Japan played host to a historic night in martial arts on Sunday, January 28th as ONE Championship returned to the country for ONE 165: Super Wreck vs Takeru. The event featured rising stars, legendary athletes, and top contenders in high-stakes matches spanning kickboxing, MMA, and special rules matchups.
Let’s take a look at the action that unfolded before the two world title main events at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Aoki surprises Lineker with a victory in an openweight showdown
Despite a last-minute change in opponents, Shinya Aoki bravely took on former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker in an openweight bout, emerging victorious. Aoki’s original opponent, “Super” Sage Northcutt, was unable to compete due to a coach’s visa issue. Aoki seized the opportunity and defeated the Brazilian slugger by submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the first round. This win marked Aoki’s 48th victory and 35th finish, solidifying his reputation as a fierce competitor in MMA.
Holzken secures a first-round victory over Akiyama
Multitime kickboxing world champion Nieky Holzken displayed exceptional boxing skills in a superfight with Yoshihiro Akiyama, achieving a technical knockout in the first round. Holzken’s relentless pressure and powerful strikes led to a swift victory, earning him a performance bonus of US$50,000.
Grigoryan triumphs over Sittichai in their sixth encounter
Armenian superstar Marat Grigoryan secured a third-round knockout win against Thai rival Sittichai Sitzonpeenon in their sixth matchup. Grigoryan’s relentless pressure and precise striking ultimately led to a stunning KO, earning him a $50,000 performance bonus and keeping him in contention for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.
Tonon submits Nguyen in a featherweight MMA clash
Gary Tonon maintained his No. 1 ranking in the featherweight MMA division by submitting Martin Nguyen in the first round with a rear-naked choke. With this important win, Tonon improved his record to 9-1 and set his sights on the winner of the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title unification bout.
Miura dominates Hirata in atomweight debut
Ayaka Miura made a dominant debut in the women’s atomweight MMA division, securing a unanimous decision victory over Itsuki Hirata. Miura’s relentless aggression and grappling skills earned her a decisive win and improved her professional record to 13-5.
Wakamatsu prevails over Kingad in rematch
In a rematch with Danny Kingad, Yuya Wakamatsu scored a unanimous decision victory, showcasing his improved skills and control in the flyweight division. His supreme control, reversals, and aggression led to a triumphant comeback against Kingad.
Opacic secures a strategic victory over Azizpour
Rade Opacic defeated Iraj Azizpour via unanimous decision, capitalizing on his height advantage and delivering a systematic attack with thunderous kicks and hooks. The win marked Opacic’s third consecutive victory, improving his record to 19-6.
Masyane prevails in a hard-fought battle against Yamakita
Bokan Masunyane secured a unanimous decision victory over Yoshito Yamakita in a strawweight MMA bout, improving his professional record to 10-1. The win positions Masunyane as a potential contender for the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship.
Barat emerges victorious in a battle of strawweight MMA contenders
Gustavo Balart secured a split decision win over Hiroba Minowa, using his wrestling pedigree to control the fight and earn a hard-fought victory. The win improved Balart’s career record to 12-4 and potentially moved him up in the rankings.
