete has found a way to carve out something just as meaningful in the ****** es between them: a genuine, deep-rooted passion for exploring the world.
Grigorian's decorated kickboxing career has taken him across the globe, and it is a distinct privilege he certainly does not take for granted.
#glory #mamuka
That incredible journey continues next week as the 35-year-old superstar returns to action against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan. The two will meet in a highly anticipated first round of the eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament at The Inner Circle 25.
The star-studded card broadcasts live in Asia primetime from Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, August 7, exclusively available to subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Intense training camps and the heavy demands of competing on the global stage may dominate his calendar, but the Armenian athlete has found a way to carve out something just as meaningful in the ****** es between them: a genuine, deep-rooted passion for exploring the world.
Grigorian's decorated kickboxing career has taken him across the globe, and it is a distinct privilege he certainly does not take for granted.
#glory #mamuka
2 months ago
ONE Championship has completed the bracket for its blockbuster eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament, revealing the final two matchups that will determine who earns a shot at gold.
Three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian will square off against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7. The bout streams live in Asia primetime via live.onefc.com from Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
The very next night, ****** an's Kosuke "Unstoppable Phoenix" Takagi collides with China's Luo Chao at ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8, live from the iconic EBARA WAVE Arena Ota. The winner of the tournament will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
In two previously announced bouts, former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri will seek revenge against "Spirit Dragon" Liu Mengyang, while ****** anese star Kaito Ono runs it back with Iranian powerhouse Mohammad Siasarani.
Marat Grigorian appeared to place himself at the front of the featherweight kickboxing queue with his most recent performance. The Armenian icon needed less than two minutes to knock out Kaito at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29, ending their heated rivalry with a decisive statement inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
Three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian will square off against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7. The bout streams live in Asia primetime via live.onefc.com from Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
The very next night, ****** an's Kosuke "Unstoppable Phoenix" Takagi collides with China's Luo Chao at ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8, live from the iconic EBARA WAVE Arena Ota. The winner of the tournament will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
In two previously announced bouts, former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri will seek revenge against "Spirit Dragon" Liu Mengyang, while ****** anese star Kaito Ono runs it back with Iranian powerhouse Mohammad Siasarani.
Marat Grigorian appeared to place himself at the front of the featherweight kickboxing queue with his most recent performance. The Armenian icon needed less than two minutes to knock out Kaito at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29, ending their heated rivalry with a decisive statement inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.
3 months ago
ONE Championship has locked in a blockbuster showdown for ONE SAMURAI 4, as Jonathan “The General” Haggerty prepares to defend his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World **** le against Hiroki Akimoto, the man who once sat on the very throne the Englishman now occupies.
These two world-class strikers collide on Saturday, October 17, live from the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, **** an.
Haggerty is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound strikers on the planet. The London native, who trains under Team Underground and Knowlesy Academy, carries a career record of 24-5 and sits at 10-3 in the promotion.
He remains undefeated in kickboxing competition under the ONE banner. A former ONE Flyweight and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, “The General” added a third belt to his collection in November 2023.
The 29-year-old challenged ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade for the division’s vacant kickboxing belt at ONE Fight Night 16. Haggerty flatlined the Brazilian in the second round to become a two-sport ONE World Champion.
These two world-class strikers collide on Saturday, October 17, live from the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, **** an.
Haggerty is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound strikers on the planet. The London native, who trains under Team Underground and Knowlesy Academy, carries a career record of 24-5 and sits at 10-3 in the promotion.
He remains undefeated in kickboxing competition under the ONE banner. A former ONE Flyweight and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, “The General” added a third belt to his collection in November 2023.
The 29-year-old challenged ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade for the division’s vacant kickboxing belt at ONE Fight Night 16. Haggerty flatlined the Brazilian in the second round to become a two-sport ONE World Champion.
3 months ago
Last week Liverpool were mentioned as one of the suitors in the race for FIFA World Cup breakout star Kaishu Sano.
The 25-year-old workhorse was devastatingly effective in the ****** an midfield - scoring a brilliant goal in the Samurai Blue's round of 32 defeat at the hands of Brazil.
Sano returns to his club - Mainz of the Bundesliga - as a man in demand with teams across Germany and the Premier League now queuing up for his signature.
That's according to a new report in Fussball Daten - which claims Manchester United, ****** nal and Borussia Dortmund are all in the race to sign the £50m-rated No6.
Liverpool are frontrunners to land Sano however - with reports of talks having already been opened between the club and the midfielder's entourage.
The 25-year-old workhorse was devastatingly effective in the ****** an midfield - scoring a brilliant goal in the Samurai Blue's round of 32 defeat at the hands of Brazil.
Sano returns to his club - Mainz of the Bundesliga - as a man in demand with teams across Germany and the Premier League now queuing up for his signature.
That's according to a new report in Fussball Daten - which claims Manchester United, ****** nal and Borussia Dortmund are all in the race to sign the £50m-rated No6.
Liverpool are frontrunners to land Sano however - with reports of talks having already been opened between the club and the midfielder's entourage.
3 months ago
The knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally delivered a total knockout to the giants of international football. The underdogs punched way above their weight and stunned the traditional favorites. Brazil managed to pull the game back in the death whereas Germany got knocked out by Paraguay. Netherlands, too, suffered a similar fate at the hands of a fiery Moroccan team.
Japan and Hajime Moriyasu's men displayed an impeccable disciplined performance to contain a bubbling Brazil for 90 minutes. However, the stoppage time blow from Carlo Ancelotti's men delivered Brazil to the Round of 16 without any further drama. Germany on the other hand did not enjoy the same fate. Paraguay dragged Germany into penalties where they sunk the four-time champions.
The Netherlands were the favorites against Morocco despite being ranked just below them in the FIFA rankings. A strong run of form in the group stage gave the edge to the Dutch. However, Achraf Hakimi and team put Ronald Koeman's side to the sword as they created chance after chance. The game ended 1-1 and the penalties put Mohamed Ouahbi's men through to the next round as deserved winners.
This matchup was bound to be a surefire entertainer. A dark horse in **** an going against perpetual favorites and record World Champions in Brazil. Tactical and structural precision vs instinctual and flowing football.
The **** anese side under Hajime Moriyasu were drilled to maintain shape and not allow **** e to the Brazilians under manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Samurais in particular relied on a 5-man backline in defense. The midfield and attack combined in dynamic 2-3 or 3-2 ahead of the backline to periodically press a Brazilian or fall back to cut off passing lanes.
Japan and Hajime Moriyasu's men displayed an impeccable disciplined performance to contain a bubbling Brazil for 90 minutes. However, the stoppage time blow from Carlo Ancelotti's men delivered Brazil to the Round of 16 without any further drama. Germany on the other hand did not enjoy the same fate. Paraguay dragged Germany into penalties where they sunk the four-time champions.
The Netherlands were the favorites against Morocco despite being ranked just below them in the FIFA rankings. A strong run of form in the group stage gave the edge to the Dutch. However, Achraf Hakimi and team put Ronald Koeman's side to the sword as they created chance after chance. The game ended 1-1 and the penalties put Mohamed Ouahbi's men through to the next round as deserved winners.
This matchup was bound to be a surefire entertainer. A dark horse in **** an going against perpetual favorites and record World Champions in Brazil. Tactical and structural precision vs instinctual and flowing football.
The **** anese side under Hajime Moriyasu were drilled to maintain shape and not allow **** e to the Brazilians under manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Samurais in particular relied on a 5-man backline in defense. The midfield and attack combined in dynamic 2-3 or 3-2 ahead of the backline to periodically press a Brazilian or fall back to cut off passing lanes.
3 months ago
The FIFA World Cup’s expanded Round of 32 continues Monday with three compelling matchups, as traditional powers and emerging contenders begin the single-elimination journey toward lifting the trophy.
The day’s action opens with Brazil facing ****** an in Houston. Brazil entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but ****** an has built a reputation for disciplined, organized soccer and has shown repeatedly it can frustrate the world’s elite. A mistake-free performance will be essential if the Samurai Blue hope to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Next, Germany meets Paraguay in Boston in a matchup featuring two nations that rarely shy away from the spotlight. Germany’s history in knockout soccer speaks for itself, but Paraguay’s physical style and defensive organization could make life uncomfortable for the four-time world champions.
The primetime finale sends the Netherlands against Morocco in Monterrey, a meeting between two sides capable of making a deep run. Morocco continues to prove its success in recent years was no fluke, while the Dutch arrive with one of the tournament’s most balanced squads.
With the group stage now complete, the margin for error has disappeared. Every match is win or go home, every substitution carries added weight, and one brilliant moment—or one costly mistake—can end a nation’s World Cup dream.
The day’s action opens with Brazil facing ****** an in Houston. Brazil entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but ****** an has built a reputation for disciplined, organized soccer and has shown repeatedly it can frustrate the world’s elite. A mistake-free performance will be essential if the Samurai Blue hope to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Next, Germany meets Paraguay in Boston in a matchup featuring two nations that rarely shy away from the spotlight. Germany’s history in knockout soccer speaks for itself, but Paraguay’s physical style and defensive organization could make life uncomfortable for the four-time world champions.
The primetime finale sends the Netherlands against Morocco in Monterrey, a meeting between two sides capable of making a deep run. Morocco continues to prove its success in recent years was no fluke, while the Dutch arrive with one of the tournament’s most balanced squads.
With the group stage now complete, the margin for error has disappeared. Every match is win or go home, every substitution carries added weight, and one brilliant moment—or one costly mistake—can end a nation’s World Cup dream.
3 months ago
Neymar celebrates one of his four goals in the 4-0 rout of ****** an, in a friendly in Singapore, on October 14, 2014Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
On October 14, 2014, Neymar joined a select group of Brazil players after scoring all four goals in the rout of ****** an, this Monday’s (29) opponent in the World Cup round of 32. In a friendly in Singapore, he became the eighth player to score at least four times for the Seleção in matches against national teams, joining Evaristo de Macedo, Zizinho, Ademir Menezes, Julinho Botelho, Zico, Careca and Romário.
In the match, the No. 10 will face again the opponent against whom he delivered one of his most memorable performances. With nine goals, he is also the top scorer in meetings between Brazil and the Blue Samurai. Besides the 2014 clash, he scored two in the 4-0 win in 2012, opened the scoring in the 3-0 victory in the opening match of the 2013 Confederations Cup, scored once in the 3-1 win in 2017, and netted the winner in the 1-0 victory in 2022.
The only player in history to score five goals for Brazil against another national team is Evaristo de Macedo. The Brazilian football legend reached that mark in the 9-0 win over Colombia on March 24, 1957, in the Copa América, in Lima, Peru — Didi (2), Pepe and Zizinho completed the scoreline.
Neymar in action during the 4-0 rout of ****** an, in a friendly in Singapore, on October 14, 2014Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
On October 14, 2014, Neymar joined a select group of Brazil players after scoring all four goals in the rout of ****** an, this Monday’s (29) opponent in the World Cup round of 32. In a friendly in Singapore, he became the eighth player to score at least four times for the Seleção in matches against national teams, joining Evaristo de Macedo, Zizinho, Ademir Menezes, Julinho Botelho, Zico, Careca and Romário.
In the match, the No. 10 will face again the opponent against whom he delivered one of his most memorable performances. With nine goals, he is also the top scorer in meetings between Brazil and the Blue Samurai. Besides the 2014 clash, he scored two in the 4-0 win in 2012, opened the scoring in the 3-0 victory in the opening match of the 2013 Confederations Cup, scored once in the 3-1 win in 2017, and netted the winner in the 1-0 victory in 2022.
The only player in history to score five goals for Brazil against another national team is Evaristo de Macedo. The Brazilian football legend reached that mark in the 9-0 win over Colombia on March 24, 1957, in the Copa América, in Lima, Peru — Didi (2), Pepe and Zizinho completed the scoreline.
Neymar in action during the 4-0 rout of ****** an, in a friendly in Singapore, on October 14, 2014Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
3 months ago
Japan came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday as they stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches.
Daichi Kamada deflected a header from Koki Ogawa into the roof of the net in the 88th minute to award the fighting Samurai Blue.
Captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch ahead in the 51st minute off Ryan Gravenberch's cross and Crysencio Summerville restored the lead in the 64th with a classy shot into the far left corner.
Japan had levelled for the first time from Keito Nakamura's low shot in the 57th as the game came to live after the break following a cagey first half in which chances were sparse.
The **** anese maintained their unbeaten streak even though the draw ended a run of six victories, including against Brazil and at Wembley against England.
Daichi Kamada deflected a header from Koki Ogawa into the roof of the net in the 88th minute to award the fighting Samurai Blue.
Captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch ahead in the 51st minute off Ryan Gravenberch's cross and Crysencio Summerville restored the lead in the 64th with a classy shot into the far left corner.
Japan had levelled for the first time from Keito Nakamura's low shot in the 57th as the game came to live after the break following a cagey first half in which chances were sparse.
The **** anese maintained their unbeaten streak even though the draw ended a run of six victories, including against Brazil and at Wembley against England.
3 months ago
Japan and the Netherlands will kick off their World Cup campaign in Texas on Sunday night. There are seven Bundesliga-based players in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad, with FC Bayern’s Hiroki Itō, Eintracht Frankfurt's Ritsu Dōan and Mainz’s Kaishū Sano making the starting lineup.
From the starting XI of the Samurai Blue, Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) also had previous Bundesliga experience. With Wataru Endo's international retirement and former Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Kō Itakura on the bench, Dōan will captain ***** an.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken is the substitute goalkeeper for the Netherlands. From the eight players with previous Bundesliga experiences, Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Ryan Gravenberch (FC Bayern) and Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) are in Ronald Koeman’s XI.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Itō; Dōan ©, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda
From the starting XI of the Samurai Blue, Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) also had previous Bundesliga experience. With Wataru Endo's international retirement and former Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Kō Itakura on the bench, Dōan will captain ***** an.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken is the substitute goalkeeper for the Netherlands. From the eight players with previous Bundesliga experiences, Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Ryan Gravenberch (FC Bayern) and Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) are in Ronald Koeman’s XI.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Itō; Dōan ©, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda
