Yuki Yoza Vs Superlek, ONE 173: Japanese Striker Vows To Avenge Teammate's Defeat At Kickboxing Showdown

Yuki Yoza will step into the biggest fight of his life in his native Japan with vengeance burning in his heart and the weight of a promise on his shoulders.

The 27-year-old Japanese striker will face ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a bantamweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

For Yoza, this bout represents more than personal glory or career advancement. This is about honor, loyalty, and avenging his defeated teammate.

The former K-1 Champion fights for his Team Vasileus stablemate Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, who suffered a crushing unanimous decision defeat to Superlek at ONE 165. 

Yoza carries the hopes of Takeru and their entire camp into battle.

This revenge mission stems from one of kickboxing’s most punishing defeats. At ONE 165 in 2024, Superlek methodically dismantled Takeru over five brutal rounds, using bone-crushing leg kicks and clinical boxing to neutralize the Japanese superstar. 

Round after round, “The Kicking Machine” pounded Takeru’s lead leg and reduced the former three-division K-1 Champion into a hobbling shell, as Superlek systematically destroyed his base.

The physical damage was severe, leaving Takeru limping for weeks. But the mental toll cut deeper. Losing in front of his home crowd sent the 34-year-old into a dark spiral so crushing he seriously considered retirement.

While Takeru hungers for revenge against Superlek, he has pressing priorities. The “Natural Born Krusher” faces Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric in a flyweight kickboxing showdown on the same card.

Instead, Takeru sees an opportunity to live vicariously through his younger teammate. He believes Yoza can accomplish what he couldn’t – defeating one of the pound-for-pound best strikers alive.

For weeks, the veteran has helped craft the perfect game plan to neutralize Superlek’s arsenal.

Takeru shared:

“I’m really excited. I believe Yuki can definitely beat him. If I can use my experience to help him even a little, I’d love for our team to get revenge through him.”

The responsibility weighs heavily on Yoza’s shoulders, but he embraces it completely. This goes beyond his own dreams. He’s fighting for his senior, for his team, for the redemption Takeru desperately craves but cannot pursue.

In a sport defined by individual achievement, Yoza’s selfless mission reflects the bonds forged in the gym. Victory would mean more than another win – it would heal wounds from Takeru’s crushing loss.

Yoza promised:

“I’ll take care of it. I’m definitely going to win.”

Yoza’s World Title Dreams Run Through Superlek

Yuki Yoza’s confidence stems from careful preparation and proven results. The Japanese striker has been spectacular since joining the world’s largest martial arts organization, posting impressive victories in his first two promotional appearances.

The Team Vasileus standout announced his arrival by defeating Russian powerhouse Elbrus Osmanov at ONE Friday Fights 109. He then outclassed former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus, extending his winning streak to 12 fights.

But Superlek represents a completely different beast. The 29-year-old Thai superstar is a former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion with victories over legends like Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Jonathan Haggerty, and Takeru. 

For Yoza, this clash is the ultimate litmus test. Despite his impressive winning streak, questions remain about how he’ll perform against a pound-for-pound great. 

The former K-1 Champion admitted:

“I’ve had some close fights, but I’ve never felt like I outright lost or was about to lose in a pure striking exchange. That’s actually something I’m really looking forward to testing in this next fight.”

This revenge mission creates a perfect win-win scenario for the ambitious striker. Victory would fulfill his promise to Takeru and catapult him into immediate World Title contention. 

All paths lead to the belt, and Yoza knows that defeating Superlek opens the door to his ultimate prize – a shot against Haggerty, the reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion.

Yoza’s hunger for that gold burns as bright as his desire for revenge:

“This fight isn’t the goal. I’m not underestimating him at all, but beating him is just the start. Standing in front of me now is Superlek, but my real target is Haggerty.”

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