5 Weapons That Make Kickboxing Superstar Masaaki Noiri So Dangerous
Striking fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the ONE Championship debut of two-division K-1 World Champion Masaaki Noiri.
On Friday, June 7, the Japanese superstar will square off against #3-ranked contender Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong in a high-stakes featherweight kickboxing showdown at ONE 167, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Widely regarded as one of the kickboxing world’s greatest talents, Noiri will bring a wealth of elite experience and plenty of hype with him to the global stage.
Before he steps into the Circle for his promotional debut at ONE 167, take a deeper look at the Japanese luminary’s most dangerous weapons.
#1 Never-Ending Pressure
Noiri’s game is based on patience and his ability to apply constant pressure.
Marching forward behind a defensively sound high guard and legs that are always ready to check his opponent’s kicks, the 30-year-old loves to gradually back his foe against the ropes (or, as will be the case at ONE 167, the Circle Wall) where he will unload lighting-fast combinations and venomous close-range weapons.
#2 Tempo Changes
Noiri is a true master of controlling the tempo and pace of his fights. In fact, he lulls his opponents to sleep before unleashing his best offensive weapons with ruthless intentions.
Fans can expect to see the Japanese superstar employ his seemingly impenetrable defense as he takes his foe’s best shots and then explodes with a stunning flurry of damaging strikes.
#3 Leg Kicks
While Noiri is perhaps most feared for his boxing attack, he tends to set up his most dangerous blows by first tenderizing his opponent’s legs.
A ball of fast-twitch muscle, the Nagoya resident loves to throw explosive leg kicks from the outside, often using these weapons to both hurt his adversary and force him on the defensive. What’s more, he’s comfortable landing these kicks both above and below the knee, which makes them incredibly difficult to predict or defend.
#4 Body Shots
Whether he’s attacking with his hands or feet, Noiri almost always invests in bodywork.
In addition to a beautiful switch kick to his opponent’s liver, he also possesses a soul-stealing shovel hook to the floating rib. Of course, these shots have fight-ending power, but they also work to lower his foe’s hands and ultimately set up the knockout blow to the head.
#5 Counter Punches
Noiri’s single most dangerous skill is his pinpoint accurate counter-punching, often employed at close range after backing his adversary against the ropes.
The Japanese kickboxer will bring arguably the fastest hands and quickest reflexes in the featherweight division to ONE. Look for him to patiently wait for his openings before unleashing massive counter-punches in tight quarters, often doing his best work with his thunderous left hook to the jaw.
