‘It Presents A Great Challenge’ – Superlek Pumped For Big Return Fight Against Yuki Yoza At ONE 173
Pound-for-pound striking marvel “The Kicking Machine” Superlek was ready to take the rest of 2025 off after suffering heartbreak in his last fight. But the 29-year-old is now ready to make his grand return to the Circle with fire burning in his heart.
On Sunday, November 16, the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion will meet hometown hero Yuki Yoza in a bantamweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, live from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
At ONE 172: Rodtang vs. Takeru this past March, Superlek lost his bantamweight Muay Thai gold on the scales before dropping a decision loss to now undisputed king Nabil Anane in an explosive three-round battle.
Now, “The Kicking Machine” is heading back to Japan with renewed confidence and purpose, and a massive point to prove:
“Honestly, I didn’t think I would get to fight on this blockbuster event so soon. I had planned to return early next year. However, the team informed me that there was a big event scheduled for November in Japan.
“When they asked if I was ready and wanted to return, I immediately said yes. I really want to go back and fight at this big event in Japan.”
Following Superlek’s defeat to Anane, the Thai dynamo wanted to spend some time recovering from nagging little ailments and come back at a hundred percent. But once the ONE 173 blockbuster was made official, Superlek immediately thought of dropping his name into the proverbial hat.
He felt both his timing and his body were finally right, and saw the opportunity to face a dangerous striker in Yoza as a chance to start fresh.
For Superlek, his motivation became crystal clear the moment his opponent’s name appeared on the contract:
“The main reason I want to return is my opponent, Yuki. I’ve watched him fight, and he expressed a desire to fight me on his Instagram when I fought Takeru. When the team announced Yuki, I felt instantly motivated because it presents a great challenge. I get to fight another superstar from Japan.”
This matchup carries special meaning for the Thai icon, who has built his career on facing the absolute best, no matter the circumstances. Now, he’s aiming for his 140th career victory, and he wants to prove that he is still the man to beat in the striking arts.
Furthermore, Superlek’s comeback is driven not by pressure, but by the gratitude and pride in representing Thailand on another massive stage:
“My return is fueled by inspiration from several sources, my overseas travels, my family, and the people who cheer for me. I’ve received encouragement everywhere I’ve gone. Some people even told me, ‘You don’t need to prove anything to anyone, you are already number one, you are a legend.’”
Superlek Is Ready For A Kicking War Against Yoza
Superlek knows what awaits him in his bantamweight kickboxing clash against Yuki Yoza at ONE 173.
Yoza is known for his relentless pace, crisp technique, and iron will — attributes that have earned him a loyal following at home in Japan.
Fans laud both Superlek and Yoza’s diverse skill set, particularly their unique kicking techniques, which will be on full display as soon as the bell rings. It’s a matchup the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion welcomes.
The 29-year-old said:
“The consensus is that our fight will be a ‘kicking match.’ I have my style of kicking, and Yuki has the Japanese style of kicking. I think the key will be the game plan and the execution.”
Needless to say, Superlek has done his homework.
After studying Yoza’s past performances, including recent wins over previously unbeaten Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov and former ONE bantamweight kickboxing king Petchtanong Petchfergus, “The Kicking Machine” recognizes the danger in the Japanese striker’s endurance and relentless output.
But Superlek is confident his patience and ring IQ will tilt the contest his way. He plans to expose Yoza’s weaknesses.
He said:
“When he started fighting in ONE, I watched him. I noticed his durability and his continuous output. His style isn’t very varied, but he is always active, keeping opponents preoccupied.”
Superlek’s camp has focused on precision, defense, and adaptability — the attributes that have made him one of the most respected pound-for-pound strikers in striking martial arts.
While Yoza’s aggression may excite the hometown crowd at Ariake Arena, Superlek won’t be drawn into chaos. He plans to make another statement in Japan, the same way he did against Yoza’s teammate Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa at ONE 165 last year.
“The Kicking Machine” said:
“There’s no way I will stand there and let him kick me freely. I will kick back.
“I feel honored to be fighting in Japan. Who knows, he might be the second Japanese superstar beaten by me in his home country. Maybe even by knockout.”
