3 Captivating Reasons To Watch ONE SAMURAI 2 On August 8
ONE SAMURAI 2 is ready to elevate the incredible standard set by its historic predecessor as the world’s largest martial arts organization officially returns to Tokyo.
Japan’s rich martial arts legacy takes center stage once more at the EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Saturday, August 8. The massive event features nine bouts packed with the absolute highest levels of elite kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
With world-class contenders rapidly rising and emerging heroes hunting for a defining moment across a slate of high-stakes matchups, the stage is beautifully set for a pivotal night of martial arts action.
Here are three compelling reasons why you absolutely cannot miss ONE SAMURAI 2.
#1 Heated Battles In The ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament
The high-stakes ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament roars to life with three of the four quarterfinal clashes anchoring the card. The ultimate winner of the prestigious eight-man bracket will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon for the 155-pound division’s most coveted prize.
In the thrilling main event, former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri seeks redemption against Chinese powerhouse Liu “Spirit Dragon” Mengyang. After finishing Tawanchai PK Saenchai to claim interim gold last year, Noiri is highly determined to avenge his 2024 loss to Liu. However, the 23-year-old phenom carries a soaring three-fight winning streak — capped by his own stunning finish of Tawanchai — and firmly believes his time has arrived.
In the penultimate matchup, a fierce, year-long rematch unfolds as SHOOT BOXING superstar Kaito looks to avenge his promotional debut loss to former WBC Muay Thai World Champion Mohammad Siasarani.
After dropping his first two assignments in ONE, Kaito desperately seeks a major statement win on the global stage. Standing in his path, Siasarani enters on a formidable five-fight winning streak, determined to silence the pro-Japanese crowd and take his career to even greater heights.
The third tournament quarterfinal on the card delivers another captivating Japan-versus-China clash, as SHOOT BOXING Super Welterweight Champion Kosuke “Unstoppable Phoenix” Takagi makes his high-profile organizational bow. The Japanese standout faces battle-tested Chinese striker Luo Chao, who earned his place in the bracket with an impressive five-fight winning streak, most recently capped by a decision victory over Denis Souza Jr. this past May.
Meanwhile, another massive quarterfinal matchup between Marat Grigorian and Mamuka Usubyan goes down the night before at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, officially rounding out the elite tournament field.
#2 A New Strawweight MMA World Title Challenger Could Emerge
A pivotal strawweight MMA clash takes center stage as former Pancrase Champion Keito “Pocket Monk” Yamakita welcomes Shooto World Champion Koyuru “Naniwa Speedster” Tanoue to ONE in a classic grappler-versus-striker collision.
Yamakita has been an absolute force on the global stage, quietly building an enviable 5-1 promotional record behind suffocating takedowns and relentless submission threats.
The 30-year-old standout already boasts impressive victories over former World Champions Alex “Little Rock” Silva and Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta. Now coming off a commanding submission over Ryohei Kurosawa for his fourth straight win, Yamakita continues his determined push toward 26 pounds of gold.
Tanoue, however, brings serious firepower into his long-awaited ONE bow. Armed with blistering speed and dynamic combinations, the Osaka native possesses the precise striking tools highly capable of completely derailing Yamakita’s wrestling blueprint.
Should Yamakita prevail, he will firmly cement his status as the division’s top Japanese contender and will take a massive leap toward challenging reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
Conversely, a breakout debut performance from Tanoue would instantly catapult the Shooto king straight into the ONE World Title conversation.
#3 Japanese Champions Collide In A Battle Of Pride And Supremacy
Domestic bragging rights hang squarely in the balance when four-division SHOOT BOXING Champion Hiroki Kasahara meets RISE Lightweight Champion Ryuto Shiokawa in a marquee featherweight kickboxing tilt.
Entering his milestone 50th professional fight, Kasahara carries the immense pride of Caesar Gym on his shoulders. The decorated multi-division titleholder dropped his ONE debut under Muay Thai rules against Worapon Lukjaoporongtom in 2024, and he remains deeply determined to make a statement reintroduction under his preferred kickboxing rule set.
Standing across the ring is one of the most rapidly ascending forces in Japan’s domestic striking scene. Shiokawa brilliantly captured the RISE 135-pound strap just three months ago, defeating Masahito Okuyama en route to securing his spectacular ninth consecutive victory.
As two champions collide at the absolute peak of their powers, this marquee Japan-versus-Japan showdown promises to deliver high-paced, technical action that will directly shape the future of ONE’s stacked featherweight kickboxing division.
