Yuki Yoza sets his sights on a path back to bantamweight gold

A rebound win is one thing. Turning it into a genuine path back to gold is another matter entirely.

Yuki Yoza powered past Ben Woolliss to score a hard-fought unanimous decision in bantamweight kickboxing action at The Inner Circle 22 on Friday, July 17. The card streamed live for subscribers from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

The win snapped a rough stretch that began with a unanimous decision loss to reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April. Yoza did not walk away from Friday’s fight fully satisfied with his performance, crediting Woolliss for the grit he showed throughout a grueling battle.

“I’m relieved that I was able to finish with a win. But in terms of the performance, I still have a long way to go. It felt like I was able to execute about half of what I prepared,” Yoza said.

Yuki Yoza names the two fights he wants most

Yuki Yoza’s win matters far more than the record alone. Haggerty is already confirmed to defend his undisputed crown against Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 this October, and Yoza has no intention of watching that fight from the sidelines.

When asked what comes next, Yoza did not hesitate to name the two fights he wants most, starting with former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane.

“When you think of a major name in the division, Nabil is probably the first one who comes to mind. If I receive the offer, I will absolutely fight him,” Yoza said.

“As for Haggerty, my goal is not simply to earn another chance. I want to take the belt from Haggerty. I will make my way back there. I will catch him and surpass him.”