Japanese kickboxing sensation is determined to make a statement in ONE＊s talent-laden featherweight division when he makes his much-anticipated promotional debut against hard-hitting at in Asia primetime on May 23.
A decorated striker who brings an impressive resume to the world＊s largest martial arts organization, Kaito will introduce himself to ONE＊s global audience at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
For his first appearance, Kaito will be facing a true entertainer in the 22-year-old Siasarani.
He told that while the Iranian phenom is known for chaotic brawls, he＊ll be ready for whatever happens when they clash under the bright lights:
※I think [Siasarani] is a fighter who really understands how to put on a show and get the crowd excited, but my attitude is: If he can maintain that composure while fighting me, let him try.§
It＊s no surprise that Kaito is loaded with confidence.
He＊s already defeated some of the planet＊s best strikers, including current ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion and former ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion .
The 27-year-old said that he＊s meticulously studied what Siasarani brings to the table and has identified some weaknesses that he hopes to take advantage of:
※While he＊s skilled, he also has some wild aspects to his fighting. He＊ll sometimes trade shots even when his opponent is attacking, not caring about getting hit.
※Looking at his past fights, many of his opponents got hit when they were attacking because they let their guard down slightly. I think his timing might be a bit different, so I want to watch out for that carefully.§
Kaito＊s analytical approach to combat reflects his veteran experience.
While he hasn＊t competed since December of last year 每 a lengthy time on the sidelines by his standards 每 the Japanese athlete is excited to showcase his improvements and score an impressive victory at ONE Friday Fights 109.
He added:
※After such a long break, I＊m curious myself to see how much stronger I＊ve become, and I want to demonstrate that clearly.
※I want to show how thoroughly I can dominate and finish an opponent who has already won in ONE. I plan to dominate from the beginning and go for the finish from the first round.§
A New And Improved Kaito
Kaito said he has used his time away from the ring to elevate his already elite skills to new heights.
He often maintains a jam-packed fight schedule, but this break from competition has given him valuable time to make adjustments:
※I usually fight about once every two months, and I think I＊ve been able to show improvement between those fights, but with that consistent schedule, the growth changes were somewhat varied.
※This time, I think even people who haven＊t been following me closely will notice a dramatic change and significant improvement. I＊m very confident, so I＊m excited about that aspect myself.§
Kaito＊s development hasn＊t gone unnoticed by those around him.
He said that his sparring partners and coaches have all witnessed a transformation over the past few months during his training camp for Mohammad Siasarani.
For his part, the debutant is eager to see how those improvements come to fruition when he goes toe-to-toe with the Iranian:
※In terms of movement and mindset during training, I definitely feel stronger than I was in December, and the trainers and people I＊ve been training with say the same thing.
※Since this is the first time I＊ve had such a long gap between fights, I＊m actually curious myself about how it will feel.§
