5 Reasons To Be Excited About Kickboxing Sensation KANA In ONE Championship

Get to know the pound-for-pound star who officially inked a deal with ONE earlier this week.

Updated on: 3 October 2024 5:49 pm

ONE Championship

Kana Morimoto, known as KANA, is the latest Japanese kickboxing superstar to throw her hat in the ring with the world바카라�s largest martial arts organization.

The 32-year-old earlier this week to get access to the biggest matchups possible while she바카라�s still in her prime, and she can바카라�t wait to showcase her skills in front of the promotion바카라�s passionate global fan base.

Before she starts climbing this new ladder, here are five facts about KANA that show why she바카라�s such an exciting addition to the roster.

#1 She바카라�s A Lifelong Athlete And Martial Artist

KANA started her martial arts journey in elementary school, where she took up karate.

Alongside this, the Matsusaka native competed in track and field during high school and college, helping her develop the athleticism that makes her such a powerful combat sports competitor.

#2 She Took Honors As An Amateur

When KANA left college, she moved to Tokyo to join K-1 Gym Sangenjaya Silver Wolf and pursue a career in kickboxing.

Before heading into the professional ranks, she competed as an amateur, twice winning the K-1 Challenge Women바카라�s B Class Tournament.

This success paved the way for a successful transition into life as a professional in 2015.

#3 Her Pro Accolades Are Impressive

Within seven months of turning professional, KANA already had her hands on some major trophies.

The rising star earned three straight stoppage victories and then won the Krush Women바카라�s Flyweight Title in her fourth pro outing.

After four successful defenses over two reigns, Kana moved into K-1 바카라� Japan바카라�s most prestigious promotion 바카라� in 2018, taking the gold in 2019 by winning the K-1 Women바카라�s Flyweight World Grand Prix.

Kana then defended the belt three times to mark herself out as one of the best pound-for-pound women바카라�s kickboxers.

#4 She바카라�s On A Potential Collision Course With Anissa Meksen

While she was still competing in Japan, KANA began calling out ONE superstar .

Meksen 바카라� who is considered one of the greatest kickboxers of all time 바카라� finally responded to welcome a fight with the K-1 champ.

With both parties keen to throw down, fans are eager to see the hard-hitting pair meet to settle the score in ONE.

#5 She바카라�s Training With ONE World Champions

KANA has new challenges to work toward 바카라� and she바카라�s not resting on her laurels.

The Japanese fan favorite is no stranger to traveling to train, and recently, she has spent time at the renowned Superbon Training Camp in Thailand.

As well as the gym바카라�s lead figure, ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion , she has spent time learning from former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion .