‘Part Of That Elite Group’ – Nadaka, Kana Talk About Massive Victories At ONE 173
Newly crowned ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka and four-time K-1 World Champion Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto notched a pair of impressive victories at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri this past Sunday, November 16.
These proud Japanese warriors came away with historic wins in the biggest martial arts event of the year inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Nadaka, the only non-Thai fighter to become a three-division Rajadamnern Champion, claimed the most prestigious belt in his collection.
The 24-year-old striking genius displayed unparalleled brilliance across five rounds, picking apart Thai veteran Numsurin Chor Ketwina with clinical accuracy to capture the inaugural crown via unanimous decision.
Earlier on the card, Kana delivered a statement performance against one of the promotion’s most beloved athletes.
The 33-year-old veteran showed her best form against former three-sport queen Stamp Fairtex to win via unanimous decision, overwhelming the Thai megastar with relentless forward pressure and superior volume.
After their amazing triumphs on home soil, the two athletes reflected on what these wins meant for their respective legacies.
Nadaka Touches On Magnitude Of Becoming A ONE World Champion
Nadaka entered the world’s largest martial arts organization as a 10-time Muay Thai World Champion with a distinguished pedigree few could match. But capturing the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship represents his most prestigious achievement yet.
The Eiwa Sports Gym representative dominated every exchange with Numsurin through superior ring generalship. His feints created openings for devastating counters, while his zippy combinations kept Numsurin on edge.
With Nadaka firing on all cylinders, his Thai opponent was unable to establish any significant offense.
Before the judges rendered their unanimous decision, Nadaka had dominance made the outcome clear. Following another breathtaking performance — perhaps the finest in his career — Nadaka entered the promotion’s pantheon reserved only for the truly elite.
The newly-crowned ONE World Champion discussed the magnitude of this historic accomplishment:
“ONE Championship gold is not just coveted among strikers, but also among MMA fighters and everybody around the world. And to be a part of that elite group has made me very happy.”
Nadaka’s flawless performance extended his remarkable winning streak to 40 consecutive fights, and cemented his status among the pound-for-pound best strikers on the planet.
At just 24 years old, he’s established himself as Japan’s greatest Muay Thai fighter of his generation. Yet for all the glory, Nadaka knows this World Title represents responsibility as much as accomplishment.
For the insightful striker, being the best 115-pound fighter on the planet makes him an ambassador of the sport and a role model for the next generation:
“I would like to continue to, as a martial artist in my daily life, live in a way that is befitting of a champion.
“I would like to continue to raise ONE Championship up as the greatest organization in the world.”
Kana Credits Stamp’s Toughness After Impressive Display
Kana Morimoto showcased how to transform pain into power in her bid for redemption.
Fueled by her shortcomings against Anissa “C18” Meksen and ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Queen” Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom, the Team Aftermath affiliate channeled that heartbreak into her best performance yet.
Kana’s opponent Stamp Fairtex carried icon status in ONE, holding the distinction as the only fighter to capture World Titles in the promotion’s Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA divisions.
But on this night, Kana gave the former three-sport queen no room to breathe.
The multi-time K-1 World Champion pressed forward relentlessly, her intense pace never wavering from start to finish.
The Japanese star’s only regret was being unable to finish her opponent, as the Thai’s ironclad resolve carried Stamp through three rounds of punishment.
“Krusher Queen” shared:
“It was in the first round that I started to adjust my distance and kind of get [in rhythm], and I felt that in the second and third rounds, if I had a chance, I would have been able to put her out.”
While Stamp’s credentials made Kana’s victory even sweeter, she acknowledged her opponent’s challenging circumstances.
This was Stamp’s first fight in two years after recovering from a torn meniscus, and also her return to kickboxing after spending time away from the discipline.
Stamp could have pointed to the layoff or cited other obstacles, but the Fairtex Training Center affiliate fought valiantly, and gave Kana full credit.
That warrior mentality only elevated Stamp in Kana’s eyes, earning the Japanese striker’s ultimate respect:
“Despite having that time off, and having the ring rust. I was happy that Stamp came in in incredible condition.”
