Decorated Japanese striker will soon make his much-anticipated ONE debut against unbeaten Russian phenom at .
A former K-1 Champion with a wealth of elite-level experience and notable victories on his resume, Yoza will bring his devastating arsenal to Bangkok＊s Lumpinee Stadium on May 23 in what promises to be an explosive bantamweight kickboxing bout.
Yoza trains alongside Japanese megastar and reigning ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion at the famed Team Vasileus.
With those elite sparring partners by his side, he expects to enter his promotional debut in peak form and hand his 12-0 opponent the first defeat of his professional career.
The 27-year-old knockout artist recently spoke to and made his intentions crystal clear regarding his upcoming battle with Osmanov:
※This long-awaited ONE debut is incredibly exciting for me, but I also understand that fans＊ expectations are just as high right now. I want to dominate completely and take the shortest path to the belt.§
Yoza said that he＊s carefully studied ※The Samurai＊s§ style and believes he＊ll be the perfect foil for the Russian powerhouse.
While Osmanov has been an unstoppable force at ONE Friday Fights 每 employing his unpredictable, karate-influenced approach to overwhelm opponents 每 Yoza is sure that he can neutralize any offense coming his way.
The Japanese star said:
※[Osmanov] really gives me that ＆Russian karate fighter＊ impression. He can throw spinning back kicks explosively from any distance, and he＊s physically strong in a straightforward way. I＊m very good against karate-style fighters, so I think this is a great matchup for me.§
Yoza already boasts a highlight reel that＊s packed with sensational knockouts. Although he＊d love to score another finish at ONE Friday Fights 109, he＊s preparing for every possible scenario while maintaining his killer instinct.
Ultimately, he feels his championship pedigree and ruthless finishing skills could make the difference against Osmanov＊s unblemished record:
※I＊ve prepared for a three-round battle in case it goes that way with a decision. However, I＊m only aiming for a knockout, so I want to use the full three rounds of three minutes to finish him as I always do. Rather than just knock him out, I want to break his spirit.§
Yoza Trusts In His Intense Preparation
Understanding the massive opportunity before him, Yuki Yoza has left no stone unturned in his current training camp.
He has specifically focused on countering Elbrus Osmanov＊s most dangerous weapons and has devised a game plan steeped in strategy and planning.
Yoza was quick to admit that Osmanov, with his prodigious athletic gifts and youthful enthusiasm, could present plenty of problems on fight night. With that in mind, he＊s preparing for the worst:
※His explosive speed is something I can＊t fully gauge until we face each other, so I＊m trying to visualize that at a high level. If he comes in stronger than I imagine, I might get flustered, so I＊m picturing him as extremely strong.
※Also, his physical strength 每 that＊s something you can＊t know until the fight begins. However, I＊ve trained with these factors in mind, so I don＊t think he＊ll exceed my expectations.§
Yoza＊s own unshakable mindset has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to his rigorous preparation alongside Japan＊s best strikers.
He admitted that, at first, he felt intimidated by ONE＊s bright lights and his opponent＊s pristine professional record.
But after putting in hours upon hours of hard work in the training room and analyzing Osmanov＊s fights, Yoza is sure that he＊ll emerge victorious on May 23:
※When the fight was first announced, I thought he would be a tough opponent, especially considering ONE＊s scoring system. But after all the training I＊ve been through, my confidence has significantly increased, and now, I believe I won＊t lose regardless of how the fight plays out.§
