‘I Want To Break That Strong Spirit’ – Yuki Yoza Ready To Step Into The Fire With Superlek At ONE 173
Japanese star Yuki Yoza has faced every level of competition throughout his illustrious kickboxing career. But at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, he will take on his greatest challenge yet.
On Sunday, November 16, the 27-year-old sensation will face pound-for-pound icon “The Kicking Machine” Superlek in a bantamweight kickboxing showdown live from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
For Yoza, this fight serves as the ultimate test of his momentum, preparation, and composure, against one of the sport’s most feared technicians — a man who represents the pinnacle of precision and control in the striking arts.
Superlek, the reigning and undisputed ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has earned his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers on the planet through a myriad of explosive performances in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
But Yoza sees something more. In Superlek, he sees a challenge he was made for:
“There are no weak fighters in ONE. Everyone has world-class skills and strong mental toughness. Being able to fight on this stage, against the best in the world, is truly the ultimate as a fighter.
“Superlek is among the very top in ONE. Honestly, my previous opponent, Petchtanong, was actually a tougher matchup for me — a more difficult style for me. I managed to knock him down and beat him. That experience from the two fights will help me. So I don’t see any problem here.”
The Team Vasileus standout rose to prominence by dismantling his country’s top talent and claiming the K-1 title before storming into ONE Championship behind a wave of hype.
He proved worthy of it immediately, defeating Russian striking ace Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 109 and then besting former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong to extend his winning streak to 12 straight victories.
While Superlek’s reputation certainly speaks for itself, which includes a reign as the former bantamweight Muay Thai king and his current position as the #5-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender, Yoza is approaching this matchup with sharp focus.
He has studied “The Kicking Machine’s” traits, tendencies, and technical rhythm:
“He can really do everything. Even under kickboxing rules without elbows or clinching, he still shows world-class, top ability. Fans and industry people rate him highly. If I can beat him, that recognition will also come to me. I’m really looking forward to fighting him.”
Yoza understands exactly what makes the Thai superstar so dangerous – the precision of his right kicks, the composure under pressure, and the ability to dictate tempo.
After all, Superlek has compiled 139 career victories, with notable wins over the crème de la crème of Muay Thai and kickboxing. He has bested former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, and current ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane.
Yet rather than being intimidated, Yoza has built his training around countering those strengths, and the Japanese striker plans to impose his will at ONE 173:
“I don’t mind if it comes down to breaking legs. I don’t mind actually breaking legs. I want to break his spirit with my win. Really. The very top fighters have incredible mental strength. I want to break that strong spirit. I want to break him and show that moment to fans across Japan.”
Yoza’s Optimism Against Superlek Comes From Familiarity
Preparation breeds confidence, and Yuki Yoza’s confidence is grounded in experience.
Last year, the Japanese striking ace played a key role in helping his teammate Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa prepare for his bout against Superlek at ONE 165.
To do that, Yoza had to step into the shoes of “The Kicking Machine” himself, replicating the Thai’s movement, kicking rhythm, and angles of attack. That process turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons of his career.
The 27-year-old said:
“I actually played the role of Superlek in sparring to help Takeru prepare. I copied his style closely, so I know in my head and body what to do. That has been a really valuable experience. I know his weaknesses, and also his strengths. I feel confident.
“My mindset hasn’t changed much. But Japanese fans see this as revenge. Fans worldwide expect Superlek to win. I look forward to surprising them in a good way.”
Yoza’s unwavering self-belief has been forged in tough battles over elite competition, but also in his understanding of what it takes to climb further.
He knows that this fight could bring him closer to the World Title, and he’s not shy about his ambitions.
The former K-1 Champion offered:
“I’m the future bantamweight Champion of ONE. I want to prove that soon. I already beat the undefeated Osmanov, then Petchtanong within a month.
“I’m the only Japanese fighter who has done that. So I believe I’m also the only one who can beat Superlek. By achieving that, I am the one who truly deserves the belt. I want to show the world.”
