‘I Am Coming For The Top’ – Avazbek Kholmirzaev Vows To Finish Yuya Wakamatsu And Claim Gold At ONE SAMURAI 1
Stepping onto the global stage with gold firmly in his sights, Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev is preparing for the most monumental opportunity of his career.
The Uzbek contender challenges reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu for the divisional throne in one of four title bouts at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live from the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29.
Since arriving in ONE, Kholmirzaev has engineered a meteoric rise through the flyweight MMA ranks.
The 25-year-old has amassed nine victories in the promotion and enters this contest on a six-fight winning streak. His recent run includes stoppage wins over Willie “White Lion” van Rooyen and Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado, as well as a decision over divisional stalwart Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada.
Despite his explosive climb, Kholmirzaev remains grounded heading into the biggest fight of his life.
He told ONE:
“Everything happened quite fast. But there is a lot of hard work behind it. I’m grateful and I just keep working. It means a lot to me. It’s a great opportunity and I’m happy to compete on such a stage.”
Capturing the flyweight MMA crown would represent the culmination of a lifelong martial arts journey for “Ninzya.”
Defeating Wakamatsu in front of a partisan Japanese crowd would cement his place among the sport’s elite. He understands the magnitude of the challenge and meets it with quiet confidence.
He said:
“I am hungry, disciplined, and always improving. I believe my mindset and my determination will make the difference in this fight. I think it will be a good fight. I will do my best and try to get the win. Right now I’m focused only on this fight. We will see what happens next.”
Dethroning the ONE World Champion will be no simple task. Wakamatsu has built elite grappling skills and iron takedown defense on top of his concussive one-punch knockout power, making him one of the most complete fighters in the division.
Kholmirzaev has prepared specifically for this stylistic clash and intends to impose his own game regardless.
He said:
“Wakamatsu is a very good fighter, strong and experienced. Strong opponents push you to grow and become better. But inside the [ring] there is no friendship. I am coming to win.
“He has improved a lot in [grappling]. I will just try to show my own game. My game plan is to control the fight, stay focused, and use my skills in all areas — striking, wrestling, and grappling. I am ready for every situation.”
Kholmirzaev Ready To Take His Place Among The Greats
Fans should not expect this matchup to go the distance. Avazbek Kholmirzaev has secured eight stoppages across his nine victories in ONE, and he intends to extend that rate against Wakamatsu.
Beyond personal glory, the 25-year-old carries the hopes of Uzbekistan, determined to deliver a historic performance for his supporters back home.
He said:
“Fans can expect an exciting and high-level fight. I will come forward, fight with heart, and look for the finish. Thank you to everyone who supports me. I will do my best to make you proud. This is just the beginning — I am coming for the top.”
For Kholmirzaev, April 29 in Tokyo is the moment that will define his legacy. After all, he’s spent years refining his skills for this moment.
He finished:
“I’ve been working a lot on myself. After every fight, I try to learn from my mistakes and improve. I still have many things to learn. I feel ready and confident. I have prepared very hard for this fight, both physically and mentally. This is my moment to show my level.”
