2025 Year-In Review: Recapping Yuki Yoza’s Incredible ONE Championship Run
Japanese kickboxing superstar Yuki Yoza didn’t just quietly bring his talent to ONE Championship — he swept through the world’s largest martial arts organization like a storm.
The 27-year-old tore across the promotion’s stacked bantamweight kickboxing division, dismantling three elite opponents in dominant fashion in 2025. His flawless campaign this past year pushed his winning streak to 13 fights, elevating his overall record to an impressive 22-2.
From snapping an icon’s unbeaten streak to outclassing a former World Champion and conquering a pound-for-pound great, Yoza’s meteoric rise has commanded attention.
As 2025 closes, let’s revisit the three electrifying battles that transformed Yuki Yoza into a legitimate World Title contender.
A Dazzling ONE Debut To Remember
Yuki Yoza entered ONE carrying massive expectations as the youngest member of Team Vasileus’ three-headed striking monster.
He had a tough act to follow since his stablemates — Japanese megastar Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa and former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri — had already established themselves as household names.
Despite his K-1 Championship pedigree, Yoza still needed to validate the hype that preceded him. The 27-year-old carried quiet confidence forged through grueling preparation behind closed doors.
And he had extra motivation since his teammates had stumbled in their promotional debuts. Takeru fell to “The Kicking Machine” Superlek at ONE 165, while Noiri lost to Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong at ONE 167.
Yoza’s first test came against unbeaten Russian powerhouse Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov at ONE Friday Fights 109 this past May. Osmanov entered the contest with an intimidating 12-0 record, having wreaked havoc in the weekly Asia primetime series with six consecutive wins.
From the opening bell, Yoza unleashed his trademark calf kicks with surgical precision. The brutal leg attacks disrupted Osmanov’s rhythm and compromised his movement across all three rounds.
Beyond those crippling strikes, the Japanese sensation showcased excellent ring control, relentless pressure, and technical superiority to score a dominant unanimous decision victory.
The Japanese star’s performance sent shockwaves throughout the kickboxing landscape. Yet as impressive as that first impression was, it proved to be merely a glimpse of what Yoza had in store for fans.
A Statement-Making Performance Against A Battle-Tested Warrior
In his sophomore outing, Yuki Yoza was thrown into the fire immediately.
At ONE Friday Fights 116, he met former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus — a living legend with over 400 career fights.
It was the perfect test to prove whether the Japanese sensation belonged among the division’s elite.
History added intrigue to the match-up. Yoza had sparred with Petchtanong during training stints in Thailand, absorbing wisdom from the technical master. Those sessions exposed technical gaps that needed refining.
But with the stakes at their highest, sentimentality took a back seat. Petchtanong peppered Yoza early with stinging middle kicks and knees from the outside, establishing his range with veteran savvy.
But the defiant Tokyo native refused to be intimidated and matched the Thai legend’s aggression with devilish speed and unorthodox attacks, disrupting his rhythm.
In round two, Yoza found his opening. As Petchtanong chained together combinations, a devastating left hook stopped the Thai cold, and a crisp one-two sent the veteran crashing to the canvas.
After that knockdown, the Team Vasileus star controlled the remainder of the contest for another dominant unanimous decision.
The statement was made. The bantamweight division was officially on notice.
A Revenge Win Over A Pound-For-Pound Great
Everything Yuki Yoza had worked for led to his most recent outing.
Waiting for him at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri just last month was Superlek, the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and pound-for-pound great.
For Yoza, this fight transcended personal gain since the grudge ran deep.
At ONE 165 in 2024, Superlek systematically dismantled Takeru Segawa over five brutal rounds. “The Kicking Machine” chopped away at Takeru’s legs with bone-crushing kicks, fracturing his knee and nearly ending his career.
Seeing his mentor broken and on the verge of quitting ignited something primal in Yoza. He vowed to avenge his fallen teammate and called out Superlek relentlessly.
The moment finally arrived, and Yoza entered Ariake Arena with the weight of redemption on his shoulders.
From the opening bell, the Japanese star pressed forward with crisp combinations, forcing the Thai icon onto the defensive early.
Yoza unleashed fast, powerful kicks to Superlek’s legs and body, giving him a taste of his own devastating medicine.
As the bout evolved into a technical chess match, Superlek found his groove, but Yoza’s defense held firm, and his output never wavered.
The final round was razor-close, with both warriors exchanging bombs in pursuit of victory. But Yoza’s accuracy and consistent volume proved superior. All three judges awarded him the victory by unanimous decision.
Yoza had defeated one of the world’s best pound-for-pound strikers while avenging Takeru’s heartbreaking loss. It was the most satisfying victory of his career.
Greatness Awaits In 2026
After justifying the hype with three statement victories in 2025, Yuki Yoza’s trajectory points in only one direction — up.
His electrifying performances have positioned him as the top contender for Jonathan “The General” Haggerty‘s ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship. A clash between these two striking maestros would be must-see television.
However, Yoza isn’t the only one knocking on the door. ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane also enjoyed a spectacular 2025 campaign, staking his own claim to a kickboxing World Title shot.
A World Title eliminator between these two elite talents would settle the debate while delivering the kind of high-stakes thriller fans crave.
Beyond the World Title picture, intriguing matchups await throughout the stacked bantamweight kickboxing ranks. Former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi would represent a dangerous test that could further cement Yoza’s credentials.
Whichever path comes first, one thing is certain — Yoza stands on the precipice of greatness. The world is witnessing the rise of Japan’s next great striking superstar, and the best is yet to come.
