‘I Need To Be Completely Ready’ — Masaaki Noiri Reflects On Gritty Semifinal Win, Previews Marat Grigorian Final
Former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri proved his ability to navigate the trenches, securing a hard-fought split-decision victory over Mohammad Siasarani at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17.
The gritty three-round battle inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena sent Japan’s favored fighter to the ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament final, pushing him one step closer to a rematch against reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
The semifinal clash, however, was far from a one-sided affair. Siasarani proved to be a worthy adversary, utilizing sharp counterstrikes and expertly managing the distance to make the veteran work for every inch inside the Circle.
Despite the Iranian’s valiant effort, Noiri controlled the bout on his terms, dictating range with sharp calf kicks and leaning on the ring generalship he built over a decorated career.
Siasarani tested him from the first bell to the last, but the Team Vasileus product navigated those dangerous moments with composure, reassessing after each round and making the subtle adjustments that only a seasoned kickboxer can.
Noiri told onefc.com:
“After each round, I confirmed with my corner that I was winning each round. I was expecting that [victory].
“During the fight, I was feeling okay fighting at distance or in range at close clinching. I feel like I was landing good shots. At the end of the fight, when it was a 2-1 decision, I was a bit surprised.”
Advancing to the final of a stacked eight-man tournament is an achievement most fighters would celebrate without hesitation. For Noiri, it was never going to be enough.
The man who captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title with a stunning TKO of Tawanchai PK Saenchai and delivered a statement first-round knockout over Liu “Spirit Dragon” Mengyang in the quarterfinals has always wanted fate firmly in his own hands. A decision, even a winning one, leaves too much to chance for a man of his finishing instinct.
The 33-year-old felt a profound responsibility to deliver a definitive finish for the Japanese faithful.
He said:
“This might not have been a good enough result [for me]. I know Siasarani is a very tough fighter; I couldn’t KO him. I received a lot of power from the fans, and I’m sorry I couldn’t knock him out.”
Given the narrow nature of the match, Siasarani felt aggrieved, and the Iranian was quick to make his views known. He went further still, extending a challenge to settle their rivalry under “the art of eight limbs.”
Noiri welcomed the offer warmly, leaving the door open for a future meeting. For now, however, nothing will distract him from his mission to reclaim the gold that slipped through his fingers.
The Japanese star said:
“I love to fight abroad outside of Japan, but I’ve never fought in Muay Thai. I want to get the undisputed belt in kickboxing, and then maybe after that we can think about Muay Thai, but it’s not the right time right now.”
Noiri Gets The Final He Always Wanted
With the semifinal sealed, Masaaki Noiri can finally turn his attention to the matchup that has captivated him since the tournament bracket was drawn.
Marat Grigorian awaits in the final — a three-time Glory World Champion and former ONE World Title challenger whose relentless forward pressure, pristine combinations, and elite finishing power make him one of the most feared strikers in the sport. Their stylistic kinship has made this collision feel inevitable from the moment both names entered the bracket.
Grigorian defeated Mamuka Usubyan in the quarterfinals before being fast-tracked directly to the final after “The Handsome White Dragon” Luo Chao missed weight and was disqualified from their scheduled showdown.
The former interim king wasted no time expressing his enthusiasm for what awaits:
“He is powerful, very strong. One of the strongest athletes. We used to be in different weight classes, and I’ve always wanted to fight him. And now, I’m going to be able to fight Marat Grigorian. I’m very happy.
“He advanced without fighting, which was maybe not the best way, but now we’re here, and now we’re gonna do it.”
The prospect of closing out the year with this dream match has been floated, but Noiri asks only for patience.
Coming away from his battle with Mohammad Siasarani bearing scars, he will need time to recalibrate before stepping into the most consequential fight of his career. When he does, he intends to give the fans the performance this super-fight deserves.
He concluded:
“Honestly, I was injured before the fight, and during the fight I was trying to kind of hide that, but I was in a lot of pain. Marat is not the type of opponent I can fight injured. I need to be completely ready to take on a guy like him.
“The main goal was to fight Grigorian in the final of the tournament. I don’t know when that will be, but I’m ready. I’ve always wanted to fight Grigorian. It’s going to be a great fight.”
