Hyu Meets Taiki Naito In All-Japanese Flyweight Kickboxing Showdown At ONE Samurai 1
Undefeated Japanese sensation Hyu will look to back up his bold knockout prediction when he faces fellow countryman Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito at ONE Samurai 1.
The bout takes place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo as part of ONE’s inaugural Japan-based event series, marking a significant moment in the promotion’s expansion in the country.
The blockbuster card is headlined by a rematch between Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.
Hyu enters the matchup in superb form after a sensational performance at ONE Fight Night 41.
The 23-year-old dismantled Suablack Tor Pran49 with three knockdowns en route to a first-round TKO, extending his perfect record to 13-0 and securing a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
It was his second bonus in ONE, following his first at ONE Fight Night 35 last September, where he finished the previously undefeated Jordan Estupinan in the third round.
The win over Suablack marked his fourth consecutive finish in ONE and solidified his status as one of the most dangerous contenders in the flyweight kickboxing division.
In the aftermath, the Team Mehdi Zatout and TEAM3K standout made his ambitions clear, openly targeting striking superstar Rodtang and divisional king “The Kicking Machine” Superlek for a shot at gold.
But before chasing ONE World Title opportunities, he turned his attention to a fellow Japanese contender.
Hyu called out Naito, who accepted the challenge on social media. A heated exchange followed, with the undefeated star boldly predicting a knockout.
Hyu wrote:
“If you fight me, you will be knocked out.”
Naito responded with confidence, downplaying Hyu’s resume and suggesting he had yet to face truly elite opposition.
Now, the war of words will be settled inside the ring.
Naito enters with momentum of his own. The 30-year-old recently stopped Nakrob Fairtex in the first round of their flyweight Muay Thai clash with a sharp punching combination at ONE Fight Night 37.
It was his second consecutive win after handing Johan Estupinan his first career loss at ONE Fight Night 32 last June via majority decision.
Known for his calculated counter-striking and composure under pressure, the Bell Wood Fight Team representative is one of Japan’s most technically refined strikers.
For Hyu, the matchup presents a different kind of challenge. He has overwhelmed opponents with speed, creativity, and finishing ability. Naito offers experience, precision, and the ability to capitalize on even the smallest mistakes.
With both men carrying momentum and national pride into this all-Japanese showdown, the clash represents more than just another fight. At ONE Samurai 1, Japan’s two most compelling flyweight kickboxers collide, each determined to prove he belongs at the very top of the division.
