Yuki Yoza And Ben Woolliss Set For Crucial Bantamweight Kickboxing Clash At The Inner Circle 22
Two bantamweight kickboxing contenders looking to reignite their World Title ambitions are set to collide when Yuki Yoza faces Ben “The Problem” Woolliss at The Inner Circle 22 on July 17.
The bout will stream live in Asia primetime at live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium and features two elite strikers eager to reestablish themselves in the hunt for ONE Championship gold.
Few athletes have made a bigger impact in the bantamweight kickboxing division than Yoza since arriving in ONE.
The 28-year-old Japanese star entered the promotion as a former K-1 Champion and quickly proved he belonged among the world’s best. Representing Team Vasileus, Yoza owns a stellar 22-3 professional record and has already compiled three impressive victories in ONE.
He first announced himself on the global stage with a victory over previously unbeaten phenom Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov before adding statement wins over former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus and reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek.
Those performances earned Yoza a shot at the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against reigning divisional king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo, Japan. Although he fell short in his bid for gold, the Japanese striker remains firmly entrenched among the division’s elite and now aims to begin another march toward the top.
Known for his karate-based movement, explosive footwork, and devastating low kicks, Yoza has built a reputation as one of kickboxing’s most technically sophisticated athletes. His ability to control distance, attack from unusual angles, and overwhelm opponents with rapid-fire combinations has made him a difficult puzzle for even the sport’s most accomplished names.
Standing across from him will be another dangerous contender determined to make his own move toward championship contention.
The 32-year-old Woolliss represents Soma Fight Club and enters the contest with a professional record of 30-7. Since joining ONE, the British striker has established himself as one of the division’s most exciting competitors.
Woolliss announced his arrival in spectacular fashion when he dismantled former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker with a barrage of punishing low kicks that led to a first-round stoppage victory.
He most recently squared off against Petchtanong at ONE Fight Night 43 this past May. Although he ultimately came up short on the scorecards, Woolliss pushed the decorated Thai veteran throughout a competitive three-round battle and further demonstrated that he belongs among the division’s upper echelon.
Aggressive, durable, and always willing to engage, Woolliss thrives when he can pressure opponents and force them into high-paced striking exchanges. Combined with his powerful kicking game and proven finishing instincts, he presents a serious threat to anyone standing across from him.
The matchup itself promises a fascinating clash of styles.
Yoza typically excels when he can dictate range and punish opponents with precision and timing, while Woolliss prefers to close distance, apply relentless pressure, and turn fights into grueling battles of attrition.
With both men looking to rebound from pivotal defeats, avoid their first losing streaks in ONE Championship, and reinsert themselves into the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title conversation, fans can expect a high-level striking showdown when these two men meet under the bright lights of Lumpinee Stadium on July 17.
