‘Made History For My People’ – Avazbek Kholmirzaev Details His Crowning Moment At ONE SAMURAI 1

Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev has written his name into the history books in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.

The Uzbek finisher stopped former titleholder Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu with a devastating spinning back elbow in the second round to claim the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship at ONE SAMURAI 1, which aired live on Wednesday, April 29, from the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

From the opening bell, both men came out with explosive intent, trading fast and furious exchanges as each looked to impose his will and seize absolute control of the contest. The pace was relentless, the action was unforgiving, and the partisan Japanese crowd inside the Ariake Arena was treated to absolute fireworks.

Then, at 4:53 of the second round, Kholmirzaev unleashed a spinning back elbow that landed flush, sending Wakamatsu crashing to the canvas. The referee had seen enough and immediately waved off the fight. The spectacular finish marked Kholmirzaev’s 15th career stoppage and his 10th promotional victory.

“Ninzya” had predicted from the outset that the fight would not survive the full 25 minutes, and the way both men approached the contest proved his point emphatically.

He said:

“We actually predicted before the match that it wouldn’t go the full five rounds because we both prefer a striking style. We were prepared for five, but I was confident it would end sooner.” 

What made the finish all the more remarkable was the severe physical toll the opening round had taken on both fighters. The intensity of the first stanza drained energy from both men at a ferocious rate, and Kholmirzaev admits the second round was as much a test of pure will as it was of skill.

He felt his own gas tank emptying but sensed the exact same was happening to Wakamatsu, and backed himself to be the last man standing.

Kholmirzaev said:

“We did lose a massive amount of energy, especially after the first round. By the second, I was thinking that my opponent or I would definitely be knocked out by the third round.” 

Kholmirzaev Makes History For Uzbekistan

The magnitude of what Avazbek Kholmirzaev achieved on April 29 extends far beyond a single fight or a beautifully timed knockout.

With the victory, he became the first-ever Uzbek mixed martial arts World Champion in ONE Championship history, permanently etching his name into the record books and carrying the pride of an entire nation on his shoulders.

Kholmirzaev said:

“I am very happy for myself and for Uzbekistan. This is a huge moment in history. ONE Championship is one of the most prestigious leagues in the world, and I am proud to be the one to bring this belt to Uzbekistan for the first time. I’ve made history for my people.”

The flyweight MMA division is bursting with hungry young talent and experienced veterans, and Wakamatsu could very well earn a rematch after his impressive run. But regardless of who steps forward as the next challenger, Kholmirzaev has made his intentions crystal clear.

The new divisional king plans to establish a long, dominant reign atop the flyweight MMA ranks and has zero intention of relinquishing his hard-earned gold anytime soon.

He concluded:

“I don’t plan on giving this ONE Championship belt to anyone else.”