‘I Will Make My Way Back There’ – Yuki Yoza Eyes Jonathan Haggerty Rematch After Rebound Win Over Ben Woolliss

Former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Yuki Yoza has been eager to put to bed the lingering memories of his first promotional setback, and he did exactly that in spectacular fashion at The Inner Circle 22 on Friday, July 17.

He powered past Ben “The Problem” Woolliss to score a hard-fought unanimous decision on the blockbuster Asia primetime card inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, broadcasting live for subscribers at live.onefc.com.

The Japanese striking prodigy entered the high-stakes curtain-raiser still mentally processing his defeat to reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo this past April.

Getting back into the win column meant far more than simply improving his record — it was a definitive result the 28-year-old felt he owed to everyone who stood firmly behind him during that difficult stretch.

Yoza told onefc.com:

“So many people supported me and helped me build toward this day. I wanted to win for them, and I’m really happy that we can celebrate this victory together.

“I wasn’t able to get the knockout, but I finished with a win, so I’m glad that all of that work was not wasted.”

The Team Vasileus star wasted absolutely no time setting a punishing tone in this bantamweight kickboxing tilt. He immediately found a home for his devastating kicks right off the bat, relentlessly working Woolliss’ midsection and calves, while his crisp boxing combinations proved equally sharp.

Elite movement was the master ingredient tying it all together. His blistering footwork helped him stay out of immediate danger and played a pivotal role in dropping “The Problem” for a crucial eight-count at the midway point of the third round via a perfectly timed counter left hook.

Despite walking away with his hand raised, Yoza wasn’t entirely pleased with his total output against the man he previously labeled as a ‘social media fighter.’ As such, he credited the incredibly tough Brit for the sheer grit he showcased throughout the grueling battle.

He said:

“I’m relieved that I was able to finish with a win. But in terms of the performance, I still have a long way to go. It felt like I was able to execute about half of what I prepared.

“Also, my opponent came in fully focused on beating me. Even when I hurt him, he kept coming until the very end because he was determined to win. It reminded me how difficult it is to face someone like that and make sure you get the win.”

Words From His Idol, Eyes On The Future

That same steady, unwavering focus Yuki Yoza carried throughout the fight had a little extra help from one of the sport’s absolute most respected voices.

Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa — who recently bowed out of professional competition by capturing the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE SAMURAI 1 — was standing firmly in his corner on fight night. Beyond simply being a stablemate, the kickboxing icon has long been Yoza’s personal idol, making the icon’s ringside presence that much more meaningful.

The soon-to-be ONE Hall-of-Famer made sure to leave Yoza with some final, crucial words of wisdom before the latter stepped through the Lumpinee ropes.

Yoza reflected:

“He told me, ‘Believe in your own strength, enjoy it, and go out there and let loose.’ Those words helped me clear my mind, and I was able to approach everything from the walkout to the fight with confidence.”

When asked what comes next, Yoza did not hesitate for a single second to name the fight he wants most.

He would gladly welcome a high-stakes clash against former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane — a massive matchup both men have long expressed intense interest in. Beyond that, his sights remain locked firmly on unfinished business with Haggerty, who is already confirmed to defend his undisputed crown against Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 this October.

The Japanese kickboxer concluded:

“When you think of a major name in the division, Nabil is probably the first one who comes to mind. If I receive the offer, I will absolutely fight him.

“[As for Haggerty], my goal is not simply to earn another chance. I want to take the belt from Haggerty. I will make my way back there. I will catch him and surpass him.”