5 Things To Know About Avazbek Kholmirzaev Before His World Title Clash With Yuya Wakamatsu At ONE SAMURAI 1
Uzbek destroyer Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev is bringing his take-no-prisoners approach to ONE’s landmark inaugural event in Japan.
The 25-year-old challenges ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in one of two World Title bouts at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29 at the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Kholmirzaev’s resume is built on killer instinct. Fourteen of his 15 career victories have ended before the final bell, a finishing rate that has left no opponent unscathed.
He tore through the ONE Friday Fights circuit, earned a life-changing six-figure contract, and carried that momentum onto the main roster with emphatic stoppages over Willie “White Lion” van Rooyen and Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado.
Before “Ninzya” takes the most important step of his career, here are five things to know about Uzbekistan’s most exciting MMA export.
#1 Military Service Forged His Mental Toughness
Kholmirzaev’s devotion to his country runs deep. When Uzbekistan called, he answered without hesitation.
The Raqobat representative served in the Uzbek military, a decision rooted in patriotism as much as duty. The structured environment demanded discipline, sacrifice, and mental fortitude. Those qualities seeped into every aspect of his game, sharpening the temperament and resolve that now define him as a competitor.
He came back to competition a harder, sharper, more complete fighter.
He said:
“The military made me stronger mentally. It helped me handle stress, pain, and difficult situations. In the ring, I feel more controlled and focused because of that experience.”
#2 He’s An Adrenaline Junkie
When the lights come on, Kholmirzaev thrives on danger. Outside of it, not much changes.
Since relocating to Thailand, he has embraced every thrill his surroundings offer: sailing, jet skiing, and anything else that spikes the heart rate. For Kholmirzaev, rest and intensity are one and the same.
That fearless streak powers every calculated risk he takes in competition, fueling the fan-friendly style that has made him one of flyweight MMA’s most exciting fighters.
He said:
“I enjoy extreme activities because they give me adrenaline and keep me sharp. I like challenges and pushing my limits — it’s part of who I am as a fighter.”
#3 His Faith Is The Foundation Of Everything He Does
Kholmirzaev was raised in a household where Islam was not just a religion. It was a way of life.
That foundation has never wavered. Faith sits at the center of everything he does, shaping his beliefs, his convictions, and the man he has become both inside and outside the ring.
He structures his daily routine around his religion, weaving training and competition into a life built on devotion. The belief that he was put on this earth for greatness pushes him through every grueling session and difficult moment.
#4 His Fighting Style Is That Of A Modern-Day Ninja
Kholmirzaev’s nickname fits like a glove. “Ninzya” translates to ninja, and he embodies every bit of that moniker.
His style is defined by stealth and misdirection. He lures opponents into traps with deceptive setups, then overwhelms them with a well-rounded arsenal before they can escape. By the time they realize what is happening, it is already too late.
When “Ninzya” catches his prey, he never hesitates to go for the kill. His 89 percent finishing rate in ONE says everything about what happens to fighters who fall into his web.
#5 He’s Chasing Glory As Uzbekistan’s First ONE MMA World Champion
Dagestan’s MMA dominance is well-documented, but Uzbekistan has been quietly writing its own story.
The two regions share striking similarities: rugged terrain and demanding conditions that have forged a generation of indestructible competitors.
Kholmirzaev is the latest to emerge from that tradition and among the most promising. Every time he steps onto the global stage, he carries the weight of a nation. Becoming Uzbekistan’s first ONE World Champion would be the ultimate way to repay that faith.
He said:
“Yes, it’s a big responsibility. I will do my best to represent my country well.”
